The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is the new student finance system for courses and modules in England starting on or after 1 January 2027. It gives new learners a total tuition loan entitlement of £39,160, equal to four years of full-time study, to use flexibly on full degrees or shorter modules. Applications open at the end of October 2026.
What is the Lifelong Learning Entitlement?
The LLE replaces the current year-by-year student finance with a single pot you can draw on over your working life. It covers Level 4 to 6 qualifications, such as HNCs, HNDs, foundation degrees, Higher Technical Qualifications and Bachelor's degrees, and some Level 7 courses. For the first time, you can also borrow for individual modules rather than a whole course. It replaces higher education student finance loans and Advanced Learner Loans for Levels 4, 5 and 6.
Student Finance England runs it, and you apply through your usual online account. If your course starts before 1 January 2027, you stay on the current system, including when you continue into later years of that course.
How much is the Lifelong Learning Entitlement worth?
New learners can borrow up to £39,160 for tuition. That is four years at the 2026/27 maximum fee of £9,790, or 480 credits. A full-time Bachelor's year is usually 120 credits. Some older articles quote £38,140; that figure was based on the 2025/26 fee cap of £9,535 and is now out of date. Because the entitlement is tied to the fee cap, it may rise when fees rise.
| Feature | Lifelong Learning Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Who | Courses and modules starting on or after 1 January 2027 |
| Tuition entitlement | £39,160 (480 credits, about 4 years full time) |
| Applications open | End of October 2026 (spring 2027 for courses from August 2027) |
| Minimum module size | 30 credits |
| Maximum per year | Up to 180 credits |
| Age limit for tuition loan | Under 60 on the first day of the course |
| Repayment | Plan 5: 9% above £25,000, written off after 40 years |
What if you have studied before?
Previous government tuition funding is deducted from your £39,160. Gov.uk gives the example of a graduate of a three-year degree costing £29,370, who would have £9,790 left, enough for another year of study. If you studied before but did not use a loan, the fees you would have paid are deducted at today's value. From October 2026 you can see your remaining entitlement in your account.
This is a big change for people who already have a degree. Under the current system, second degrees are rarely funded. Under the LLE, you can use any remaining entitlement for study at the same or a lower level, such as a second degree or a career-change HTQ. Some subjects, including medicine, nursing and social work, may get extra funding even if your entitlement is used up.
Can you get help with living costs under the LLE?
Yes. From January 2027, Maintenance Loans are available for designated in-person courses and modules, scaled to how much you study. Distance learning is not eligible for maintenance support. Targeted grants for dependants, such as the Childcare Grant and Adult Dependants' Grant, and the travel grant, need you to study at least 120 credits in a year. Disabled Students' Allowance is available from 30 credits. The government's new maintenance grants of up to £1,000 a year are due from the 2028/29 academic year, and will be open to LLE learners studying 120 credits or more in a year.
Who is eligible for the LLE?
The residency rules are similar to today's: you must normally be a UK or Irish national or have settled status, live in England and have lived in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for three years before the course. With pre-settled status you may only get a Tuition Fee Loan, not a Maintenance Loan. Your provider must be registered with the Office for Students.
The biggest change for mature learners is age. Under the current system there is no upper age limit for the Tuition Fee Loan. Under the LLE, you must be under 60 on the first day of your course to get a Tuition Fee Loan. If you are 60 or over, you may still get a loan for living costs. Read more in our mature student guide.
Which courses and modules can you fund?
Full courses from Level 4 to 6 are eligible, including Bachelor's degrees, foundation degrees, HTQs and integrated master's degrees. A foundation year is only eligible if it is part of a Bachelor's degree. From January 2027, eligible modules include approved HTQ modules at Levels 4 and 5, and Level 4 to 6 modules from degrees in certain subject groups, starting with areas such as computing, engineering, and health and social care. Modules must be at least 30 credits, part of a designated course at the same provider, and not franchised.
How and when do you apply?
- Applications open at the end of October 2026 for courses and modules starting from 1 January 2027.
- For courses starting from 1 August 2027, applications open in spring 2027.
- You must apply by the earlier of the last day of the ninth month of your course or module year, or your course end date. For a course starting on 15 January 2027, that is 30 September 2027.
- You can still apply after your course has started.
Our step-by-step application guide covers the information you will need.
How do you repay LLE loans?
LLE loans are on Plan 5. You repay 9% of income above £25,000 a year, from the April after you finish, and any balance is written off 40 years later. Interest is currently 4.1%. See Plan 2 vs Plan 5 if you already have an older loan.
Figures in this guide are for the 2026/27 academic year and are general information, not financial advice. Confirm the latest details on gov.uk before you apply.
Is the LLE a good time to return to study?
For many adults it opens doors: modular study, funding for second qualifications and a clear pot of money. We help adults choose HNDs, HTQs, foundation years and degrees at campuses across England. Browse courses, read our FAQs, or message us on WhatsApp for free guidance.
Sources
- DfE: Lifelong Learning Entitlement overview (updated September 2026)
- GOV.UK: What student loans you can get from 1 January 2027
- GOV.UK: Eligibility if your course starts on or after 1 January 2027
- GOV.UK: When to apply for courses starting in 2027
- DfE Education Hub: What the Lifelong Learning Entitlement means for you
- DfE: Maintenance grant amounts and eligibility criteria