If you’re planning to start university in September 2027, you may be eligible for government student finance to help pay your tuition fees and living costs. You may also qualify for additional grants or allowances, depending on your circumstances.
The funding available depends on your course, previous study, age, nationality and residency status. Different funding arrangements apply depending on where in the UK you normally live.
Undergraduate student finance: Lifelong Learning Entitlement
If you’re a UK/Home undergraduate student living in England, you may be eligible for government student finance through the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).
The LLE is designed to give people greater flexibility to study, retrain and develop new skills throughout their lives. It covers most eligible undergraduate qualifications and some other higher education courses and modules.
You may be eligible for:
- Tuition Fee Loan – to help pay your course fees.
- Maintenance Loan – to help with living costs, such as accommodation, food and travel.
- Additional grants and allowances – depending on your circumstances, for example if you have a disability, children or adult dependants.
Eligibility and the amount of support available depend on your individual circumstances and the course and number of credits you’re studying.
Find out (gov.uk).
Tuition fee loan
A Tuition Fee Loan helps cover your tuition fees. If you’re eligible, the Student Loans Company pays the loan directly to your university.
The amount you can borrow depends on your course, the number of credits you study and your previous use of government student finance. Your loan may not cover all your tuition fees.
Maintenance loan
A Maintenance Loan helps with living costs, including accommodation, food and travel. If you’re eligible, the Student Loans Company pays this to you in instalments.
The amount you can receive depends on factors including your household income, where you live while studying and how many credits you study. Maintenance Loans are generally available for eligible courses that require in-person attendance.
Repaying your student loan
Student loans are repayable. For courses starting in September 2027, you’ll normally start repaying your loan when you’ve finished or left your course and your income is above the applicable government repayment threshold.
Find out (gov.uk).
Part-time students
You may be eligible for student finance if you study part-time. The funding available depends on your course, the number of credits you study and your individual circumstances.
Students with disabilities
You may be eligible for additional grants or allowances if you have dependent children or an adult who depends on you financially. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the amount of credits you study.
Find out (gov.uk).
Students with children or caring responsibilities
You may be eligible for additional grants or allowances if you have dependent children or an adult who depends on you financially. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the amount of credits you study.
Find out .
Students with existing higher education qualifications
You may still be eligible for government student finance if you’ve studied at university before, including if you want to study for another degree in certain subjects.
However, your previous study and the amount of government funding you’ve already received may affect your remaining Tuition Fee Loan entitlement. Additional entitlement may be available for certain eligible courses, including some courses in nursing and other priority subjects.
Check your eligibility before applying.
Find out (gov.uk).
Find out how to budget for university.