Your Free
Course
Starts Here
As a UNISON member, you're entitled to fully government-funded qualifications — completely free of charge. Upskill, change direction, or finally study something you love.
How It Works
Getting your free qualification is simpler than you think. We handle the funding paperwork and college matching — you just show up and learn.
Tell Us About You
Fill in a short form with your details and the type of course you're interested in. Takes under 2 minutes.
Talk to an Advisor
A friendly course advisor will call you to confirm your funding eligibility and recommend the best course for your goals.
Matched to a College
We connect you to one of our partner FE Colleges who enrol you formally and unlock your government funding.
Start Learning — Free
Begin your course online, fit around your job and family. Earn a nationally recognised qualification at zero cost.
Your Course is Fully Funded
The government funds your learning through further education colleges. Here's how the main three funding streams work — our advisors will confirm which applies to you.
Fully funded Level 2 courses for adults aged 19+. Covers a wide range of subjects including health, business, IT and more. The most widely available funding stream.
Age 19+ · Level 2Government initiative funding free Level 3 courses in sectors with high employer demand. Perfect for those looking to move into better-paid or more fulfilling work.
Age 19+ · Level 3Higher education funding supporting adults into degree-level study via Access to HE Diplomas. For those who haven't previously been to university.
Higher EducationAm I Eligible?
Most UNISON members qualify for at least one funding stream. Our advisors confirm which applies to you — free, with no obligation. Don't self-disqualify before you've spoken to us.
Places Fill Fast
Government funding for free courses is allocated regionally and released in annual tranches. Once a college's allocation is used up, places close — sometimes mid-year.
Availability varies by where you live and the course you're after. Checking takes 10 seconds — don't leave it and miss your window.
How to Enrol
No confusing paperwork, no hidden steps. Our team guides you through everything from first enquiry to first day of learning.
Start My EnrolmentSubmit an Enquiry
Fill in the short form on this page. We just need your name, contact details and a course area of interest.
Speak with a Course Advisor
We'll call within one working day to understand your goals and confirm which funded courses you qualify for.
College Referral
We'll introduce you to the right partner college. They complete your formal enrolment and apply your funding.
Begin Your Course
Most courses are online with flexible scheduling — built around people with jobs and family commitments.
Explore Available Courses
All courses below are available to eligible UNISON members completely free of charge through government funding.
Diploma in Adult Care
Certificate in Mental Health First Aid
Diploma in Counselling Skills
Mental Health Awareness
Self-Harm & Suicide Awareness
Understanding Autism
CIPD Certificate in Human Resources Practice
CIPD Diploma in Human Resource Management
CMI Certificate — Principles of Management & Leadership
CIM Foundation Certificate in Professional Marketing
CIM Foundation Certificate in Digital Marketing
Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training
NCFE CACHE Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning
Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Diploma in Education & Training
Diploma in Early Years
Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND)
Access to HE Diploma — Nursing
Access to HE Diploma — Midwifery
Access to HE Diploma — Psychology
Access to HE Diploma — Health & Social Care
Access to HE Diploma — Social Work
Access to HE Diploma — Business & Management
Certificate in Digital Marketing
Principles of Business Administration
Principles of Team Leading
Functional Skills — Maths & English (L1 & L2)
GCSE Maths, English, Sciences & Psychology
Understanding Nutrition & Health
Find Out If You Qualify
Leave your details and one of our advisors will be in touch within one working day — completely free with no pressure to enrol.