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Applications for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) opened on 30 October 2026, according to GOV.UK. The Lifelong Learning Entitlement applications cover students in England starting undergraduate or certain postgraduate courses between 1 January 2027 and 31 August 2027.
In this article
- Who can apply
- How much you can borrow
- Repayment terms
- Example: a career changer
- What happens next
- LLE questions
Who can apply
GOV.UK says the window is for courses starting on or after 1 January 2027 and up to 31 August 2027. Applications for the 2027/28 academic year go live in spring 2027. Applicants need a GOV.UK One Login account.
How much you can borrow
For first-time users, the standard tuition fee loan is up to £39,160, which GOV.UK equates to about 480 credits. Maintenance loans are up to £15,415 per course year.
Repayment terms
Loans are repaid under Repayment Plan 5. GOV.UK says any outstanding balance is cancelled 40 years after the April you are first due to start repaying.
Example: a career changer
As an illustration, not a real case: a Colombian chef living in England who wants to retrain in a degree-level course starting in spring 2027 would first need to confirm eligibility on the GOV.UK student finance pages, because the announcement does not list residency or immigration conditions. Anyone planning study around visa rules can check options with our visa eligibility checker. For other funding deadlines, see our guides to the Chevening timetable and Gates Cambridge deadlines.
What happens next
Applicants for early 2027 starts can apply now. Those aiming for September 2027 should wait for the spring 2027 opening of the 2027/28 round.
LLE questions
When did LLE applications open?
30 October 2026, per GOV.UK.
Which courses start dates are covered?
Courses starting from 1 January 2027 to 31 August 2027.
How large is the tuition loan?
Up to £39,160 for first-time users, about 480 credits.
What is the maintenance loan?
Up to £15,415 per course year.
What do I need to apply?
A GOV.UK One Login account.
When is the loan cancelled?
40 years after the April you are first due to start repaying, per GOV.UK.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Applications for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) are now open. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/applications-for-the-lifelong-learning-entitlement-lle-are-now-open
- GOV.UK — Student finance. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
Image: Wolfson Building, Royal Holloway, University of London, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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