The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is changing student finance in England.

What is the Lifelong Learning Entitlement?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is designed to support both new and returning students living in England, who want to study higher education courses or modules throughout their working lives. You can still access funding even if you’ve studied at higher education level before, but the amount available may be reduced depending on any student finance you’ve already used. 

Key details of the LLE: 

  • Loan entitlement equivalent to four years of higher education, currently worth up to £39,160  
  • Eligible up to the age of 60  
  • Open for applications from late October 2026, for courses and modules starting from January 2027 

Who’s eligible for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement? 

You can apply for a tuition fee loan under the LLE if you’re aged 60 or below when you start your course – helping you gain new skills, retrain for a different career, or enhance your existing expertise. While you may still be eligible for maintenance support if you’re over 60, tuition fee loans won’t be available. Eligibility for the LLE will follow the existing nationality and residency requirements used for higher education student finance. If you’re already receiving funding through the current student finance system for a course that began before 1 January 2027, you’ll continue to be funded through the existing arrangements for the duration of your studies.  

What courses are included under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement? 

A key feature of the LLE is its flexible approach to learning. As well as full qualifications, you’ll be able to access funding for individual modules of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and selected Level 4, 5 and 6 modules. These are taken from full degrees in areas that address priority skills shortages and support the UK’s industrial strategy. The LLE will also cover approved Level 4 to 6 qualifications currently funded through Advanced Learner Loans, where there’s demonstrated demand.

View our University of Essex Online undergraduate courses – designed to help you fit study around your work and personal commitments – which are eligible for LLE funding. 

How do repayments work under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement? 

You’ll begin repaying the money you borrow when you leave or finish your course, and when you’re earning more than £25,000 a year before tax. You’ll repay 9% of any income earned above this £25,000 threshold.  

Repayments are worked out each time you’re paid based, on that pay for the week or month. Repayments are based on what you earn rather than how much you’ve borrowed, so if your income drops below the repayment threshold, then payments stop. Usually, repayments will be taken automatically from your salary at the same time as income tax and national insurance contributions.  

Repayments continue until the loan’s paid in full, earnings fall below the threshold. If any remaining balance remains after or 40 years pass, then the amount is cancelled.   

What if my course starts before January 2027? 

Applications for LLE funding will open from late October 2026 for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards. 

The introduction of the LLE won’t affect advanced learner loan funding for if you’re starting a course before January 2027, including an undergraduate course with University of Essex Online,before this date.   

Learn more about University of Essex Online course fees and payment options on our tuition fees page.