Eligibility

Eligibility

We welcome adult learners from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking to gain new qualifications, improve your English or maths skills, retrain for a new career, or simply explore a new interest, we’re here to support your journey.

General eligibility info

  • Age: You must be aged 19 or over on 31st August before the academic year you wish to start your course.
  • Residency: You must be a resident of Manchester or the Greater Manchester area.
  • UK Residency Status: You must be ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of learning and your residency status must not be listed in the Individuals who are not eligible for funding section below.
  • ID and Address Proof: You will need to provide valid identification and proof of your address.
  • If you are seeking asylum, you are eligible to study with us if you have been legally living in the UK for 6 months or over and no decision on your claim has been made.
  • Those who are here without authority or lawful status
  • Those who are resident in the UK on a student or graduate visa
  • Those who are in the UK on holiday, with or without a visa
  • Those who are in the UK on a sponsorship visa, including skilled worker visas and seasonal worker visas
  • Those whose biometric residence permit or residence permit imposes a study prohibition or restriction on the individual.

Fees and funding

Many of our courses are fully funded or low cost, especially for learners who meet certain criteria. 

You can find out more about fees associated with our courses by visiting our fees and funding webpage.

Fees and funding
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Unsure if you're eligible?

We’re here to help. If you’re not sure whether you qualify for a course or financial support, contact our friendly team on 0161 219 6733 or maes.info@manchester.gov.uk and we’ll talk you through your options.

Your eligibility for courses will also be checked at your assessment and enrolment appointment.