Adult Skills Fund (2026 to 2027)
Individuals are eligible for ASF funding if they meet the criteria in the who we fund section of the ASF funding rules, the learning is taking place in England and they are ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of learning. The rules list people who are not eligible, for example those here without authority or lawful status, or resident in the UK on a student or graduate visa.
Apprenticeships, 16 to 19 and advanced learner loans
For apprenticeships, a provider must only claim funding for an individual who meets the residency eligibility criteria in Annex A of the apprenticeship funding rules (2026 to 2027 rules, paragraph 29.1). 16 to 19 funding and advanced learner loans have their own eligibility rules: check the rules for that stream and year. For complex individual residency or eligibility cases in 16 to 19 funding, institutions must seek DfE guidance before claiming funding (16 to 19 funding rules 2026 to 2027, paragraph 14).
Exceptions and protected groups
Each stream's rules set out exceptions and groups with their own eligibility routes, for example some asylum seekers and family members. The categories differ by funding stream and year, so check the rules that apply.
Evidence and audit
Providers must check and retain evidence of eligibility. Residency errors are a frequent finding in funding monitoring, so eligibility should be confirmed and recorded at enrolment.
Indicative summary only. Always confirm against the official source documents before making funding or compliance decisions.
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