Yes, if you claim Universal Credit you can often train for free. The government funds courses for adults who are unemployed or on a low income, and you can usually keep your Universal Credit while you study. Many of these courses lead straight into work.
Can you get free courses on Universal Credit?
Yes. Several government schemes pay for adult training, and being on Universal Credit or a low income is often exactly what makes you eligible.
- Free Courses for Jobs pays for a Level 3 qualification. GOV.UK says you can get one free if you are “aged 19 or over, earn below £25,750 or are unemployed”.
- Skills Bootcamps are free short courses for adults aged 19 or over. If you claim Universal Credit, you can do one and keep claiming while you study.
- Other funded courses, such as English, maths and digital skills, are free for many adults on a low income.
Universal Credit itself does not pay for the course. The training is funded separately, so you are not spending your benefit on it.
What free courses can you do?
Funded courses cover a wide range of work. These are the free courses people on Universal Credit search for most, and you can browse what is on JobYay now:
- Free SIA courses, for security work
- Free CSCS courses, for a construction site card
- Free forklift training
- Free HGV training
- Free construction health and safety courses
- Free cyber security courses
Availability and funding vary by provider and area, so check each course to see what is free for you.
Does Universal Credit pay for training?
No, and that is good news. You do not spend your Universal Credit on a course, because the schemes above fund the training directly.
You can usually keep your Universal Credit while you study a short or part-time course. A course that improves your chances of work can even count towards your claimant commitment, rather than being a risk to your claim. See how studying affects your Universal Credit.
How do you find a free course?
Check what you qualify for, then browse what is free near you.