Higher Education Student Finance

Student Finance is available to help eligible students cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in higher education.

The easiest way to apply is online. Applications are quick, secure, and can be submitted before you have accepted an offer or made a final decision about where to study. We recommend applying as early as possible to ensure your funding is in place before your course begins.

What support is available?

Tuition Fee Loan

Covers the cost of your course fees and is paid directly to the University or College.

Maintenance Loan (full-time courses only)

Helps with living costs such as accommodation, food, and travel. The amount you receive depends on your household income and where you live.

Additional Support

Extra financial support may be available if you:

Have a disability

Have children

Support an adult dependant

Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

From January 2027, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will replace the current student loan system for eligible learners in England.

Important: The Lifelong Learning Entitlement applies to courses and modules starting from January 2027. Students starting their course before this date will continue to apply for funding through the current Student Finance England system.

The LLE is designed to provide greater flexibility, allowing individuals to study, retrain, and upskill throughout their lives.

What is changing?

The LLE will replace:

Higher Education Student Finance loans

Advanced Learner Loans for Level 4-6 qualifications

This creates a single funding system for post-18 education in England.

Understanding the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

If you're new to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, the following short videos provide a useful overview of how the new funding system will work and what it could mean for your future study options:

What is the Lifelong Learning Entitlement?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement explained: What you need to know

How LLE Tuition Fee Loans Work
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement explained: How tuition fee loans work from 2027

How LLE Repayments Work
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement explained:  How repayments work

FAQs

What is my entitlement?
Eligible learners will be able to access up to £39,160 of tuition fee funding, equivalent to four years of full-time study at current fee rates.
This funding can be used for:
- Full qualifications, such as Degrees and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
- Individual modules from approved courses

How will previous study affect my entitlement
If you have previously received government funding for Level 4-6 study, your available entitlement may be reduced.
For example:
- Full LLE entitlement: £39,160
- Previous funding used: £27,000
- Remaining entitlement: £12,160
This remaining balance is known as your residual entitlement and can be used towards future study.
Additional funding may be available for longer courses or priority subject areas.

Is there support for living costs?
Maintenance support will continue to be available for eligible learners studying courses that include in-person attendance.
Additional support will remain available for:
- Students with disabilities
- Childcare costs
- Adult dependants

Am I eligible for funding?
The LLE will be available to:
- New learners entering higher education
- Individuals returning to study later in life
Current residency and nationality requirements will continue to apply.
Tuition fee funding will generally be available up to the age of 60.

When can I apply?

Applications are expected to open in October 2026 for courses and modules starting from January 2027.

What documents will I need to support my student finance application?
If you are applying only for:
- A Tuition Fee Loan
- The basic Maintenance Loan
you will normally only need to complete the application form.
If you apply for income-assessed support, you will need to provide:
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your parents' or partner's financial information (where applicable)
This information is usually verified directly with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
You may also be asked to submit additional evidence after your application has been reviewed. If requested, please send photocopies rather than original documents wherever possible.

When will I hear back about my application?

Once your application has been assessed, Student Finance England will send you a Student Finance Entitlement Letter confirming the support you have been awarded.
If required, you will also need to sign and return any declaration forms requested by Student Finance England.

What happens next?
Once you receive your entitlement letter:
1. Upload a copy during enrolment or email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1. Attend enrolment and begin your course
1. The College will confirm your attendance with Student Finance England
1. Your funding will then be released in accordance with Student Finance England's payment schedule
Top tip
Keep copies of all correspondence from Student Finance England, UCAS and the College, as you may need these documents during enrolment or throughout your studies.