What is the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)?
The current Student Finance and Advanced Learner Loans funding systems will be merging into a single more flexible funding model.
The new system will be called the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) and will give eligible learners aged 18 and over access to tuition fee loans across their working life, up to age 60.
West Herts College is the only Further Education college in Hertfordshire approved to offer this brand new modular higher education study.
For courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, students will need to apply for student finance through the new LLE system.
Flexibility and control
The new LLE system provides greater flexibility and control for eligible learners to access funding for individual modules at Levels 4-6.
|
Qualification Level |
Qualification Type |
| Level 4 | Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), Higher Apprenticeship, Higher National Certificate (HNC), Level 4 Award, Level 4 Certificate, Level 4 Diploma, Level 4 NVQ |
| Level 5 | Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), Level 5 Award, Level 5 Certificate, Level 5 Diploma, Level 5 NVQ |
| Level 6 | Degree Apprenticeship, Degree with Honours (for example, Bachelor of Arts (BA) Hons, Bachelor of Science (BSc) Hons), Graduate Diploma, Level 6 Award, Level 6 Certificate, Level 6 Diploma, Level 6 NVQ, Ordinary Degree without Honours |
This allows you to commit to a single module or a full degree upfront. Whether you want to learn, retrain or up-skill, student finance is becoming more flexible
to fit study around your life.
To keep your funding clearly in view, you will be able to track your remaining loan entitlement through your personal online account.
You will need to apply for funding for each course you study. If your course lasts longer than a year, you will need to reapply each year of your course.
Key Dates:
- Late October 2026: Applications for Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) funding open via Student Finance England.
- January 2027: The option to study modular courses begin.
Aim Higher
Whether you want to gain specific higher-level skills, boost your CV, or start building towards a full qualification, you can do it all right here with us.
Click here for further information regarding the changes to Student Finance Funding and watch the video below:
To register your interest in modular study, please click the button below:
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Alternatively, if you’re looking to study a full Higher Education qualification with us then please browse our courses here.