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Discover the support options for neurodiverse applicants and apprentices with UCAS

Of the three main post-secondary pathways, going to university remains the default choice across the UK in 2024. But for apprenticeships and early careers opportunities, despite all their unique benefits so suited to today’s cost-of-living crisis, it remains a battle for a distant second place.

Of the three main post-secondary pathways, going to university remains the default choice across the UK in 2024. But for apprenticeships and early careers opportunities, despite all their unique benefits so suited to today’s cost-of-living crisis, it remains a battle for a distant second place.

It's always a great time to educate students on the pathway that combines education, experience and salary, all under one roof.

Instead of taking A levels after school, Santina started her Level 3 apprenticeship at civil engineering company, Arup, aged 16. Here she speaks about her experience, including why she chose an apprenticeship, what makes a good apprentice, and how she manages working and studying at the same time.

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.

Amy Lauder is in her third year of a four-year Level 6 graduate apprenticeship with aerospace company Leonardo. She will qualify with a BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design and Manufacture from the University of Strathclyde.

Haider Ali is in his fourth year of a management accounting apprenticeship at engineering company Rolls-Royce, in Derby.

You’ve done all the hard work creating your personal statement, but have you thought about how you can use what you’ve written for different purposes? Whether you’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship, or there’s a job you’d love, and you need a covering letter, your personal statement can be a great place to start.

After GCSEs or National 5s, you could continue studying subjects you like, take vocational qualifications, an apprenticeship, or work or volunteer and study part-time.

Adult nurses are expert members of a medical team. They plan and deliver vital treatment for a wide range of patients with different needs and conditions.

Children’s nurses work as part of a supportive and inspiring team to provide young patients and their families with the vital care and compassion they need.

Our best advice: start your research early. Alongside your research into courses and universities, you may also need to take your individual support needs into account when making your choices.

Higher education courses can be studied in flexible ways. There are different study types, work combinations, and part-time options.

Not sure of your next steps? Going to a UCAS discovery event can help.

Our FAQs will help you find out if you're eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

Want to find out what it's like to do a placement abroad? Farah Hamdan went further afield than most people to follow her passion for conservation – read about her amazing experience in the Galapagos Islands.

Students who do not have parents or carers who have attended university themselves sometimes find it useful to have additional information and help when making their decisions and applying to higher education.