Talk to us as soon as possible if your situation changes — we’ll work with you to find a way through. Mid-course switches are possible but easier the earlier we know.
How to pay
Funded routes for Diplomas. Spread-cost options for everything else. No surprises, no hidden fees, no upfront barrier on any course.
Explore Your Options
Government-Backed Advanced Learner Loans
£0 upfront with the Advanced Learner Loan, paid by Student Finance England direct to HBC. You repay only when you earn over £29,385 a year. Interest (RPI) is charged from the day the loan is paid out.
Ways to Pay
Choose from instant bank transfer, card, interest-free split, or flexible monthly plans — whatever fits your circumstances.
Route 1 · Advanced Learner Loan
Train now, pay back later
A government-backed loan that covers your full course fee for any of our funded Level 3/4 Diplomas. Not means-tested — eligibility is based on age and residency, not your financial history.
£29,385
Repay only when earning over this a year — current threshold
£20.29/mo
What you'd repay on a £30,000 salary — whatever the course costs
30 years
Any balance still owed is written off
Age & residency
Eligibility isn't based on your financial history
No income check
Not means-tested
9% of income
Repay 9% of what you earn above the threshold — never more
Are you eligible?
- Aged 19 or over on the first day of your course
- UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man resident — for at least three years immediately before your course starts
- A UK citizen or someone with settled status
- Enrolled on a Level 3, 4 or 5 qualification — at HBC, our funded Diplomas
Earning under the threshold? You may be entitled to full funding — the loan covers your course and the income-based repayments never trigger. Talk to us before applying.
How to apply
- Pick your funded course.
- Apply for your place — we confirm it and send the loan information you need.
- Apply online at the GOV.UK Advanced Learner Loan page. No credit check, no income check.
- Student Finance England approves and pays HBC directly.
- Start your course — £0 paid by you upfront.
- Repay later — only once earning over £29,385, deducted from salary like income tax.
Funding Questions
Does an Advanced Learner Loan affect my mortgage or credit?
The loan is not credit-checked when you take it out, and repayments come straight off your salary like income tax. Lenders see the deduction in payslips, which can affect affordability calculations — but the loan itself is not on your credit file.
What happens if I don't pass the course?
You’re still responsible for the loan amount paid for the course. We’d much rather support you to complete — talk to us if you’re struggling, every time without exception.
Can I pay the loan back faster?
Yes — make voluntary additional payments any time directly to Student Finance England. No early-repayment penalty.
Can I have more than one Advanced Learner Loan?
Yes — you can take more than one Advanced Learner Loan over your lifetime, each for a different qualification. There’s a lifetime cap on the number; we’ll confirm your position before you apply, and you can check the current limit at gov.uk.
What if I'm earning under the threshold?
You may be entitled to full funding — the loan covers your course but the income-based repayments never trigger. Talk to us before applying so we can walk you through your specific position.
Not sure which route is right for you? We're happy to talk it through.
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