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Alternatives to higher education

If you're undecided about uni or your plans have changed, there are other options after secondary education, such as apprenticeships, gap years, overseas study, and more. This page explains university alternatives.

Alternatives to university

Going to uni or doing an apprenticeship isn’t right for everybody. When researching post-16 plans, it’s important your child weighs up all their options to make the right decision for them in the long-term.

Appeal to specific markets

Whether you’re looking to connect with under-represented groups, specialist subject prospects, international students or postgraduates – we can help you understand and reach new customers across the full conversion funnel.

Application overview

Help for you and your students to successfully navigate the application process.

Applying

Discover everything you need to know about the application process, including research, the application itself, and your next steps.

Applying for a business apprenticeship

Do you want to build business knowledge while gaining hands-on experience? Whether you're looking at a career in business administration, operations, or marketing, apprenticeships are the perfect way to get your foot in the door with some of the biggest players in the market today. Here, we walk you through applying for a business apprenticeship, with top tips from employers about what they look for in an apprentice.

Applying for a creative apprenticeship

Do you want to start a career in the creative industries? The creative industries cover a whole host of careers, and apprenticeships too. From craftspeople, to TV, film and radio and everything in between. Whether you're looking to learn practical skills, media processes or management techniques, an apprenticeship in the creative industries can give you the qualifications and experience you need to set you up with a career for life.

Applying for a digital and IT apprenticeship

Looking to start a career in the digital and IT sector? There's no better way to immerse yourself in the tech world than an apprenticeship, where you will get access to industry-standard tools, equipment and work on live projects on a daily basis. Take a look through our digital and IT apprenticeship application guide below, and find out the first steps of your journey into a future in the tech space.

Applying for a finance and accounting apprenticeship

Looking to start a career in finance and accounting? While academic routes are often the first thought when entering the field, there is no better way to gain hands-on experience in the sector than embarking on an apprenticeship and working while you learn. In the guide below, we'll help you on the first stage of your journey in applying for an apprenticeship, what to expect at the interview stage, and some advice and guidance from live employers in the space.

Applying for a healthcare apprenticeship

Are you interested in a career in healthcare? Whether you're looking at frontline dentistry, nursing, or a behind the scenes in the lab with science and medicine - an apprenticeship can help you get there, bringing practical experience together with academic qualifications, it could be the pathway for you.

Applying for Student Finance? Get on it with the HMRC app

Some things in life you can’t control, but with the HMRC app, you can be ‘on it’ with your money and tax. We want to make sure you’re getting all the support you need to make applying for student finance as smooth as possible.

Applying to university

Find out when to apply, how to fill in your application, write your personal statement, and get a reference – and then what happens after your apply.

Applying to university as an international student

Discover any information you might need to succeed in applying to UK institutions as an international student. Find advice on visas, English language skills, why you should study in the UK and what your qualifications will mean.

Apprenticeship recruitment processes

If you’re applying for an apprenticeship, you need to demonstrate to employers that you have the passion and skills to take the programme and fit in with their company.

Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland

There is a growing range of apprenticeships — giving you the opportunity to enter careers in industries such as computer science, engineering, construction, to retail and accountancy. Find out about exploring your options, and how to search and apply for an apprenticeship in Northern Ireland.

Apprenticeships in Wales

There is a wide range of apprenticeships for over 1,500 job roles — giving you the opportunity to enter careers in anything from engineering and boat building, to veterinary nursing and accountancy. Find out about exploring your options, and how to search and apply for an apprenticeship in Wales.