Website of the UK government

Got a particular course in mind?

If you already have a particular full-time higher education course in mind, you can look up the entry requirements on the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) website.

Universities and colleges use a points system known called the ‘UCAS Tariff’ to set entry requirements. The tariff assigns a number value to a wide range of qualifications, so that colleges and universities can compare the achievements of different candidates.

• Search for a full-time higher education course with UCAS Opens new window
• More about the UCAS Tariff Opens new window

Part-time courses and Foundation Degrees

For part-time courses, check the university or college prospectus - most are now available online. The UCAS website gives details of part- and full-time Foundation Degrees.

• University prospectuses and open days
• Look for a Foundation Degree course with UCAS Opens new window

Qualifications for getting into higher education

Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements for higher education courses, so they vary widely. Depending on the course, UK students may be able to get into higher education with a range of qualifications, including:

• A levels
• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)
• SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications)
• BTEC qualifications and OCR nationals
• Key Skills qualifications
• Advanced Diploma qualifications
• International Baccalaureate
• other specialist and professional qualifications

You may also be able to get in by completing a Foundation or Access course.

• Qualifications explained

If you’ve got vocational qualifications

Prospectuses often refer mainly to A levels when they talk about entry requirements, but don't be put off if you’ve got vocational qualifications like NVQs or a BTEC. Ask the course provider about vocational entry criteria.

• NVQs
• BTECs, OCR Nationals and other vocational qualifications

Work experience

Especially if you're applying to do a Foundation Degree course, you may find that work experience is taken into account alongside any qualifications you have.

• Foundation Degrees

If you’ve already got a higher education qualification

If you already have a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND), you may be able to enter a first degree course at the start of the second or third year.

If you have a Foundation Degree, you may be able to enter a degree course at the start of the third or final year.

• Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas

Students from outside the UK

Students from outside the UK may be able to get onto a higher education course if they have qualifications equivalent to A levels. These may include the International Baccalaureate (IB), European Baccalaureate (EB) and Irish Leaving Certificate.

Check well in advance with the universities and colleges you’re planning to apply to that the qualifications you have meet their admissions requirements.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma
• More on entry requirements for students from outside the UK Opens new window

Foundation and Access Courses

If you are a 'mature' student (usually meaning that you're aged 21 or over), and have work experience but lack traditional qualifications, you could find an alternative route into higher education through:

• a Foundation Year or Foundation course
• an Access to Higher Education course

Foundation Years

Some universities and colleges offer Foundation Years as preparation for certain degree courses.

They generally don't result in a separate qualification: they simply qualify you to enter the degree course itself. Foundation Years aren't available for all degree courses.

Taking a Foundation Year may be a good idea if your qualifications are a poor match with the subject you would like to study at degree level.

A Foundation Year might also be helpful if you last experienced education a long time ago. It might also be worth considering if you are an overseas student and your language skills don’t yet meet the demands of a degree course.

Foundation courses

Foundation courses are similar to Foundation Years, but may not be held at the same university or college as the full degree or diploma, or qualify you for entry to a particular course. Overseas students with a limited command of English may find them useful.

Access to Higher Education courses

Many further education colleges and some universities provide access courses to prepare students for higher education.

• More about Access to Higher Education Opens new window
• Information for mature students on admissions policies Opens new window

Getting into higher education after a break from learning

With a range of flexible study options allowing you to learn about the subjects you want in the way you want, you shouldn’t be put off from thinking about higher education later in life.

• Returning to learning

Get the Aimhigher guide to higher education

If you’re thinking about getting into higher education later in life, there’s lots of information in ‘Make your dreams a reality’ - the Aimhigher guide.

You can download a copy below, or order one:

• by freephone on 0800 587 8500
• by textphone on 0800 280024

Quote reference ‘RETURN08’. Copies are available in Braille, large print or audio cassette.

• Download make your dreams a reality - the Aimhigher guide to higher education (PDF, 1709K)
• Help with PDF files

More useful links

• Find a university or college course