To support adult learners in utilising the adult skills fund (ASF) in non-devolved areas, including free courses for jobs, the residency eligibility rules will be simplified from Friday 1 August 2025.

Individuals will be eligible for funding if they are ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of learning and the learning is taking place in England.

There is no change to the eligibility requirements for asylum seekers.

Individuals will not be able to access ASF funding if:

• they are here without authority or lawful status
• they are resident in the UK on a student visa, unless they are eligible through meeting any other of the categories
• they are in the UK on holiday
• they are in the UK on a sponsorship visa
• their residence permit imposes a study prohibition or restriction

Visit the DfE website for more information.