Search Menu

Your New Plan Starts Here

Your New Plan Starts Here

Still deciding what to do next? There’s still time — and more options than you might think.

Higher Education could be your next step — and it’s not just about a traditional university degree. You could study part-time, begin with a foundation year, start a degree apprenticeship, or study HE at a local college.

There’s funding available, and many courses are built to fit around paid work — so you can earn while you learn.

You’ll find academic and vocational options too — from classroom-based learning to hands-on, career-focused courses.

Whether through UCAS Clearing or by applying directly to a college, there are still plenty of ways to start this year.

Higher Education is about more than a qualification. It’s about building confidence, discovering your potential, and opening doors to your future.

There’s no single path to success — this is your journey. Let’s explore what’s possible and find the route that works for you.

What are your Higher Education options?

There are different types of courses — each with their own benefits. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose what suits you best.

Course Types

Foundation Year or Foundation Degree

What is it?
A stepping stone into Higher Education. Designed to build your skills, knowledge, and confidence — especially if you didn’t take traditional qualifications or have been out of education for a while.

What’s involved?

  • Usually the first year of a longer degree or a two-year standalone course

  • Prepares you for a full degree or career-related study

  • Often includes support with academic writing, research and subject knowledge

  • Delivered at universities and colleges

Good for:
Those who need extra support before starting a full degree, or want to try out Higher Education before committing long-term.

Degree Apprenticeship

What is it?
A way to earn a degree while working in a paid job. You’ll spend part of your time studying (often one day a week) and the rest working with an employer.

What’s involved?

  • You’re employed and earn a wage

  • Your tuition is paid for by the employer and the government

  • Study is flexible and fits around your job

  • Leads to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree

Good for:
Those who want to gain work experience, avoid student loans, and build a career from day one.

Higher Education at College

What is it?
Study university-level qualifications (like HNCs, HNDs, or degrees) in a college setting — often closer to home and in smaller class sizes.

What’s involved?

  • More one-to-one support and a relaxed environment

  • Courses often linked to local jobs and industries

  • Full and part-time options available

  • Can lead to a full degree or directly into work

Good for:
Students who want a supportive environment, need to stay local, or prefer a different style of learning.

HNCs and HNDs (Higher National Certificate/Diploma)

What is it?
Career-focused qualifications that take 1–2 years and are designed with employers in mind. Can lead straight into work or be ‘topped up’ into a degree.

What’s involved?

  • Hands-on and practical

  • Often linked to business, computing, engineering, health or creative industries

  • Delivered at colleges or some universities

  • Can be studied full-time or part-time

Good for:
Learners looking for job-ready skills and a faster route into work or professional training.

Honours Degree (BA, BSc, etc.)

What is it?
A traditional university course that usually lasts three years (or four with a placement/foundation year). Often taken straight after sixth form or college — but open to anyone.

What’s involved?

  • Study a subject in-depth

  • Learn through lectures, seminars, group work and projects

  • Access to placements, study abroad, and research opportunities

  • Some courses offer accelerated or part-time study

Good for:
Those who want to immerse themselves in a subject, enjoy academic learning, or aim for careers requiring a degree.

How to apply?

There’s still time to apply for Higher Education this year — and there’s more than one way to do it. Depending on the type of course and provider, you might apply through UCAS Clearing or directly to a college or university.

Apply through:

UCAS Clearing

What is it?
Clearing is how universities and colleges fill any remaining course places. It’s open from early 5th July to 20th October.

You can use Clearing if:

  • You didn’t apply earlier in the year
  • You changed your mind about your course
  • You didn’t get the results you expected
  • You’ve decided to go to university last minute

How to apply through Clearing:

  • Visit the UCAS Clearing site to search for available courses
  • Call universities and colleges that offer HE directly — they’ll talk you through your options
  • Once you’ve accepted a verbal offer, add the course to your UCAS account to confirm it

Top Tip: Have your UCAS ID, exam results, and personal statement ready when you call.

 

Apply Directly to a College or Provider

Not all Higher Education goes through UCAS — many colleges offering HE courses accept direct applications.

What does this mean?

  • You apply straight to the college or training provider via their website

  • Some might ask for a short personal statement or an informal interview

  • It can be a faster, more flexible process — especially for local, vocational or part-time courses

Good to know:

  • You can still get full student finance support

  • Many courses are available to start in September — but spaces can fill quickly

Top Tip: Reach out early and ask questions. Colleges often have their own application process and deadlines — so contact their admissions team directly to check course availability, entry requirements, and how to apply. A quick conversation could help you submit a stronger application and show your interest.

Finance and Support

Higher Education is an investment in your future — but it shouldn’t feel out of reach.

The good news? There’s lots of support available to help you manage the costs, stay well, and thrive.

What's available?

Student Finance

Most students don’t pay anything upfront for their course. You can apply for:

Tuition Fee Loan

  • Covers your course costs — up to £9,535 a year

  • Paid directly to your college or university

  • You won’t repay a penny until you’re earning over £25,000 a year

Maintenance Loan

  • Helps with living costs like rent, food, and travel

  • How much you get depends on your household income and where you’ll be living

Here’s what you could get:

  • £8,877 if you live at home

  • £10,544 if you live away from home (outside London)

  • £13,762 if you live away from home in London

Paid to you in three instalments across the academic year — just like a monthly budget boost.

Extra Support Based on Your Circumstances

You might also be eligible for:

Top Tip: DSA and grants don’t need to be paid back — they’re there to help you thrive.

Support for Your Wellbeing

Uni or college isn’t just about study — it’s about you as a person.

You’ll have access to a full range of student support services, including:

  • Counselling and wellbeing teams

  • Mental health advisors and peer support

  • Disability and learning support

  • 1-to-1 study skills support and quiet spaces

  • Help with cost of living: hardship funds and laptop loans depending on your circumstances

If you’re applying for DSA, you may get specialist software, a laptop, or weekly support sessions — tailored to how you learn best.

Support from our member higher education providers

Higher education options in West Yorkshire