Modular provision and the lifelong learning entitlement

From January 2027, eligible students will be able to access new lifelong learning entitlement funding (LLE).

This marks a significant step towards greater flexibility in higher education, enabling students to receive funding for modular study as well as full courses. The LLE has the potential to be transformative, supporting individuals to learn throughout their lives.

We have been preparing for the introduction of the LLE and considering how we will regulate modular provision. Our aim is to ensure that our regulatory approach supports providers to deliver high quality modular provision effectively. At the same time, our approach must continue to safeguard public and student monies.

This guide explains:

• how we will extend our normal, risk-based approach to regulating higher education to the delivery of modular courses funded by the LLE
• the data we will collect
• the actions providers should take to prepare for the new system.

What is the LLE?

The LLE will replace the current post-18 student finance system. From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards.

The LLE will enable individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 to access funding flexibly for full courses and modules to learn, upskill and retrain.

From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for:

• full courses at Levels 4 to 6, such as degrees, higher technical qualifications, and designated distance-learning and online courses
• modules of high-value technical courses at Levels 4 and 5, and modules from full Level 6 qualifications which align to priority skills needs and align to 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 over their lives – equal to four years of study based on academic year 2025-26 fee rates
• a maintenance loan to cover living costs, for courses with in-person attendance during weekdays.

The LLE introduces credit‑based tuition fee limits. This will work across all higher-level courses and modules funded by the LLE, regardless of whether students study them on a full-time, part-time or accelerated basis.

The fee limit will directly relate to the amount of study in the course, rather than the number of academic years that are studied.

The LLE is government policy and the loan system that will deliver it is being developed and implemented by the Student Loans Company (SLC) on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).