Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is a new government initiative designed to make it easier for people to access education and training throughout their lives. It provides students with a flexible loan entitlement equivalent to four years of post-18 study (currently £9,790 each year up to a maximum of £39,160 in total), which individuals can use at any point in their career. This means that learners can choose to build their skills gradually through shorter courses of modular study, or still complete a single period of full-time university study.

The LLE aims to support individuals from 18 to 60 years old in adapting to changing job markets and developing new skills over time. By allowing learners to study in smaller, more flexible chunks, it opens opportunities for those who may be balancing work, family commitments or career changes and makes higher education more accessible and responsive to individual needs.

When will the Lifelong Learning Entitlement be available?

If your course starts before 1 January 2027

If eligible, you’ll apply for funding through the current student finance system. You’ll continue to apply for funding under this system for the duration of your course. However, if you have a break in your studies at any stage you’ll apply under the LLE.

If your course starts on or after 1 January 2027

If eligible, you may need to apply for funding through the LLE, applications open in September 2026. This funding will also be available for eligible modules.

How we're responding to these changes at Middlesex  

In practice, Middlesex University is adapting its provision to align with the LLE's emphasis on flexibility and skills development. This includes expanding continuing professional development (CPD), short courses and modular learning over time so that we can adapt to the future skills which employers and learners want and need.

We have also developed the MDX Graduate Competencies. These are core skills, behaviours and attributes designed to prepare students for their careers, developed with input from employers and students across our London, Dubai and Mauritius campuses. They are embedded in all courses and supported by various opportunities to help students develop and apply these skills in practice. 

The University is also strengthening partnerships with employers, local authorities and education providers to support lifelong learning pathways. Initiatives such as local outreach programmes aim to widen participation, improve access to higher education and support progression into employment. 

This approach reflects our commitment to making education more accessible, flexible and more closely aligned with labour market needs which are key goals underpinning LLE and support our 2031 strategy of: 

• Being the higher education provider of choice for students and employers in the communities where we operate.
• Our campuses being anchor institutions, enduring and financially resilient, serving, supporting and sustaining their local regions.