The tuition cost for the Children's Workforce Foundation Degree is £9,790 per year for the two-year course. 

There are three main flexible funding pathways that you may wish to consider:

1. Employer-Led Route:

Employers may choose to fund the degree through a learning agreement, investing in and growing their own workforce.

2. Self-Funded Route:

Learners may choose to self-fund and often through Student Finance. 

Most people will be able to access Student Finance to cover the annual cost, which is just over £9700 a year. This works like a government loan, where you only start paying it back once you earn over £25,000. The repayments are 9% of earnings over this limit, so the monthly cost is likely to remain low. If your earnings stay below that, you take a break, or you stop working, your payments stop too. And the loan is written off after 40 years or if you stop working, whichever happens first. Some employers may contribute to the costs of the programme, and this is done on a case by case basis.

3. Blended Funding Route:

Costs can be shared between employer and learner. For instance, an employer may fund part of the tuition fee while the learner covers the remainder through a student loan or personal contribution. This provides a balanced option for organisations wishing to invest in staff while reducing the financial burden for learners.

Other finance support

If you are looking to self-find the course, you may wish to research into the adult learning higher education grants which the Government provide. All grants are subject to qualifying criteria.

Financial Support for Working, Low‑Income Adults Studying the Foundation Degree

The Foundation Degree is:

• A Level 5 Higher Education qualification
• Delivered flexibly for people already working with children
• Equivalent to two‑thirds of a full degree

This means learners are fully eligible for undergraduate Student Finance, including loans and grants.

1. Tuition Fee Loan (Covers the Full Cost)

All part‑time and flexible HE students can access a Tuition Fee Loan.

• Not dependent on income
• You can get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full course fees, paid directly to the provider, and you don't pay anything upfront.
• Repayments only start once you’ve finished or left your course and your income is above the repayment threshold

2. Maintenance Loan (Means‑Tested; Higher for Low-Income Households)

Even learners are working, their household income determines the level of support, not their working hours.

Government guidance confirms:

Students from households earning £25,000 or below receive the most support.

2026–27 Maximum Maintenance Loan amounts:

• Living at home: £9,118
• Living away (outside London): £10,830

 

This money goes directly to the learner to help with:

• Travel
• Bills
• Rent

 

 

• Food
• Educational materials

 

Working does NOT disqualify learners

 

3. Support for Part‑Time or Flexible Study (Which Applies Here)

Because the Foundation Degree is flexible for people already employed, Student Finance uses a “course intensity” calculation to assess eligibility for Maintenance Loans.

If the learner is studying at least 25% intensity, they qualify for:

• Tuition Fee Loan
• Maintenance Loan (pro‑rated)
• All additional grants (if eligible)

 

Nearly all HE foundation degrees meet this requirement.

 

Non‑Repayable Grants for Parents & Adults With Dependants

Student Finance England offers three main Dependants’ Grants, all of which are extra support on top of loans and do not need to be repaid.

1. Adult Dependants’ Grant (ADG) - Non‑repayable

If a partner or adult relies on you financially, you may be eligible.

• Up to £3,545 for the 2026–27 academic year
• Non‑repayable
• Paid in three instalments across the year
• Your adult dependant is usually your partner or someone who financially depends on you
• Cannot be claimed if the adult dependant is also receiving student finance

 

More details: Adult Dependants' Grant

 

2. Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) - Non‑repayable

For students with at least one dependent child.

• Helps with study‑related costs
• Paid on top of your maintenance support
• Does not need to be repaid (as long as eligibility continues)
• Part of the Dependants’ Grants group by SFE

 

More Details: Parents' Learning Allowance

3. Childcare Grant (CCG) - Non‑repayable

For help with the cost of registered childcare.

• Covers a percentage of childcare costs while you study
• Paid directly to your childcare provider via the Childcare Grant Payment Service
• Also, non‑repayable as long as information provided is accurate
• Part of SFE’s Dependants’ Grants group

 

More details: Childcare Grant

Key Facts

• All three grants are non‑repayable.
• They are separate from your Maintenance Loan and can be received at the same time.
• You apply for these as part of your main Student Finance application or via the Dependants’ Grants form.

 

Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability

 

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

 

For learners with ADHD, dyslexia, mobility issues, mental health conditions, etc.

• They are available even when working.
• You never repay it, unless there is an overpayment or you provided incorrect information.
• It covers study‑related costs due to a disability, such as specialist equipment, software, non‑medical helpers, and extra travel.

More details: Disabled Students' Allowance

 

Employer Support

 

Because this course is aimed at the workforce, some employers may offer:

• Paid study time
• Contribution towards travel
• CPD funding
• Support with placements or assessments
• Technology funding

 

This funding is optional and varies by employer.

 

Summary for a Working Adult on a Low Income Starting the Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree

Learners may be eligible for:

✔ Tuition Fee Loan (not income‑based)

✔ Maintenance Loan (income‑based — highest support at £25k or under)

✔ Childcare Grant (if applicable)

✔ Parents’ Learning Allowance

✔ Adult Dependants’ Grant

✔ Disabled Students’ Allowance (if applicable)

✔ Provider hardship funds/bursaries

✔ Potential employer support