The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

The LLE is a new way of framing how Student Finance will work in England. The new system is designed to make it easier for adults to study from the ages of 18-60. Instead of only being able to access funding for a full undergraduate course, the system is becoming more flexible. It offers the chance for adults to develop new skills via shorter courses and modules.

Students are eligible to access a loan equivalent to four years of full time study is available. From 2027, this is valued at £39,160. However this will likely increase over time as rates of funding respond to inflation.

As with existing ways of accessing Student Finance, some aspects are based on personal circumstances such as household income.

You can use the money to study full time, part time or flexible courses. The flexible nature of LLE will offer the opportunity to combine different modules, allowing you to fit your studying around other commitments. For example, if you’re a Business Manager, you may want to study modules on topics like computing, data management or project management to support you at different times in your career.

The option to study a full time university course in a more traditional way will remain to be available.

This works the same as other Student Loans in England. You will be able to access a Tuition fee loan to cover teaching costs of your course. There’s also a Maintenance loan available to cover living costs.

As with the previous Student Finance system, students can apply for this support online through Student Finance England.

Full details about the LLE can be found on the Gov.UK website.

Learning doesn’t have to stop when you finish Sixth Form or college. The LLE is all about offering you the choice and flexibility to make sure that your education options work best for you.