Published: 30/04/2026 · Last Updated: 30/04/2026

Advanced Learner Loan bulletin - April 2026

Academic year (AY) 2026/27 online application service launch date

Online applications for Advanced Learner Loans (ALL) will be available from 8 June for new learners starting their course on or after 1 August.

Eligible learners will be able to apply online on GOV.UK. Learners will need their Learning and Funding Information Letter (LAFIL) to make an application.

When you issue LAFILs to learners, please tell them that they can only submit applications once the service launches on 8 June. Any applications submitted before this will be ineligible.

DfE has updated the suggested LAFIL template for this year. You can download the template from GOV.UK.

You can find further information and guidance on our practitioner website. This includes useful tools and materials to help you and your colleagues. Learners can find further information on GOV.UK.

Department for Education (DfE) Advanced Learner Loans funding rules for AY 2026/27

DfE has published ALL funding and performance management rules. These include:

the performance management point
tolerances
minimum threshold required to be in scope for a growth award

Late withdrawal submissions

Please pay attention to your withdrawal submissions which are detailed in the service standards requirements:

70% of withdrawal CoCs submitted within 60 days of effective date
95% of withdrawal CoCs submitted within 90 days of effective date

Most Learning Providers are meeting the 60 day service standard, however we're concerned about how many withdrawal submissions are falling outside of the 90 day service standard.

It's vital that you meet the service standards. This is to make sure learners are entering repayment at the correct time and their funding is in line with their true entitlement. It'll also help minimise overpayments.

Please familiarise yourself with the service standards. You should make sure that your organisation is aware of the updated requirements and that your internal policies align. This is necessary under DfE’s funding rules for ALL.

Plan 2 Loan interest rate cap

The UK Government has announced that they'll cap the maximum interest rate on Plan 2 student loans at 6% from 1 September 2026. This applies even if RPI+3% would otherwise push the rate higher.

Learners who took out their loan and started their course before 1 August 2023 will be on Plan 2. Otherwise, they will be on Plan 5.

You can find more information about the loan repayment plans on GOV.UK.

Partners Support Desk

Our Partners Support Desk is here to help you with any day to day operational questions about individual learners, application processing, payments and system issues.

You can contact the support desk on 0300 100 0643 or by emailing lpservices@slc.co.uk.