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Which courses can a Career Development Loan pay for?

A Career Development Loan (CDL) can help to pay for up to two years of learning or up to three years if the course includes one year's relevant practical work experience. If your course lasts longer than this, you may still be able to use a CDL to pay for part of it.

Your loan can be used to pay for all sorts of learning, that can help you improve your job skills. A CDL can support many full-time, part-time, or distance learning course.

You can achieve many different qualifications, from National Vocational Qualifications or Scottish Vocational Qualifications to Open University and postgraduate qualifications. In some circumstances your CDL can also help to pay for qualification assessments.

You can only use one CDL to pay for one course. However, if you borrow less than the maximum amount you may be able to increase your loan. You still have to repay your loan, even if you do not complete the course.

You should consider what you want to achieve from your learning:

Your course does not necessarily have to lead to a qualification to be funded by a CDL, but it should enhance the skills you need to improve your job skills.

• Guide to qualifications

Which courses are not eligible?

Some courses are not eligible for CDL funding, or have some restrictions.

Careers counselling courses
A CDL cannot be used to fund any course that solely provides you with careers information, advice and guidance. This includes careers counselling, careers progression, CV writing, job-hunting etc. However, a CDL can be used to fund a course leading to a professional qualification in career guidance.

Franchise courses
A CDL must only cover the initial learning costs, usually the induction training. It must not be used to pay for the franchise or to buy a licence from the franchiser.

Foundation courses
A foundation course used as the first step towards a degree course is not eligible for a CDL. However, a stand-alone foundation course that leads to employment in its own right would be eligible.

How much will it cost?

You'll need to consider all costs involved your learning, and how they will be funded. Find out:

• Help with the costs of learning

Which learning provider is best for me?

You should research several learning providers before you make a choice. You need to:

All CDL-registered providers have agreed to a set of requirements.

The LSC and the banks do not monitor or approve learning providers and cannot accept any responsibility if your chosen learning provider ceases trading or fails to deliver the education and learning you need to the standard you expect.

It is your responsibility to choose an organisation that will offer the type of learning you need to the required standard.

What happens if it doesn't work out?

It is important to remember that, even if you fail to complete your course for whatever reason, you will still be responsible for repaying the full loan amount back to the bank.

Before you choose a course, check the learning provider's refund policy in case you have to give it up. Also find out if any credits awarded or earned will still be valid.

How do I apply?

To find out how and when to apply, see 'Applying for a Career Development Loan'.

• Applying for a Career Development Loan