Can I apply for a student loan one I've started paying myself?

[chuffinalong]

Hi, I'm studying for a level 3 diploma in assisting teaching and learning. I didn't realise how hard it would be to get a job at the end of this course, as no one seems to be taking on staff in my area due to funding.
I started paying for my course myself through direct debit. I didn't realise that if you don't end up earning over£ 21000, you don't have to pay it back. As a TA, there is no way I'll ever earn that. Especially as it seems unlikely at the moment that I will get a job at all. Do you think they would let me apply for a loan for the rest of the amount I have to pay? I wish I'd known about this at the beginning.
Thanks

Is it online?

I did mine recently but it was free, a government scheme. Do you know why you have to pay?

No, I attend a college one day a week and have a voluntary placement in a school. It just wasn't made clear to me. I thought a loan would have to be paid back eventually and I didn't want that worry.

Oh, and thank you for replying. 😊

A level 3 is 'A level equivalent' not 'degree equivalent'.

I thought the student loans that aren't repayable below a certain salary were for degrees?

However, I also thought that if someone didn't have a level 3 qualification they could have that paid for anyway?

How old are you, and do you already have an A level equivalent qualification?