Three Staffordshire institutions are among the first in the country to be part of major student finance reforms allowing people to fit university and higher-level learning around employment and other commitments.
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Keele University and University of Staffordshire are among organisations across England — including 16 in the West Midlands — who will offer new funding options through the Government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
From September, students will be able to access finance for shorter, flexible, bite-sized courses as well as traditional university degrees.
The change means people can gain qualifications over time, making it suitable for those with other life commitments or who want to return to learning at a later stage in life.
The modules on offer will focus on subjects that will tackle skills shortages, including economics and computing, engineering and architecture, as well as health and social care.
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “Financial support should be available whether you want to do a degree, take a short course, or retrain later in life. Our changes will make that happen, with the option to access student finance in any stage of life.
“Whether it’s fitting study around a job, retraining for a completely new career, juggling childcare, or getting qualifications later in life, the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement will open up new opportunities for thousands more people to build the careers they want and get on in life.”
Funding under the scheme will be the equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160.
The money can be used flexibly across the new modules, shorter courses or full degrees.
Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support, with funding amounts linked to the size of the course being studied.
Applications for student finance will open in September, for anyone starting courses or the new modules from January 2027.
