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Universities and colleges welcome students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Universities and colleges welcome students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience. If you choose to disclose that you are a student with an imprisoned parent it will not negatively impact your application – it gives context to your circumstances.

What are conservatoires like? How do conservatoires differ from a university or college? Find out here.

Higher education (HE) courses don’t have to be studied at a university – there are more than 240 colleges in the UK that offer a range of higher education courses.

Our subject guides give you a flavour of the courses you could study at university, what they involve, and how to get onto them.

Try university degrees before you apply. Subject Spotlights from Springpod give you a taste of what it's like to study real subjects delivered by university lecturers and developed in partnership with the universities

Many universities and colleges have initiatives or support programmes in place for students who have been bereaved as a child.

Studying a subject at university level and living in student accommodation might be two brand new experiences for you. Here’s an idea of the support that will be available in your student halls or shared house.

Students who have spent time in care are entitled to support with going to university. Here are some practical ways in which you can support care experienced students research their options and prepare for their next step, which we have developed with experts such as the Care Leavers' Covenant, Become, the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) and Who Cares? Scotland.

If a student's parent(s) or carer(s) is serving as a Regular or Reservist in the UK Armed Forces, or has done so in the past, their experience of going to university may be different to their non-Service peers. We have worked with the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance to explain how you can practically support Service children along their journey to higher education.

Students with physical or mental health conditions or learning differences will find a variety of support available in higher education. However, advance research and preparation can make all the difference – here, we outline some of the ways you can help your students make a successful transition to university.

We support international counsellors, agents and advisers, as well as processing applications to hundreds of universities and colleges in the UK.

Students can access a variety of support to manage their mental health and wellbeing in higher education - ranging from help with a specific condition through to ways they can look after their general wellbeing. Some students may be hesitant to tell their university, so we've worked with experts (including Student Minds and the University Mental Health Advisers' Network (UMHAN)) to explain the process of declaration to your students, and offer practical ways to help them manage the transition to independence. It's good to remember that other personal circumstances can create additional challenges and stress, so making sure students have the right support for their needs will offer them the best start to university.

Students who have served in the UK Armed Forces as a Regular or Reservist may find there are unique challenges involved in applying to higher education. We have worked with the Ministry of Defence and experts at the University of South Wales to offer practical ways to help them explore their options and prepare for their next step.

Writing a personal statement is an important part of your child’s university application, and with the new format for 2026 entry, there’s a clear structure to follow. As a parent, guardian, or carer, your support can make a real difference. This page offers advice to help your child write a statement that reflects their experiences and goals, along with tips on what to avoid.

If you decide to suspend or withdraw from your full-time studies, you need to contact Student Finance England and let your university or college know as soon as possible. Content provided by Student Finance England.

If you decide to take a break or withdraw from your studies, you need to contact Student Finance England and let your university or college know as soon as possible. Content provided by Student Finance England.

Applying for university or college to start your studies in 2026? Find out more about the changes to the personal statement format and tips on what to include.

Find out more about studying performing arts at conservatoires and universities, alternatives to higher education, and preparing for your next step.

Read our tips for international applicants, about choosing a course and university, how to apply, visas, student finance, and where to get help and support.