Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – undergraduate courses from January 2027 onwards

Student Finance England Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – New for students starting undergraduate courses from January 2027 onwards

This information is for students starting courses from January 2027 onwards and who are ordinarily resident in England and eligible for home fees status.

LLE provides eligible students in England with a total loan entitlement equivalent to four years of tuition fee loans to cover tuition fees for undergraduate study. This can be used to fund a full-time bachelor’s degree. The ‘pot’ of the fee loan funding will be registered with the Student Loans Company and drawn down for each year of study and paid to the University.

If you’re starting a full-time undergraduate course, you can apply for the following government-backed support:

Tuition fee loan

• Covers your tuition fees (up to the maximum annual fee limit).
• Available for up to four years of study (for example, a three-year degree plus an additional year if needed).
• Paid directly to your university.
• No upfront payment required.

Maintenance Loan

• Helps with everyday living costs such as rent, food, travel and bills.
• Paid directly to you in instalments across the academic year.
• The amount you receive depends mainly on your household income and whether you live at home or away from home.

Extra Support (if eligible)

You may also be able to apply for:

• Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
• Childcare support
• Adult Dependants’ Grant
• Travel support for certain healthcare placements

Repayment

• You only start repaying when your income is above the government repayment threshold.
• Repayments are based on what you earn, not how much you borrowed.
• Plan 5 will apply to these loans. Repayable at 9% of graduate earnings if above the gross income threshold of £25,000.
• Any remaining balance is written off after 40 years.

Applying

You will be able to start applying for LLE from September 2026.