Student finance

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Summary of  key changes to student finance 

Tuition fees / loan and maintenance loan: 

• The tuition fee cap is increasing in line with inflation in academic years 2026/27 and 2027/28
• Universities can charge up to £9,790 in tuition fees in 2026/2027
• Maintenance and tuition fee loans will also increase in line with forecast inflation.

Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE): 

• From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for courses and modules starting from 1 January 2027. 
• LLE can be taken flexibly for example, for degrees and/or modules that are at least 30 credits). 
• New learners able to access tuition fee loans up to a total amount of £39,160 in 2026/27. This is the same as around 4 years of full-time study (£9,790 per year x 4) or 480 credits.
• Repayment terms are the same as Plan 5 i.e. Graduates will have to earn at least £25,000 annual income before repayments begin. Repayments are 9% of earnings above the threshold. 

What does this mean for Year 13s starting in September 2026? 

• For students starting before January 2027, they should apply through the current student finance, available with Student Finance England.  
• They may wish to use LLE for another course / module after Jan 2027. 
• Year 12s will be using the LLE system because their first year of higher education will be in the academic year 2027/28.