Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

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

New undergraduate entrants from 2027/28 onwards.

The way that student finance works is changing. Students funded by Student Finance England (SFE) who start their degree from 2027 onwards can apply for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). This will include students who have deferred their studies to start in 2027/28. 

LLE only applies to students living in England 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.

• LLE funding is designed to give individuals more flexible access to higher education throughout their lives.
• Eligible learners may be able to access funding equivalent to up to four years of full-time higher education study. This funding can be used to complete a full time Previous HE study may impact on LLE entitlement.
• LLE will include tuition fee loans – paid directly to your university to cover your tuition fees – and maintenance loans – paid to you to help towards accommodation and living expenses.
• Rates of tuition fee loans and maintenance loans for living costs will be proportional to the number of modules you are studying. If you are not studying full-time (e.g. repeat years, stretching) then there will be an impact on the rate of maintenance loan you receive.
• 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

Applications for LLE funding will be made through Student Finance England in a similar way to existing student finance. You will need to:

• Apply online via the Gov.uk website
• Provide details about your course and personal circumstances
• Receive confirmation of your eligibility and funding.
• Applications are expected to open in March 2027 for courses starting from the 2027 academic year.

Repayments terms will follow the Plan 5 system of student loan repayments as outlined on the GOV.UK website.

• 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.
• Time away from an existing course could impact on a student’s ability to remain on the pre-LLE funding system.
• The introduction of the LLE will not make changes to postgraduate funding.

Last updated: 17th August 2026