Everything you need to get started.

Higher education is the next level of study after sixth form or college (when you are 18+), and is available to those who’ve completed Level 3 qualifications (such as A-levels, BTECs or T-levels). You might study a HE course at a university, in a further education college or with an online provider.

There are many different types of higher education qualifications, such as bachelor degrees, degree level apprenticeships, diplomas, foundation degree and foundation years and higher technical qualifications (HTQs).

You can start thinking about higher education at any time. You might already have a career or subject in mind, which means you can choose options at school that will better prepare you for your future. For lots of us, though, when we are young we have no idea what we want to do for a career – so don’t feel the pressure to get the choices right so early on. It might be useful to think flexibly about your future. Higher education is a good route to consider if you don’t have a specific career in mind as it allows you to explore new careers whilst studying and you can gain different experiences to develop employability skills.

Refer to our handy timeline in the Your Guide to Higher Education – this will suggest what to do and when.

No – university and college are different to school in so many ways. There are more subjects to choose and different course types. In higher education, you can choose to study full-time, part-time or in employment.

One of the main differences is how you are taught. You’re given more independence and the chance to take ownership of your learning. To be successful, you’ll need to find a balance between studying, work and your social life.

If you’re an apprentice, then the experience will feel very different to school as you’ll be an employee at a company and learn on the job.

For further information, download Your Guide to Higher Education.

High grades isn’t everything when it comes to higher education, but to progress to higher education you are expected to have completed some form of Level 3 study (e.g. A-levels, BTECs, T-levels or equivalent). Each higher education course comes with a set of entry requirements, which include the grades you’re expected to achieve from those Level 3 qualifications. Some courses might also require you to have completed a specific subject at Level 3 in order to progress onto that pathway. Entry requirements will vary between providers and courses, so it’s good to check this when doing your research. There are lots of options available to suit the grades you are working towards and your learning style.

Not if you don’t want to. Studying higher education in a university or college provides an opportunity to move away from home and to live independently for the first time. However, it’s your choice. Greater Manchester has a wide range of higher education providers, each offering a number of different options. Make your number one priority to identify the right course for you, after which you can explore where to live. Use university or college open days to speak to current students about how and why they made their decisions.

It depends on what and where you study. From 2025/26, higher education providers can charge up to £9,535 for tuition a year but some charge less, such as FE colleges and for non-traditional courses. There’s a tuition fee loan to help you with these costs and there’s a maintenance loan that can support with the cost of living. The amount of maintenance loan you receive will depend on a number of factors, including household income, where you are living and where you study.

If you’re completing an apprenticeship, your tuition fees are met by the employer so you don’t pay anything, and what’s more, you’ll receive a wage while completing your course.

You’ll be required to start repaying your student loan from the April after you finish your course and once you start earning over the repayment threshold. Repayments are calculated at 9% on anything you earn over the threshold. This amount will automatically be deducted from your salary, at the same time as tax and National Insurance.

Yes! An increasing number of full-time university or college degree courses offer work experience. These are often known as a ‘year in industry’ or a ‘sandwich year’. These courses provide the opportunity to spend a year working in an industry related to your course. Usually taken in either Year 2 or 3 of your degree, they can provide you with experience to equip you for employment.

Degree or higher apprenticeships are great options if you’re already confident of the career you wish to pursue. These provide on-the-job experience and a higher education qualification.

Some students take advantage of the long summer to complete an internship or get other work experience to boost their employability skills.

There are many ways you can earn money whilst you’re studying your qualification. Many institutions offer flexible, part-time working opportunities for students in roles such as Student Ambassador or taking up flexible roles on campus. In addition to the financial benefits, working part-time can help build up skills and experience to add to your CV.

If you’re studying a degree apprenticeship, you’ll be paid a wage whilst you complete this.