Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

This is part of our information on money matters covering sources of funding.

New undergraduate entrants from 2027/28 onwards.

For students funded by Student Finance England (SFE), Lifelong Learning Entitlement funding will become available to new undergraduate entrants to higher education from 2027. This will include students who defer their studies to start in 2027/28.

This only applies to students funded by SFE. The regional funding bodies for Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland have not announced plans to change their current funding systems.

Full details of the LLE are not yet finalised by the government.

Keep up to date about changes to the student loans system on the gov.uk website.

• From January 2027 the LLE system will be in existence for individuals who wish to begin study.
• At Loughborough, LLE will be in place for undergraduates starting in Autumn 2027.
• Rates of Tuition fee loans and Maintenance loans for living costs will be proportional to the number of modules you are studying.
• It will involve changes to how student loans work for any course changes, repeat years of study or part time study. If you are not studying full-time then there will be an impact on the rate of maintenance loan.
• Time away from an existing course could impact on a student’s ability to remain on the pre LLE funding system.
• Previous study may impact on LLE entitlement.
• Higher Education students on courses that start in 2026 or earlier will continue on their existing student funding. If you change degrees after starting University, you may be treated as a new student and move on to LLE – detailed information is still to be published.
• Lifelong Learning Entitlement also aims to include sharia compliant funding for Muslim students, removing the barriers presented by loans that accrue interest. Updates will appear on Alternative student finance - GOV.UK

The introduction of the LLE will not make changes to postgraduate funding.

Last updated: 23rd February 2026