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Before you apply

Call the CDL helpline on 0800 585 505 from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm seven days a week to ask for an application pack and to get advice.

You can also email a CDL advisor or book a call back at a time to suit you.

• Book a free call back from a CDL advisor Opens new window
• Email a Career Development Loan advisor Opens new window

Choosing a bank

CDLs are provided by three high street banks:

Interest rates and the length of time it takes to process your application may vary from bank to bank. It is vital that you know what the repayments will be after you have finished your course and that you are confident you can meet them.

• Barclays Opens new window
• The Co-operative Bank Opens new window
• Royal Bank of Scotland Opens new window

When to apply

Apply for your loan well in advance. This gives you time to apply to another bank if you're unsuccessful first time around.

Barclays and The Royal Bank of Scotland start accepting applications three months before your course start date; The Co-operative Bank starts six weeks before.

You may have to wait two to three weeks for an answer from the bank.You can't apply to more than one bank at a time.

In exceptional circumstances you can apply after you have started your course, but there needs to be enough time to process your application before the course ends.

Eligibility for a CDL and acceptance onto a course do not guarantee approval of a loan as the banks have the right to refuse applications. It's best not to start a course under the assumption that you will be given approval for the loan by a bank.

How much will I need to borrow?

All of the bank application forms ask you to calculate your monthly living expenses. They will also help you to work out an appropriate repayment rate and schedule.

Remember to take all expenses into account, such as books and materials you may need, travel costs, childcare and any costs associated with disability.

Applying to the bank

Complete the CDL application form and return it to the bank. Your application form may be returned to you if it is incomplete or inaccurate, which will delay your application.

Complete the CDL application form yourself.

You may also need to send supporting documentation, such as copies of bank statements or a utility bill as proof of your address.

How will the bank decide about my application?

The bank will check that you are eligible for a CDL. If you think your credit history may be a problem, it's a good idea to contact the bank before you complete the application form.

The bank will let you know whether or not your application has been successful. If your CDL is agreed, you will be sent a credit agreement that you need to sign and return to the bank.

How will I receive my loan?

You and your learning provider will complete a 'Start Certificate' and submit it to your bank who will release the funds. The bank cannot release any funds until your learning provider has confirmed you have started the course. Your bank pays your course fees directly to your learning provider. Money for other expenses is paid directly into your bank account.

If your course lasts for a year or more, the bank can pay living expenses in stages throughout each year of the course.

CDL payment processes: changes from June 2008

If you apply for a Career Development Loan (CDL) after 2 June 2008, the payment of your course fees to your chosen provider may be made in a number of stages, rather than in one lump sum as stated in the CDL brochure. 

If you leave your course early, the status of your loan may be affected - it is important that you speak with your bank without delay to discuss these changes.

How do I make repayments?

The LSC pays the interest on your loan while you're learning and for one month afterwards. You then repay the loan to the bank over an agreed period at a fixed rate of interest.