Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027: Your Complete Guide

TL;DR

⚠️ Important: All figures in this article are based on 2025-26 rates and government guidance as of early 2026. Amounts are subject to change. Student loans accrue interest from the day of disbursement.

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 (LLE) launches in January, offering eligible learners access to up to £38,140 in tuition loans across their lifetime - enough for four years of full-time study at current fee rates. Maintenance loans for living costs may also be available, and for the first time, you can study individual modules in priority subjects without committing to full degrees. If you’re considering retraining or upskilling, this represents one of the most significant changes to student finance in decades.

What is the Lifelong Learning Entitlement?

If you’ve ever wanted to return to education but felt limited by the traditional “all or nothing” approach to degrees, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 introduces new options worth exploring.

From January 2027, the LLE introduces a new funding model alongside existing student finance rules in England. Rather than funding only traditional three-year degrees, the LLE provides a flexible lifetime budget - up to £38,140 based on current fee rates - that you can use in ways that suit your circumstances.

Want to complete a full degree? That remains an option. Prefer to take individual modules while working? This becomes possible in priority subject areas. Need to spread your learning over several years? The LLE is designed with this flexibility in mind.

The GOV.UK guidance describes this as “transformational change” to the post-18 student finance system.

Please note: Final implementation details may still be adjusted before the January 2027 launch. The information below reflects current government guidance as of early 2026.

Who May Be Eligible for Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 Funding?

Here’s an overview of who may qualify for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027:

Age requirements (based on current proposals):

• Under 60: May access both tuition fee loans and maintenance loans
• 60 and over: May still qualify for maintenance support, but not tuition fee loans

These age requirements reflect current government proposals and may be subject to change before implementation.

Residency rules: The LLE follows the same nationality and residency criteria as current higher education student finance. If you’re an EU citizen with settled or pre-settled status who has been living in the UK, you may be eligible for funding if you meet the residency requirements - similar to UK citizens in equivalent circumstances.

Not sure if you qualify? A UniStart advisor can help review your specific situation.

Returning learners: Already hold a degree? You’re not necessarily excluded. Your remaining entitlement is calculated by subtracting funding you’ve previously received. For example, a typical graduate who completed a three-year degree at current fee rates would have approximately £9,535 of residual entitlement remaining.

How Much Funding May Be Available?

Tuition Fee Loans

The headline figure: up to £38,140 lifetime budget for tuition fees.

This is calculated as four years at the current maximum fee of £9,535 per year (based on 2025-2026 academic year rates). These figures are subject to change if the maximum fee limit is adjusted in future years.

Here’s how the credit-based system works in practice:

Note: Actual costs vary by provider and course. These figures are illustrative based on current maximum fee rates.

The LLE operates on a credit-based system. A standard academic year is 120 credits, but you may study as few as 30 credits per year and still qualify for funding.

Maintenance Loans

Maintenance loans help with living costs - rent, food, bills. The maximum amounts for the 2025-2026 academic year depend on where you live and study:

These amounts are means-tested based on household income. If you’re studying part-time or taking fewer credits, your maintenance loan is adjusted proportionally.

Important: Maintenance support generally requires in-person attendance at your provider. Distance learning courses typically do not qualify for maintenance loans, except in specific circumstances such as where a disability prevents in-person attendance. Check with Student Finance England for guidance on your situation.

What Can You Study?

The LLE covers more than traditional degrees. Here’s what’s expected to be funded from January 2027:

Full courses:

• Bachelor’s degrees
• Foundation degrees
• Integrated master’s degrees
• Foundation years (as part of a degree programme)
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
• PGCEs

Modular study (in priority subject areas): From launch, modular funding is expected to be available in subjects that address priority skills needs, including:

• Computing
• Engineering
• Architecture, building and planning
• Physics and astronomy
• Mathematical sciences
• Nursing and midwifery
• Allied health
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Health and social care

To qualify for module funding, you generally need to study at least 30 credits. You can combine smaller modules - like two 15-credit courses - to reach this threshold.

Please note: The government is taking a phased approach to modular provision. Not all providers will offer modular funding immediately, and the range of available modules may expand over time. Modular funding availability depends on provider registration and subject eligibility.

How to Apply for Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 Funding

Here’s your step-by-step timeline for accessing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (Now)

Review the residency requirements on GOV.UK. If you’re an EU citizen with settled or pre-settled status, or a UK citizen who meets the residency criteria, you may qualify. If you’re unsure, a UniStart advisor can help review your situation - it’s a free service.

Step 2: Research Courses (Now - September 2026)

Find courses or modules that match your goals. UniStart’s course finder shows options across multiple intake periods - you’re not limited to September starts.

Step 3: Apply for Funding (From September 2026)

Applications are expected to open in September 2026 for courses starting January 2027 or later. You’ll use the new LLE personal account to:

• Check your loan balance
• Apply for tuition and maintenance support
• Track your application progress

Step 4: Start Studying (January 2027 onwards)

Once approved, your tuition is typically paid directly to your provider. Maintenance loans are paid into your bank account in instalments.

LLE vs Current Student Finance: What’s Changing?

One notable change: under the LLE, you may be able to take modules from different providers in the same year, up to 180 credits total per year.

Repaying Your LLE Loan

LLE loans follow Plan 5 repayment rules:

• Threshold: Repayments begin when you earn over £25,000/year
• Rate: 9% of income above the threshold
• Write-off: After 40 years, any remaining balance is cancelled

Here’s what monthly repayments look like in practice:

These are repayment amounts only. Interest accrues on your loan balance from the day funds are paid out (currently RPI + up to 3% depending on income). Your total repayment over time depends on how quickly you repay and prevailing interest rates.

If you already have a student loan and take LLE funding for additional undergraduate study, you’ll typically make a single combined repayment rather than two separate ones.

Common Questions About the LLE

“Am I too old for student finance?” Under current proposals, if you’re under 60 you may access full tuition and maintenance loans. Those aged 60 and over may still qualify for maintenance support.

“Can I get funding if I already have a degree?” Returning learners receive residual entitlement. A typical graduate who completed a three-year degree at current rates has approximately £9,535 available. If you’re retraining in certain priority subjects like nursing, social work, or teaching, additional funding may be available even with a £0 balance.

“Is module study properly funded?” From January 2027, modules in priority subjects are expected to have the same loan access as full courses - including maintenance support where in-person attendance requirements are met.

FAQs

When does the Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 start? The Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 applications are expected to open in September 2026 for courses and modules starting January 2027 or later.

Can EU citizens with settled status get LLE funding? The LLE follows existing student finance residency rules. EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status who meet the residency requirements may be eligible - similar to UK citizens in equivalent circumstances.

What’s the minimum I can study? You generally need at least 30 credits per year to qualify for tuition and maintenance loans. That’s equivalent to approximately one substantial module.

Do I have to repay maintenance loans? Yes - maintenance loans are repaid alongside your tuition loan. However, repayments only begin when you earn over £25,000, and are capped at 9% of income above that threshold.

Can I study at any university? Your provider must be registered with the Office for Students and approved to offer LLE-funded provision. Most established universities and colleges are registered - UniStart can help you find eligible courses.

Ready to Explore Your Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 Options?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 offers new possibilities for flexible, funded learning for adults across England. Understanding how the Lifelong Learning Entitlement 2027 works can help you plan your next steps. Whether you’re considering a full degree or exploring modules to support your career, you may be able to access significant tuition support - plus maintenance loans if you study in person.

Download the UniStart app to explore courses with January, May, September or November starts.

Request a free callback to speak with an advisor who can help review your funding eligibility.

“The LLE represents one of the biggest changes to student finance in years. If you’ve been considering further education but felt held back by cost or inflexibility, it’s worth exploring what options may now be available to you.” - Radu Danila, Founder