You can apply from September 2026 for courses starting January 2027. Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance

You can apply from September 2026 for courses starting January 2027.

Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance

Yes, but your funding will be reduced based on what you’ve already used. This is your remaining (residual) entitlement.

Yes, but:

• Modules must usually total at least 30 credits
• They must be from the same course/provider
• Only certain subjects are available initially

Credits measure how much you study:

• 120 credits = full academic year
• 60 credits = part-time
• 30 credits = minimum for funding

Credits are important because:

• Your tuition fees are based on credits
• Your funding is based on credits
• Your maintenance loan may be affected by credits

You must study at least 30 credits in a year to qualify for funding.

Yes, you can study up to 180 credits per year, depending on your course.

Tuition fees are based on:

• The number of credits you study
• The cost per credit set by your course

This is different from the current system, where fees are based on academic years.

No. If approved, your tuition fee loan is paid directly to your university by the Student Loans Company.

f your remaining LLE balance is not enough:

• You may need to pay the difference yourself

You should always check your balance before starting or changing study.

Your fee can change if:

• You change your credits
• You withdraw or transfer
• You repeat study

Fees are flexible and linked to your actual study.

You may get a maintenance loan for living costs if your course includes in-person study. Check eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

The maintenance loan helps with your living costs while you study. You may be eligible if:

• Your course includes in-person attendance
• You meet standard eligibility criteria

Yes. Your maintenance loan may be affected by your study intensity (credits).

• Fewer credits = potentially lower maintenance
• More credits = potentially higher support

Usually no. Maintenance loans are generally only available for courses that require in-person attendance, unless you cannot attend due to a disability.

You’ll usually be paid in instalments after:

• You are enrolled
• Your university confirms your attendance

Track your payments: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance

This may be due to:

• Household income
• Where you live during study
• Number of credits you are studying
• Course type (online vs in-person)

You must:

• Enrol on your course
• Engage with your studies
• Have your attendance confirmed

If attendance is not confirmed, payments will not be made.

This is usually because:

• Your application is still processing
• You haven’t enrolled
• Your attendance hasn’t been confirmed

Check your account: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance

Yes. You must apply for student finance yourself and keep your application updated.

This may be because:

• Evidence is missing
• Your application is still being processed

If your circumstances change, your funding may be reassessed. You may need to repay any overpayment.

You can usually get up to £39,160 (equivalent to 4 years of study). More info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-much-lifelong-learning-entitlement-you-could-get

You can check your balance through your student finance account with the Student Loans Company.

Because:

• Your funding is limited

• You may not have enough to cover all credits

• You may need to self-fund

You may need to pay part of your tuition fees yourself.

Your fees, funding, and balance may all change. You must inform your university and update your student finance account.

You may still be charged for what you studied, and your funding will change.

Your funding will pause. You must inform both the university and Student Finance.

You will need to update or reapply for funding.

Your funding will be recalculated.

You may need to use your remaining funding or self-fund.

• Your payments may be delayed
• Your funding may be incorrect
• You may be overpaid

You repay when you earn over £25,000 per year, paying 9% of your income above that amount.

Any remaining balance is written off after 40 years.