Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

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

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. 

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

• From January 2027 the government is introducing changes to the student loans system for new entrants.
• At Loughborough, this 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.
• Note that if you commence in 2026 and remain on the same degree you continue to be funded under the existing student loans system. If you change degrees in 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
• Full details of the LLE are not yet finalised by the government.
• If you take a gap year and commence your studies in 2027 please keep up to date about changes to the student loans system on the UK Government website.

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

The regional funding bodies for Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland have not announced plans to change funding, comparable to LLE.

Last updated: 16th October 2025