Higher Education Funding
At Preston College, we recognise that committing to higher education is a significant decision and that funding arrangements are an important part of planning your studies. National student finance arrangements are evolving, and over the next two academic years there will be two funding routes in operation depending on your course start date and delivery model.
Courses starting in September 2026 (current funding system)
Students enrolling on full qualifications starting in September 2026 will continue to access the current Higher Education student finance system. There are no upfront tuition fee payments required. Eligible students can apply to the Student Loans Company for a tuition fee loan, which is paid directly to the College. Repayments only begin once your income exceeds the national repayment threshold.
Eligible students may also apply for a maintenance loan to support living costs. This is paid directly to your bank account at the start of each term. Tuition fee and maintenance loans are repayable and subject to national repayment rules and thresholds.
Tuition fees vary by course — please check individual course pages for confirmed fee levels.
Courses starting from January 2027 and September 2027 onwards (Lifelong Learning Entitlement)
From January 2027 onwards, some higher education courses including modular and flexible provision are expected to be funded through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). Under the LLE system, eligible learners will be able to apply for loan funding for individual modules as well as full qualifications, supporting more flexible study patterns across a working lifetime.
Further details on how LLE funding applies to specific Preston College programmes will be published as national guidance and systems are finalised.
Fees and charges
The College sets and publishes tuition fees for all higher education provision in line with national guidance and regulatory requirements. Full details are available on the HE Fees & Charges page and in the College Fees Policy. Always refer to your chosen course page for the most up-to-date fee information.
Additional financial support
Depending on your circumstances and study intensity, additional support may be available, including:
- Childcare Grants (full-time students)
- Parents’ Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants’ Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- Other targeted support funds where eligible
Each scheme has specific eligibility criteria, which should be checked before applying.
Loan repayment
Repayment of tuition fee and maintenance loans is income-contingent. Repayments begin from the April after you finish or leave your course, and only once your earnings exceed the national threshold. Repayments are automatically calculated based on income.
For the most up-to-date national guidance on student finance and repayment, refer to official government student finance information.
Access to Higher Education funding
Eligible students aged 19 or over studying an approved Access to Higher Education Diploma may apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. If you successfully complete your Access course and then complete a recognised higher education qualification, the outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balance for the Access course is written off under current national rules.
EU and international eligibility
Student finance eligibility for EU and other international applicants depends on residency status and current government regulations. Applicants should review the latest national guidance before applying.
Links to publicly available guidance
Student finance for courses starting on or after 1 January 2027
General overview of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
Student Finance LLE Guidance
Advanced Learner Loan eligibility guidance (for Access & other FE courses)
Advanced Learner Loan details (UCAS summary)
Maintenance loans for living costs under LLE funding
Student finance help and general guidance for 2026/27