Studying at a higher education college
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.
Information and advice pages
Studying at a higher education college
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.
Support for care experienced people taking apprenticeships
Here, we outline what you need to know if you’re interested in an apprenticeship as a care experienced student.
Support for international students
What support is available for international students? What organisations exist to help? What will you need to move to the UK? All these questions, and more, are answered here.
Support for mature students
Make sure you're best prepared to start your studies by making the most of the support available to you.
Support for students who have been bereaved as a child
Many universities and colleges have initiatives or support programmes in place for students who have been bereaved as a child.
Supporting care experienced students
Students who have spent time in care are entitled to support to help them access higher education. Here are some practical ways you can support care experienced students research their options and prepare for their next steps.
Supporting disabled students
More than one in four students who apply through UCAS each year share a disability. Disabled students are entitled to reasonable adjustments to ensure they can access higher education, and they will find a variety of support available.
Supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain in the UK
It can be very difficult to understand how to support refugees, asylum seekers, and students with limited leave to remain in the UK, especially if their immigration status is insecure or due to change. We have worked with expert organisations, including STAR Network, Refugee Education UK and We Belong to help clarify what you can do to help and support young students' aspirations for higher education.
Supporting students experiencing parental estrangement
Young people who are considering higher education but do not have support from either of their parents due to a breakdown in their relationship (also known as being ‘estranged’) may encounter challenges in their journey. Here we outline the ways in which you can help students in at each stage and explain what support they may be able to access.
Supporting students with caring responsibilities
A carer is anyone who is responsible for providing unpaid care to a family member or friend who could not cope without their support.
Supporting students with mental health conditions
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.
Supporting students with parenting responsibilities
Balancing studying with family life can present challenges, so student parents will find it useful to know what support they can access to manage their priorities. Here, we offer some practical tips to help them along their journey to higher education.
Supporting UK Armed Forces veterans and service leavers
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.
Supporting your child with writing their personal statement for 2026 entry
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.
Suspending or withdrawing from your full-time studies
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.
Teacher training
If you’re considering teaching in a UK state school, you’ll need to have a degree, and a recognised teaching qualification. Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) programmes across the UK are broadly similar, providing a combination of academic study and time in school, as you learn about key teaching methods. The routes, entry requirements, and statutory teaching standards are different depending on where in the UK you plan to train, and ultimately, teach. You can apply through UCAS for the main postgraduate and undergraduate teacher training programmes in Wales and Scotland. For programmes in England, use the DfE's 'Apply for teacher training' service.
Teacher training entry requirements in England
Find out about the qualifications, courses, and classroom experience needed to become a teacher.
Teacher training fees and funding in England
If you’re thinking about undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher training, you may be eligible for funding.
Teacher training in Northern Ireland
Find out more about Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes in Northern Ireland.