University
3–4 years (sometimes more). A full degree — BA, BSc, MEng and more. Live away from home or commute. UCAS is how you apply.
Tuition loan available
Maintenance loan
GH
Go Higher
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
Your free guide to
What's
Next?
Higher Education,
explained simply.
Everything you need to know about going to university, college, or doing an apprenticeship — explained clearly, honestly, and for you.
📚 Your options
💰 Finance explained
🤝 Support available
👆
How to use this guide
Use the arrows below or swipe to move between sections. Tap ☰ to jump to any section.
15 sections
~10 min
No jargon
West Yorkshire focus
Section 01
Your options
after school.
You don't have to go to uni. Here's everything on the table — and none of them is a "wrong" choice.
🛠️
Degree Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn. A full degree and real work experience. You're employed from day one — no tuition fees for you to pay.
Earn a salary
No tuition fees to you
📋
Further Education College
HNC, HND, Foundation Degrees — often 1–2 years. Closer to home, lower cost. Can lead to a top-up degree at university later.
Lower cost
Flexible routes
✈️
Gap Year
Defer your university offer by a year to travel, work, or volunteer. Most universities allow this — just check when you apply. Your place is secured.
Deferred entry
Place held
💡
None of these paths is better than the others. The right choice is the one that fits your goals — not anyone else's expectations.
Section 02
Another route in
University-level
study at
college.
You don't have to go to a university to study at university level. Colleges across West Yorkshire offer genuine higher education — and for many people, it's simply the better fit.
What is HE in FE?
HE in FE means Higher Education delivered inside a Further Education college. The qualifications carry the same weight as a university award — but the environment, cost, and experience can be very different.
Same qualification level
Different environment
Qualifications you can study
- ✓Foundation Degree (FdA / FdSc) — 2 years. Equivalent to the first two years of a full degree. Top-up to a full honours degree in one further year at university.
- ✓HNC — Higher National Certificate — 1 year full-time. Level 4. A strong stepping stone into work or further study.
- ✓HND — Higher National Diploma — 2 years full-time. Level 5. Often accepted for top-up to a full degree at university.
- ✓Full Honours Degree — Some colleges deliver complete 3-year degrees, validated by a partner university.
Why college might suit you better
- ✓Smaller classes — far more intimate than university lecture halls, with greater tutor access
- ✓Stay closer to home — lower living costs, keep your support network, no need to relocate
- ✓Lower tuition fees — many college HE courses cost less than the full £9,535/yr university cap
- ✓Familiar environment — continuing at a college you know can feel more manageable and less daunting
- ✓Vocational focus — courses are closely linked to specific industries and real job roles
- ✓Flexible study — more part-time and evening options, suited to carers and those who work
GHWY partner colleges offering HE
Bradford College
Calderdale College
Kirklees College
Leeds City College
Leeds College of Building
Wakefield College
University Centre Leeds
💡
Student Finance England loans — tuition and maintenance — are available for most HE in FE courses, exactly as they are for university. You are not missing out financially by choosing college.
Section 03
Earn while you learn
Degree
Apprentice-
ships.
A real job. A full degree. No tuition fees. You're employed from day one, earn a salary throughout, and graduate with the same qualification as someone who went the traditional university route.
£0
Tuition fees to you — employer and government pay
Full
degree
Bachelor's or master's, awarded by a university
What it actually looks like
- ✓You apply directly to an employer — not through UCAS. It's a job application, not a university application
- ✓Around 80% of your time is at work; 20% is study — usually one or two days a week at university, or in block weeks
- ✓Takes three to six years depending on the course and level
- ✓You finish with an End Point Assessment — and a degree that carries exactly the same weight as a traditional one
Available across many industries
Engineering
Nursing & Healthcare
Digital & Tech
Finance & Law
Business Management
Teaching
Architecture
Social Work
Worth knowing
- !It's competitive. Places are limited and open to all ages — you're applying alongside adults already in work, not just other school leavers.
- !No fixed deadline. Vacancies appear all year — particularly from January onwards. Check regularly and apply as soon as you see something relevant.
- !You can do both. You're free to apply for degree apprenticeships and traditional university courses at the same time — keep your options open.
🔍
Search vacancies at UCAS Degree Apprenticeships ↗ or Find an Apprenticeship ↗. Also search employer websites directly — many of the best roles aren't on aggregators.
Section 04
Getting in:
UCAS.
UCAS is the system used to apply to most UK universities. Here's how it works.
The basics
- ✓Up to 5 choices — pick up to 5 courses at up to 5 universities
- ✓Personal Statement — why you want to study this subject (4,000 characters)
- ✓Predicted grades — your school confirms your expected grades
- ✓Reference — a teacher or tutor writes a supporting statement for you
Key dates
-
1
October
Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and vet courses
-
2
January
Main deadline for most courses — don't miss this one
-
3
Summer (after results)
Clearing opens — find a course if your results go differently than planned
🏆
You'll hold a Firm (first choice) and an Insurance (backup) offer. You can only hold two at a time.
🔍
Open Days are free. Walk the campus, talk to current students, and see if it feels right — before you commit to anything.
⭐
Contextual offers can mean lower grade requirements for some students, depending on your background, school or personal circumstances. Always check each university's entry requirements carefully.
Section 05
If results day goes differently
Clearing:
not plan B.
Plan smart.
Clearing isn't a consolation prize — it's a legitimate route used by tens of thousands of students every year to find the right course. Here's how it works.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is a UCAS service that matches students to courses with available places — after A-level results are released in August. It opens to everyone who doesn't hold a firm offer, missed their grades, or simply wants to reconsider their options.
Opens August (results day)
Closes October
Who can use Clearing?
- ✓You didn't receive any offers — or chose to decline them
- ✓Your grades were lower than expected and you missed your firm offer
- ✓Your grades were higher than expected and you want to reconsider (Adjustment)
- ✓You applied late, after the January deadline
- ✓You withdrew your original application and want to start fresh
How it works — step by step
-
1
Check your UCAS Track
Log in to UCAS Track on results day. If you're eligible for Clearing, a Clearing number will appear automatically.
-
2
Search available courses
Use UCAS Course Search and filter by "Clearing vacancies." Thousands of courses are listed, including many at highly regarded universities.
-
3
Call the university directly
Ring the university's Clearing hotline — not the general switchboard. Have your Clearing number and grades to hand. Be confident: you're applying, not begging.
-
4
Add your Clearing choice in Track
Once a university makes you a verbal offer, add them as your Clearing choice in UCAS Track to confirm it officially.
💡
Don't just call one university. Ring several, compare what they offer, and don't feel pressured to accept on the spot. A good university will give you time to decide.
📍
West Yorkshire universities and colleges all participate in Clearing. — check each one's Clearing page directly on results day.
Section 06
Tuition:
how it works.
You don't pay a penny upfront. Here's how it really works.
2025/26 maximum (England)
£9,535
Per year. Student Finance England pays this directly to the university on your behalf. You never handle the money — it goes straight from the government to the uni.
From 2026/27 the maximum rises to £9,790 and will increase annually with inflation.
Think of it as a
graduate contribution
linked to what you earn.
You only repay once you earn over the threshold. Earn less than that? You pay nothing at all — the loan is paused, not cancelled, but the pressure is off.
How much you repay (9% above threshold)
£25k or under
£0/mo
£30k/yr
~£37/mo
£40k/yr
~£112/mo
£55k/yr
~£225/mo
🕰️
After 40 years (Plan 5, 2023 entry+), whatever is left is written off — regardless of how much you've repaid. Most graduates never repay the full amount.
📍
Threshold in England: £25,000/year. Repayments stop automatically if your income drops below it. Taken through payroll like tax — you never miss a payment by accident.
Section 07
Living costs:
Maintenance
Loan.
This loan covers rent, food and day-to-day life — it's paid directly into your bank account each term.
2025/26 maximum amounts
Away from home — outside London
£10,544
Away from home — in London
£13,762
Living at home with parents
£8,877
What affects how much you get?
- ✓Household income — the lower your family income, the more you qualify for
- ✓Where you'll live — London, outside London, or at home with parents
- ✓Year of study — some adjustments apply in later years
💳
Paid three times a year — at the start of each term. It lands in your bank account and you manage it. Plan ahead for the gaps between payments.
📋
Apply through Student Finance England at studentfinance.gov.uk — from March/April in the year you start. Apply early!
Section 08
Free money
exists.
Bursaries and scholarships are grants — you never repay them.
University bursaries
Most universities offer their own bursaries — especially for students from lower household incomes. These are on top of your student finance, paid automatically.
£500–£3,000/yr typical
Non-repayable
NHS Learning Support Fund (health courses)
Studying nursing, midwifery, or allied health? You can apply for a non-repayable NHS training grant of £5,000/year, plus additional payments for some specialist subjects — on top of standard student finance.
+ extra for eligible studentsSubject and merit scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships for strong grades, specific subjects (STEM, arts, sport), or being the first in your family at university.
Search your chosen university's scholarship pageExternal grants & charities
Hundreds of trusts and charities offer grants based on your subject, background, region, or circumstances. Use Turn2us or the Scholarship Hub to search.
turn2us.org.uk
scholarshiphub.co.uk
Section 09
You're not
on your own.
Universities have a wide safety net — financial and emotional. Here's what's there for you.
🧠
Mental health support
Free counselling services, mental health advisers, and crisis support at every university. You can self-refer. Wellbeing teams are separate from your tutors — fully confidential.
💰
Hardship funds
Struggling financially mid-year? Universities have hardship and emergency funds. These are non-repayable grants, not loans. Ask student services — most people don't know they exist.
🍎
Food pantries
Many universities run free food pantries. No stigma, minimal paperwork. Students' Unions often run them — just turn up.
📚
Academic support
Writing centres, maths support, library skills, peer tutoring. You don't need to be struggling to use them — they help everyone do better.
🏡
Housing advice
Students' Unions offer free tenancy advice, help with landlords, and support if you face housing problems. Free and confidential.
Section 10
DSA:
Disabled
Students'
Allowance.
Non-repayable support for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health difficulties or specific learning differences.
What DSA covers
- ✓Specialist equipment — ergonomic keyboard, noise-cancelling headphones, assistive software
- ✓Non-medical helpers — note-takers, sign language interpreters, study skills tutors
- ✓Travel costs — if your disability affects how you travel to university
- ✓General disability support — a catch-all pot for other extra costs related to your condition
Who qualifies?
Dyslexia / Dyspraxia
ADHD / Autism
Mental health conditions
Physical disabilities
Long-term illness
Visual/hearing impairment
You don't need a formal diagnosis to start the process — a GP letter or school evidence can be enough to begin your application.
🔑
Apply through Student Finance England alongside your other student finance. A Needs Assessor meets you to plan your support — free and confidential.
🏛️
Universities' own Disability Services arrange exam adjustments (extra time, separate rooms), accessible accommodation, and ongoing pastoral support. Register with them early.
Section 11
Care leavers:
extra support
at every step.
If you've been in care, there's a dedicated package of support waiting for you.
🏠
365-day accommodation
You don't have to leave halls over summer, Christmas, or Easter. Universities are strongly encouraged — and most now guarantee — that care-experienced students can stay in university accommodation year-round. You always have a home base.
💷
Care Leaver Bursary
Local authority bursary (England) — one-off, minimum
£2,000
University bursaries (many offer £1k–£5k+/yr)
Extra
All non-repayable grants — on top of your standard student finance.
🤝 Named Personal Adviser
If you're under 25 and a care leaver, you're entitled to a named Personal Adviser through your local council — even after turning 18. They can help you navigate finances, housing, and university transitions.
📝 Virtual School Head
Your local authority has a Virtual School Head (VSH) whose role includes supporting care-experienced young people into higher education. They can help fund laptops, travel to open days, and application support.
🌟
Tell UCAS you're a care leaver when you apply — fully confidential, and it unlocks extra support at every university on your list. You don't have to navigate this alone.
Section 12
More
support for
you.
Your circumstances matter. Here's more support you might not know about.
If you're estranged from your parents, you can apply for Independent Student Status through Student Finance England. Your loan is based on your income only — not your parents'. Most universities offer additional bursaries. Stand Alone charity (standalone.org.uk) can support you through the process.
Tell your university early. Many offer Young Carer bursaries, flexible attendance arrangements, and a named welfare contact. You don't have to choose between caring and studying.
Student Finance includes a Parents' Learning Allowance (up to £2,024/yr) and a Childcare Grant covering up to 85% of eligible childcare costs (up to £342.24/week for two or more children). Many universities have on-campus nurseries and dedicated parent and carer support advisers.
Eligibility for student finance depends on your immigration status. If you have Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection, you're likely eligible for the same loans as home students. UKCISA (ukcisa.org.uk) has detailed guidance. Many universities also have dedicated scholarships for displaced students.
You're not alone — over half of UK undergraduates are in this position. Many universities offer dedicated bursaries and mentoring for first-generation students. Go Higher West Yorkshire's own programme is specifically designed to support you through this.
The golden rule
Always disclose your circumstances when applying — to UCAS, to Student Finance England, and to the university directly. The more they know, the more support they can give you. Everything is confidential.
Section 13
See it for yourself
Open Days
in West
Yorkshire.
Every GHWY partner university and college runs free open days. Visit, ask questions, talk to students — it's the single best thing you can do before you apply.
Book your open day — tap to visit
Bradford
University of Bradford
Bradford
Bradford College
Halifax
UC Calderdale
Huddersfield
University of Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Kirklees College
Leeds
University of Leeds
Leeds
Leeds Arts University
Leeds
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds
Leeds College of Building
Leeds
University Centre Leeds
Leeds
Leeds Conservatoire
Leeds
Leeds Trinity University
Wakefield
Wakefield College
💡
Open days are free and usually run 10am–4pm. Book early — popular sessions fill up fast. Can't make a date? Most offer private campus tours throughout the year too.
Section 14
Life at
university.
It's more than lectures. Here's what to expect day-to-day.
Accommodation
Some students move into halls, but lots stay at home and commute. Both are normal — choose what works for your budget, travel and support network.
Clubs & Societies
Hundreds of free clubs — sports, creative, academic, social. Usually joining for £1–5/yr.
Part-time Work
Most students work 10–15 hrs/week. Many unis have their own student jobs boards.
Campus Facilities
Gyms, cafés, libraries, medical centres — often subsidised for students.
Commuting
Commuting is common, especially in West Yorkshire. It can cut costs and keep you close to home while you study.
Students' Union (SU)
Every university has a Students' Union — run by students, for students. Free legal advice, representation if things go wrong academically, social events, and a powerful advocate on your side.
Independent from the university
💬
Student life tip: The friends you make in Week 1 might not be your friends for life — and that's completely normal. Most people find their people by the end of first year. Give it time.
📸
Real student stories from West Yorkshire. Follow us on Instagram for honest accounts of higher education — from people just like you.
@gohigherwestyorks ↗
Section 15
Your next
steps.
Start here. One step at a time.
-
1
Explore your options
Use UCAS Course Search and the National Apprenticeship Service to browse courses and apprenticeships that match your interests and goals.
-
2
Attend open days
Book free open days. Talk to current students — not just admissions staff. Ask the questions that matter to you.
-
3
Apply via UCAS
Register at ucas.com and start your application from September of Year 13. Get your personal statement reviewed by a teacher before you submit.
-
4
Apply for Student Finance
Apply at studentfinance.gov.uk from spring. Apply even if you're not sure — you can decline it later. Don't miss the window.
-
5
Investigate bursaries and support
Search each university's scholarship page. Apply for DSA early if relevant. Disclose your circumstances. Contact care leaver support as soon as possible.
Useful links
GH
Go Higher
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
You've got this. 🎓
Whatever your background or situation — there's a path in higher education for you. We're here to help you find it.