The Lifelong Learning Entitlement allows people access to student funding which can be used over their working lives.
This provides the flexibility to study to be able to upskill to benefit current jobs, or change careers, while juggling commitments such as work and childcare.
What’s changing?
Traditionally, higher and further education has been built around full-time degrees and qualifications taken straight after school or college.
But that doesn’t work for everyone. Many people need to fit study around life commitments or want to return to learning later down the line to upskill.
The first 130 providers have been approved to offer the the new modular courses – shorter, more flexible units of study that can be taken on their own or built up into a full qualification over time – from January.
The new courses will make this easier, giving people more choice over how and when they study.
What are modular courses?
Modular courses are smaller chunks of learning that focus on specific skills or subjects.
Instead of signing up to a full degree straight away, you’ll be able to:
- take individual modules
- build up your learning over time
- pause and return to study when it suits you
In some cases, you’ll also be able to study at different colleges or universities and combine modules into a full qualification.
Where can you study?
The government has now approved 130 universities and colleges across the country to deliver these courses. The full list can be accessed here.
More providers are expected to be added as the programme expands.
What subjects are available?
The first courses will focus on areas where there is strong demand for skills, including:
- digital and computing
- engineering and construction
- health and social care
This is designed to help people move into jobs where there are real opportunities.
Who is it for?
The new system is designed to work for people at every stage of life.
It will be particularly helpful for those who:
- want to retrain or change careers
- are already working and want to upskill
- didn’t go to university earlier on
- need a more flexible way to study
It will also give school leavers more choice over how they start their higher education.
Can I access it if I already have a degree?
In some cases, people who already have a degree will also be able to access funding through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, including where they have remaining entitlement available or want to study in priority skills areas.
How will funding work?
Under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 education, currently worth up to £39,160.
Rather than only funding full academic years, the new system will allow people to apply for funding for individual shorter courses, giving them more flexibility over how and when they study.
Those studying courses in person who are eligible will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs, including some maintenance grants.
Applications for student finance will open in September 2026 through Student Finance England, ahead of the first modules and courses starting in January 2027.
When can you apply?
Applications for funding will open in September 2026, with the first courses starting from January 2027.