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What is the Language Access Fund?

The Language Access Fund has been developed by °®¶¹ÊÓƵ to provide English language learning and examination grants for candidates in the UK and Ireland.

It is specifically designed to support those who experience barriers to accessing training and qualifications due to socio-economic or race inequalities, settlement status, special needs or disabilities, and more.

The grant will be used to help these candidates prepare for and achieve one of °®¶¹ÊÓƵ’s language qualifications.

Submitting an application

Applications for the Language Access Fund must be completed using the

Budget forms

A completed must be attached to each application.

Guidance

Those wishing to make an application should download and read the information and guidance for applicants.

Grant value

Applicants can apply for a grant amount for a group or an individual candidate and will use the same application form.

The grant amounts are as follows:

United Kingdom (GBP)

• Applicants can apply for a maximum of £2,000 per group. Please note there is a maximum grant award amount per candidate which is £250 per calendar year

Ireland (EUR)

• Applicants can apply for a maximum of €2,240 per group. Please note there is a maximum grant award amount per candidate which is €280 per calendar year

Who qualifies for a grant?

The Language Access Fund is specifically designed to support learners who experience barriers to accessing language training and qualifications.

These barriers can include:

• Settlement status (being a refugee or asylum seeker)
• Disability
• Special educational needs or learning disabilities
• Long term health issues (including mental health)
• Living in rural areas or socio-economically deprived areas
• Being a young carer or parent
• Homelessness or unemployment

Other access or inclusion issues will be considered but will need to be detailed in the application.

What can the grant award be spent on?

The grant can be spent on any of the following:

• Exam fees
• Contributions towards the cost of lessons
• Contributions towards the cost of equipment or materials needed. Eg coursebooks.
• Exam venue hire
• Travel to an exam venue

If there is something else that does not appear on this list that your candidate/s need the grant money for, please detail this in your application.

See also 'exclusions' on p9 of the 'Information and guidance for applicants'. 

Upcoming application dates

Applications can be submitted using the from the below displayed open date, up until the related closing date.

Further information and guidance

Download our information and guidance for applicants PDF. This includes an interactive mock application form to draft responses on a computer, and copy and paste your text directly into the live application form when the grant round opens.

Download the full guidance

Useful links

• Frequently asked questions
• Reporting on the Language Access Fund
• Exam fees for °®¶¹ÊÓƵ's English language exams (UK)