Applications have opened for England’s new Lifelong Learning Entitlement, allowing eligible students to apply for tuition-fee loans worth up to £39,160 under a reformed system intended to make higher education and retraining more flexible. The Student Loans Company confirmed on 30 October 2026 that applications are being accepted for eligible courses beginning between 1 January and 31 August 2027. The LLE replaces existing undergraduate student finance arrangements for eligible new courses in England and brings certain further education and postgraduate qualifications into a single funding system. The support is primarily provided through repayable student loans, and eligibility restrictions apply.
Tuition-fee entitlement of up to £39,160
Students who have not previously received student finance can normally access a standard tuition-fee loan entitlement of up to £39,160, equivalent to approximately 480 credits. A typical year of full-time undergraduate study accounts for 120 credits. Eligible learners may be able to fund individual modules or shorter courses contributing to recognised qualifications. Previous student finance may reduce the amount available. The figure is a standard maximum entitlement, not an automatic payment or grant.
Maintenance loans of up to £15,415
Eligible students may qualify for maintenance loans of up to £15,415 per course year. The actual amount depends on household income, living arrangements and the number of credits studied. Some applicants may also qualify for grants, allowances, bursaries, scholarships or certain NHS-related support. Not every applicant will receive the maximum amounts.
New funding arrangements for retraining
The LLE covers eligible courses at levels 4 to 6, including most undergraduate qualifications, and certain level 7 courses such as some postgraduate healthcare and teaching qualifications. Some courses previously funded through Advanced Learner Loans will also move into the system. The policy is designed to help people retrain or return to education while balancing work and family responsibilities. Not every short course or professional programme qualifies.
Applications now open for 2027 courses
The initial application window covers courses starting from 1 January to 31 August 2027. Applications for the wider 2027–28 academic year are expected to open in spring 2027. Applicants must use the new LLE service with a GOV.UK One Login account, even if they already have an existing Student Finance England account. Those beginning courses before January 2027 should use existing arrangements where applicable.
How will the loans be repaid?
LLE loans are repaid under Student Loan Plan 5. Under the currently published terms, borrowers repay 9% of income above the applicable threshold, currently £25,000 a year. Interest is charged from the first loan payment. Any outstanding balance is cancelled 40 years after the April in which the borrower first becomes due to repay. Applicants should review the full terms before accepting funding.
Previous study can affect eligibility
Previous student finance is taken into account when calculating remaining tuition-fee entitlement. Eligibility also depends on factors such as residency, course and provider. Students continuing courses begun before January 2027 may remain on existing student finance arrangements. Applicants should check which service applies to them to avoid delays.
Government links reform to economic growth
Ministers say the LLE will help adults adapt to changing labour market demands and study at different stages of their careers. Derek Ross, the Student Loans Company’s Executive Director for Higher and Further Education Reform, described it as a significant reform. Opening applications does not itself establish future participation rates or economic outcomes, which will depend on uptake, eligible provision and affordability.
What happens next?
Eligible students planning to begin courses in the first eight months of 2027 can now apply. The next major stage will be the opening of applications for the wider 2027–28 academic year in spring 2027. Prospective students should check eligibility, course funding and repayment conditions before applying.