Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
A new way to fund Higher Education from January 2027.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is a new student finance system being introduced by the UK Government for eligible students starting courses on or after 1 January 2027.
Whether you’re planning to complete a full degree or study part-time, LLE aims to make higher education more flexible by allowing you to access funding throughout your life and study in a way that works for you.
Students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should refer to their own student finance provider, as separate funding arrangements apply.
Information and timelines are based on current government information and may be subject to change. We will update this page as more information is released.
Under the current student finance system, funding is usually linked to studying a complete qualification.
LLE introduces a more flexible, credit-based approach in a single funding system. Rather than funding only traditional full-time degrees, LLE allows funding to be used across eligible courses over time, helping learners gain qualifications, develop new skills or retrain throughout their careers.
Eligible students will be able to access a Tuition Fee Loan entitlement equivalent to four years of higher education study.
A typical year of full-time undergraduate study is worth 120 credits, and students are normally eligible for funding when studying between 30 and 180 credits per year.
LLE may include:
- Tuition Fee Loans to help pay course fees
- Maintenance Loans to help with living costs
- Additional support such as grants and allowances for eligible students
A Tuition Fee Loan from LLE is expected to support most higher education qualifications at Levels 4 to 6, including undergraduate degrees and some other higher education courses. You may also be eligible if you’re studying some postgraduate level 7 courses.
Eligibility depends on factors such as:
- The course being studied
- The number of credits studied each year
- Previous higher education study
- Nationality and residency status
- Age
If you have studied before, you may still be eligible to access funding through LLE. Previous government-funded study may reduce the amount of Tuition Fee Loan funding available, although additional support may be available for certain priority professions such as Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions and Social Work.
Students may be able to apply for a Maintenance Loan to help with living expenses while studying. Maintenance Loans are usually only available for courses that require in-person attendance.
The amount available will depend on factors such as:
- Household income
- Where you live while studying
- The number of credits studies each year
- The length and intensity of your course
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to receive additional financial support, including:
- Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
- Childcare Grant
- Parents’ Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants’ Grant
- NHS Learning Support Fund and other course-specific support
Applying for LLE funding
Applications for courses starting from January 2027 are expected to open from September 2026 through Student Finance England.
Repaying your student loans
Full repayment arrangements for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement have not yet been confirmed by the government.
It is expected that repayment terms will vary depending on the type of loan taken and personal circumstances such as income. Different repayment thresholds, rates and loan conditions may apply.
Need more information?
For the latest information, visit the Government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement guidance or contact the university’s Financial Guidance Team for support.
