Lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) Evaluation

Descriptions

Lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) Market Engagement

The LLE will launch in AY26/27 where it will replace higher education (HE) student finance loans and advanced learner loans (ALLs) for levels 4 - 6, creating a single funding system.
From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for the first time for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards.

From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for:
• full courses at level 4 to 6, such as degrees, technical qualifications, and designated distance-learning and online courses
• modules of high-value technical courses (HTQs) at level 4 to 5
• modules from full level 6 qualifications - for example, degrees - that align to:
• priority skills needs
• the government's industrial strategy
Under the LLE, eligible learners will be able to access:
• a tuition fee loan, with new learners able to access up to the full entitlement of £38,140 - equal to 4 years of study based on academic year 2025 to 2026 fee rates
• a maintenance loan to cover living costs, for courses with in-person attendance
Financial help will also be available for:
• learners with disabilities
• support with childcare

An additional entitlement will be available for priority subjects or longer courses, such as medicine degrees.

Learners will be able to see their loan balance through their own LLE personal account hosted by the Student Loans Company (SLC).

Market Engagement Event
We will be holding a virtual market engagement event on Monday 24th November 2025 (11am-12 noon) to provide more information about the contract and answer questions about the survey.

If you would like to attend please forward your email address to Sarah.HORSELL@education.gov.uk and you will be sent a meeting invitation.