Career Development Loans (CDLs)

If you are aged over eighteen and not able to get funding to help with work-related learning you may be able to apply for a Career Development Loan (CDL). You can use the loan for full-time, part-time or distance learning courses at all sorts of levels, including Open University courses. A CDL is a bank loan between £300 and £8,000.  It covers up to 80% of course fees (100% if you’ve been unemployed for more than 3 months), plus other course costs and living expenses. 

Contact the Career Development Loans helpline for more information at 0800 585 505, or visit their website at www.direct.gov.uk/cdl