Lifelong Learning Entitlement

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is a UK Government initiative for English domiciled students. It is intended to give eligible learners more flexibility in how they fund higher education and training over their lifetime.

Under current proposals, the LLE could give eligible learners access to loan funding equivalent of up to four years of higher education study. This could be used for a full qualification, or for smaller courses and modules taken over time.

The LLE will apply to full-time undergraduate degree programmes and certain other courses and types of study. Eligibility will be set by the UK Government and administered by the Student Loans Company (SLC), so not all courses or study modes may be covered.

Your eligibility, the courses available, and how much funding you can access will be assessed by Student Finance England/the Student Loans Company (SLC), not by Liverpool John Moores University.

What the LLE may support

Subject to government rules and your individual eligibility, the LLE is intended to help you:

  • study in a way that suits you (for example, a full qualification in one go, or shorter courses and modules)
  • build, update or change your skills throughout your career
  • access loan funding for eligible tuition fees and, where applicable, maintenance support

When will the LLE be available?

Current government guidance suggests learners will be able to apply for LLE funding from September 2026, for eligible courses or modules starting from January 2027 onwards.

Repayment information

The government has not yet confirmed the full details of loan repayment under the LLE. Repayment is expected to depend on the type of loan and your individual circumstances (including your income). Different repayment plans, thresholds, repayment rates and loan terms may apply.

For the most up-to-date information on eligibility, how to apply, how much you may be able to borrow and repayment, please visit the Government website.

What this means for you as an applicant

  • If you are considering applying to LJMU, you can still explore and apply to our courses as normal while the LLE details are confirmed.
  • We will update this page when the UK Government and Student Loans Company publish final rules on eligibility, eligible courses and repayment.
  • If you need advice on your course options, contact Admissions (student finance decisions are made by Student Finance England/SLC).