OCA News: Lifelong Learning Entitlement

Funding for studies is changing. Radically. And yet just over 1 in 10 people are aware of what is happening.

In January 2027 the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) system will come into effect. This is an initiative designed by successive governments to allow learners to study flexibly through a modular approach to learning. This will replace the student loans system in England. 

The intention is that under the LLE, students can study multiple individual units or modules from different providers. 

If you want to study a module or modules, then at the moment these need to be from a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) course, or from a full degree programme so long as these modules meet the Government’s priority skill needs or the Industrial Strategy. The Arts and Creative Industries are not included in this.

Students will still be able to apply for funding for a full qualification, like OCAs degrees as per normal. 

Continuing students who are already accessing Student Finance funding will remain on the current funding scheme, unless you have a break in study.

New students will be allocated a funding pot equivalent to four years of degree-level study. If you have completed any prior study, you may still have a residual entitlement depending on how much study you previously completed. This could mean some funding is available to those who were not previously eligible due to prior qualifications. Maintenance loans will still be available and other forms of funding.

It is important to state that this affects students studying in England only. Funding for Higher Education is devolved to the governments of each of the four UK nations, so the existing frameworks will continue to apply for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. 

That’s what it is, now what does it mean?

The changes to the system affect how and when you will need to apply for funding. 

If you are a new student to OCA, based in England, and planning to start your studies in the 2026/27 academic year (which runs from 1st August 2026 to 31st July 2027) then which system you apply under depends on when your start date is. If you are planning to enrol with OCA for any of the September, October, or November intakes (intake start dates can be found here), then you should apply under the existing Student Finance funding system. Allow 8-12 weeks for your application to be processed and approved by Student Finance England. 

If you are planning to start a new degree from January 2027 onwards, you’ll apply for funding through the LLE system. 

Here’s where it starts to get tricky though. If you plan to start your studies between September and November 2026, but your funding application does not get approved in time to start then you’ll have to make a fresh application under the LLE system to start from January 2027. 

For existing OCA students who are already enrolled on a degree, you’ll continue to apply under the existing Student Finance system. With one exception. If you have had a break in study for at least a year and/or have not applied for funding in 2025/26, then you’ll need to apply under the new LLE system. 

What is also changing under the new system is term dates. Student Finance operates a series of terms throughout each academic year where OCA needs to confirm your attendance. This releases funding both to OCA and, if you are in receipt of maintenance loans, to you. The LLE will operate a new system of term dates, but we don’t yet have detail about what this will look like. 

What isn’t changing, as far as we know, is repayment terms. These should be the same under LLE as they are now. 

At the moment there is as much we don’t know about the new funding system as we know. We will keep you all updated with further information as this filters through to us, and you can find information on LLE directly from the government website. Make sure to check back on the OCA blog for future updates from us.