New post-18 student-finance system from the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) applies to England and is to transform the post-18 student finance to create a single funding system.
It will replace:
- higher education student finance loans
- advanced learner loans
From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for the first time for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards.
The LLE is to allow people to develop new skills and gain new qualifications at a time that is right for them.
From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for:
- full courses at level 4 to 6, such as a degrees, technical qualifications, and designated distance-learning and online courses
- modules of high-value technical courses at level 4 to 5
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 £38,140 – equal to 4 years of study based on academic year 2025 to 2026 fee rates
- a maintenance loan to cover living costs, for courses with in-person attendance
Extra financial help will also be available for:
- learners with disabilities
- support with childcare
An additional entitlement may be available for priority subjects or longer courses such as medicine.
Learners will be able to see their loan balance through their own LLEpersonal account.
For returning learners, the amount they can borrow will be reduced depending on the funding they have previously received to support study.
LLE tuition loans will be available for people up to the age of 60. The age limit is designed to offer the vast majority of the working population access to tuition loans, enabling them to:
- train, retrain and upskill
- make a significant contribution to the economy over a longer period of time
Learners who are over 60 may still qualify for maintenance support, though not a tuition fee loan.
PAYadvice.UK 14/4/2025
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