What is LLE?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is the new government student finance system which will be implemented for courses starting in January 2027.
The LLE is intended to make education and training more flexible throughout your life, whether you want to retrain, update your skills, or take a new direction.
What courses are included in LLE?
The LLE will fund full years of study on courses currently funded by HE student finance, including:
- traditional bachelor’s degrees
- postgraduate certificates in education (PGCE)
- integrated master’s degrees – a 4-year programme that awards a master’s degree on top of a bachelor’s degree
- foundation years available before some degree courses start, as long as these form part of an overall bachelor’s degree
- foundation degrees
It will also be available for modules from higher technical qualifications and full level 6 qualifications that align to:
- priority skills needs
- the government’s industrial strategy
What Funding is available?
Under the LLE, eligible learners will be able to access:
- a tuition fee loan, with new learners able to access up to the full entitlement of £39,160 over their lives – equal to four years of study based on academic year 2026-27 fee rates
- a maintenance loan to cover living costs, for courses with in-person attendance.
Additional support
You may also be able to apply for extra financial help, for example:
- a grant or allowance if you’re on a low income, are disabled or have children
- money from the university such as a bursary, scholarship or hardship funds
- NHS funding or a bursary if studying certain courses such as nursing or social work
When to apply
You can apply from September 2026 for courses that start from January 2027.
Repayments
Repayments begin in the April after a learner leaves their course, provided their annual income exceeds the repayment threshold. Any remaining balance is written off after 40 years.
Where to find out more information
For the most up-to-date information about eligibility, information on how to apply, amount, repayment and how the LLE may apply to you, please check out the government website.