England's Department for Education has confirmed the first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer shorter courses under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, with Russell Group institutions included in the initial cohort, as reported by Edtech Innovation Hub.

The scheme will allow adults to access student finance for flexible modules as well as full degrees from September 2026, with the first courses beginning in January 2027. Eligible learners will have access to funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160 (€46,400), usable across shorter courses, modules or full degrees throughout their working lives.

Approved courses span economics and computing, engineering and architecture, and health and social care. Adults who already hold a degree may still access funding if student finance remains available or if they are retraining in priority subject areas.

Jamie Roberts, Policy Manager at the Russell Group, said flexible provision is increasingly central to addressing workforce needs. "Offering flexible learning options is increasingly important if we want to fill vital skills gaps, open up opportunities for everyone to build a rewarding career, and develop the workforce the UK needs for a brighter future," he said.

Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said the entitlement carries significant potential for lifelong learning infrastructure. "It has the potential to truly stimulate lifelong learning, by enabling institutions to build more flexible, modular pathways both into and through higher education, enabling people to train, retrain and upskill throughout their lives," he said.

Alex Stanley, National Union of Students Vice President, welcomed the modular flexibility. "For some that is going to university at 18, for others a changing job market might mean getting new qualifications at 40," he said.

Explore the full details of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement rollout in the full article.