Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) and AI modules

Which AI courses and modules can the LLE fund?

No official list names AI courses or modules. The Department for Education approves subjects and providers, and computing is one of the subjects in scope (set out below). So an AI module can qualify when it belongs to a course in a subject in scope, such as computing, at an approved provider, and meets the module rules. A full AI degree at a registered provider is funded like any other bachelor's degree.

The table lists 2 modules and 1 degree. Each is at a provider on the Department for Education's approved list, and each provider's own page ties the course to LLE funding, in the words shown in the last column.

For comparison, Student Finance England says: "You can get up to a maximum of £9,790 for every 120 credits you study." Where a fee is higher than the loan, you pay the difference.

For any other AI course, ask the provider first. Student Finance England's advice: "Check with your university, college or training provider before you start applying if you’re not sure if your course qualifies for student finance through LLE funding."

What does Birmingham City University's AI Futures module involve?

It is the only AI module we found whose provider publishes its full details: credits, fee, dates and timetable. Its LLE wording is quoted in the table above.

The catch: it is taught on campus in Birmingham, between 4pm and 8pm on weekdays. If you go on to a degree, Birmingham City University says: "On successful completion of these modules, you could progress onto our BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence or BSc (Hons) Computer Science with AI."

How much of the entitlement does an AI module use?

It depends on the credits and the provider's fee, up to the per-credit limit quoted above. For a 30-credit module, the smallest the LLE funds, the most you can borrow is a quarter of the amount for 120 credits.

• Student Finance England: "You can only get student finance for up to 180 credits in a course year."
• "Your Tuition Fee Loans may not cover all of your course tuition fees." Any fee the loan doesn't cover, you pay yourself.
• Living costs: Maintenance Loans normally need in-person study. "You normally cannot get a Maintenance Loan for distance learning courses." The exception: "If you cannot attend your course in person, you can only apply for a Maintenance Loan if you have a disability or long-term illness."

Which subjects and providers can the LLE fund modules in?

Modules of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) in any subject, and modules of degree-level courses in 10 subject groups. The Department for Education's list, published on 15 May 2026, reads: "It will fund level 4, 5 and 6 modules from full level 6 parent qualifications in the following CAH2 subjects".

• Computing
• Engineering
• Architecture, building and planning, excluding the landscape gardening sub group
• Physics and astronomy
• Mathematical sciences
• Nursing and midwifery
• Allied health
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Health and social care

For HTQs the same list says: "higher technical qualifications – no subject restrictions".

Each module must also be part of a full course at the same provider and, in the overview's words, "be worth at least 30 credits, or a bundle of modules from the same parent course equalling at least 30 credits".

Where and with whom: "This funding will only be available to students living in England at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS)." The range starts narrow: "We will offer a narrower range of modules when the LLE launches, and gradually expand this when it is appropriate."

Providers on the main list are approved for modular funding without a course restriction. A few are approved for named courses only; in computing, those are Bedford College's Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing – app development and testing, Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing – general, Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing – cyber security and Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing – network engineering.

Learners and providers can use the lists to identify providers who are approved to deliver modules from January 2027: see the approved providers and subjects.

When does the Lifelong Learning Entitlement start?

It funds courses and modules starting on or after 1 January 2027. Applications are open now for starts from 1 January to 31 July 2027. The Student Loans Company announced on 30 October 2026: "The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed that students planning to start a course between 1 January and 31 July 2027 can now apply for the LLE." For later starts, it adds: "Applications for the 27/28 academic year will go live in Spring 2027."

Scheme status checked on 7 Nov 2026. The LLE is for people living in England; LLE-funded modules are only at providers registered with the Office for Students.

Who can get Lifelong Learning Entitlement?

In the official words (official page, checked 7 Nov 2026):

• "Eligible learners can apply now for courses or modules starting between 1 January 2027 and 31 July 2027."
• "a tuition fee loan, with new learners able to access up to the full entitlement of £39,160"
• "LLE tuition loans will be available for people up to the age of 60 at the start of their course."
• "You need a GOV.UK One Login account to apply for the LLE."
• "For returning learners, the amount they can borrow will be reduced depending on the funding they have previously received"
• "Learners who are aged 60 or over at the start of their course may still qualify for maintenance support, though not a tuition fee loan."

Who pays: Tuition fee loan (repaid like a student loan).

How do I apply?

Apply for student finance through the new online system, signing in with a GOV.UK One Login account.

Status: Open: the Student Loans Company announced on 30 October 2026 that applications are now open, for courses and modules starting from 1 January to 31 July 2027.