With stories in the news about tuition fees rising to thousands of pounds per year for some, the potential costs of learning could be a major factor in deciding whether to hit the books again.

But there are several ways to get financial help towards the costs.

Some courses including literacy and numeracy and some e-learning courses, are free.

For those which are not, there are grants available to cover all or part of the fees, for some students.

Those wanting to do a higher education course may be eligible for a student loan or other forms of financial support.

A Career Development Loan (CDL), for example, can help pay for vocational or work-related learning. A CDL is a deferred repayment bank loan.

Students can apply for funds from £300 to £8,000, for up to two years of learning.

There may be costs to cover things like exam fees, trips and materials such as books, stationery and computer equipment.

You may be entitled to additional help towards paying for these, as well as living costs, travel and childcare.

Students with children may be entitled to extra help from the Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance or tax credits.

These are paid on top of the standard student finance package.

To find out whether all the funding you are entitled to is available, it is worth speaking to a student support or welfare officer at college.

Money saving tips

There are many ways to keep costs down and help save money while studying.

Find out if your college has a discounted shop

Check if you are eligible for a nationally-recognised National Union of Students card which can be used to get discounts on many products and services all over the country

Borrowing books from the college's library instead of buying them

Using the computer facilities at your college, learning centre or library

Using free online learning resources such as the National Grid for Learning website (NGfL)

For further advice on funding and financial help available to you while studying, call learndirect on 0800 100 900 or visit the website direct.gov.uk