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Adult Education Budget (AEB)

The AEB funds education and training for adult learners +19. Access to the AEB is through local training providers or colleges.

Last updated: May 2024

What is AEB funding?

The Adult Education Budget (AEB) is a fund that has been set up by the government to help support the delivery of education and training to people aged 19 and over. The funding aims to engage adults in learning and provide them with opportunities to help gain new skills and knowledge which helps them to gain employment, progress in work or to further education.

How can it be used?

The funding is shared across England, and it is then spilt between combined authorities and national funding.

Who is eligible?

  • Anyone aged 19-23 to get a full level 2 or level 3 qualification, if they don’t already have one (learners aged 24+ may need to contribute costs).
  • Fund low paid learners aged 24+ (earning less than £20,319 per year*) to get their first full level 2 or level 3 qualification.
  • Anyone who is unemployed for any course or qualification up to level 2.
  • Any low paid individuals, whose first language is not English, to improve their language skills up to level 2.
  • Individuals aged 19 years and above for digital functional skills and essential digital skills up to level 1 where their existing digital skills are below level 1.

What is not covered?

The AEB does not cover:

  • 16-19 year olds. 
  • Education and training services are funded by the European Social Fund.
  • Individuals who are in residence in areas where the AEB is devolved unless they meet certain criteria.
  • 19+ learner loans.

GOV.UK: Adult education budget (AEB) funding rules 2023 to 2024

* This is the national ESFA low wage threshold. The low wage threshold in devolved regions varies. Always refer to the relevant adult funding rules based on the learner's home postcode.

Devolution of the AEB Budget

As part of the devolution deals, certain adult education functions which are usually funded under the AEB have been transferred to devolved Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs). The Government kickstarted the devolution of the Adult Education Budget in the 2019-20 academic year, transferring decision-making powers over the pot of money to Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) plus the Greater London Authority (GLA).

The regional authorities with devolved AEB funding are: