Part-time degrees and modules: funding from January 2027

WarningThese are the rules for England in the 2026/27 academic year (1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027). They change each August.

From 1 January 2027, funding for part-time study at Level 4 to 6 in England changes. Most part-time degrees, distance learning courses and single modules will be paid for through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). Applications opened at the end of October 2026.

This page explains what that means if you want to study part time, from home, or one module at a time.

What’s changing

Until now, part-time students could get a tuition fee loan for a whole course. From January 2027:

you have one lifetime limit of tuition fee loans, up to £39,160 if you’ve never had student finance before
you can use it for a full course, part time or full time
you can also use it for single modules, if they’re approved
you apply to Student Finance England through a new LLE account

Who can get it

You can usually get a tuition fee loan through the LLE if:

you’re under 60 on the first day of your course or module
you normally live in England, and you’ve lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years before you start
you study at least 30 credits in a year (and no more than 180)
your university or college is registered with the Office for Students

If you’ve had student finance before, what you had is taken off your £39,160.

Studying part time

Part-time study works well with the LLE, because the funding is counted in credits, not years. For example, you might study 60 credits a year over several years, rather than a full-time load each year.

You apply for each year of your course. You can apply after the course starts, but before the deadline. That’s the end of the ninth month of your course year, or your course end date if it’s sooner.

Studying by distance learning

If you study online or from home, you can get the tuition fee loan, but usually not a maintenance loan for living costs. Those are for courses you attend in person. There are some exceptions, including for some disabled students, so check with Student Finance England.

Disabled Students’ Allowance is available for courses and modules worth 30 credits or more.

Studying single modules

A module is a part of a course, such as one subject or unit. To get funding for a module on its own:

it must be worth at least 30 credits (alone, or bundled with other modules from the same course)
it must be part of a full course that the same provider runs
it must be at one level: 4, 5 or 6
you get a standard transcript when you finish, so you can use the credits later

At launch, the range is small. Most approved modules are from Higher Technical Qualifications at Level 4 and 5, plus some Level 6 modules in subjects with skills gaps, such as engineering, midwifery and social work. The government says it will widen the range gradually.

If you’re already studying

If your course started before 1 January 2027, you stay on the current system for that course. Use your existing Student Finance England account.

If you’ve been away from your course for 12 months or more and then start a new course or module from January 2027, you’ll apply through the LLE.

Ask the university or college if the course or module is approved for LLE funding, and when it starts.
Check how many credits you’ll study each year. Under 30 credits a year won’t get a loan.
Work out the full cost, including books and travel. The loan only covers tuition unless you study in person.
Read how the loan is paid back.

Courses below Level 4

If you need a Level 3 qualification first, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you may be able to get it free, or with an Advanced Learner Loan. See all funding for adult courses.

Check if you can get a course for free

Whether you can study for free depends on the course you choose and on finding a provider that can fund you. So start with the course:

Choose a course you're interested in.
Answer a few quick questions in the "Am I eligible?" check on its page.
See whether you're likely to be eligible, and which providers offer that course.

Find a free course

Or choose a subject:

The check is a guide, not a promise. The provider makes the final decision.

Questions

Can I get a loan to study with the Open University from 2027?

For courses and modules starting on or after 1 January 2027, part-time and distance learning students in England apply through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Check with the university that your course or module is approved for it.

Can I get a loan for one module?

Yes, if the module is approved. It must be worth at least 30 credits and be part of a full course run by the same provider. At first, only some modules are approved, mostly from Higher Technical Qualifications and some Level 6 subjects.

I'm already studying part time. What happens to me?

If you started before 1 January 2027, nothing changes for that course. You carry on with your existing Student Finance England account. If you've had a break of 12 months or more and start a new course from January 2027, you'll apply through the LLE.

Do I get help with living costs if I study from home?

Usually not. Maintenance loans are for courses you attend in person. Distance learning courses don't get them, except in some cases, for example for some disabled students.

Sources

Last reviewed: 20 October 2026

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