Student finance applications open under the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement
Learners in England starting a course between 1 January and 31 August 2027 can now apply, with tuition loans of up to £39,160 for those who have not had student finance before.
The new student finance system for England is taking applications. The Student Loans Company confirmed today that people planning to start a course between 1 January and 31 August 2027 can apply for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, known as the LLE.
The LLE replaces the old undergraduate funding system for students eligible through Student Finance England. It also covers some postgraduate courses, such as healthcare and teaching qualifications, and some courses that used to be paid for with Advanced Learner Loans. The idea is one system that lets people fit study around work and family.
Applications for the 2027 to 2028 academic year go live in spring 2027.
How much is available
- Tuition Fee Loan: a standard entitlement of up to £39,160 for students who have not had student finance before, roughly 480 credits. A full-time year of a bachelor's degree is usually worth 120 credits.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £15,415 per course year, depending on household income, where you live while studying and how many credits you take.
- Extra help: grants or an allowance may be available for people on a low income, disabled students and those with children.
Anyone who has had student finance before will have that taken into account when their tuition funding is worked out.
Paying it back
Repayments begin only after the student has finished or left the course or module, and follow the Repayment Plan 5 earnings thresholds. Interest is added from the day the first loan payment is made. Any balance left is cancelled 40 years after the April when repayments were first due.
Applicants need a GOV.UK One Login account, and some will be asked to prove their identity when they sign in.
