In short
- You don’t always need A‑levels. Each university sets its own entry requirements, and many accept other qualifications or experience.
- The most common route is a degree with a foundation year: an extra first year that prepares you for the rest of the degree.
- Other routes are an Access to Higher Education Diploma at a college, or starting with a Higher National Diploma (HND).
- For courses starting from 1 January 2027, a foundation year that’s part of a degree can be paid for with student finance, if you’re eligible.
What universities look for
Every university decides who it accepts, so entry requirements vary from course to course. As well as A‑levels, many accept other qualifications at the same level, such as an Access to Higher Education Diploma, a BTEC or a T Level.
Some universities also look at your work and life experience, and may invite you to an interview. Some courses ask for GCSE English and maths, or an equivalent. Always check the entry requirements for the course you want.
If you don’t have any of these, the routes below are built for you.
A degree with a foundation year
A foundation year is an extra year added to the start of a degree. It builds the study skills and subject knowledge you need, and you pass it before moving on to the rest of the course. A full‑time degree with a foundation year usually takes 4 years.
You apply to the university once for the whole course, so you don’t need a new university application after the foundation year. You still apply for student finance each year.
How it’s paid for
For courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, a foundation year that’s part of a bachelor’s degree can be paid for with student finance, if you’re eligible.
Fees for a foundation year are capped lower in classroom‑based subjects, such as business, social science and humanities: up to £5,760 a year, compared with up to £9,790 in other subjects. So a foundation year in these subjects uses less of your lifetime tuition fee loan, which is currently up to £39,160.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a college course that prepares adults for university. It’s at the same level as A‑levels, and usually takes 1 year. You then apply to university for a 3‑year degree.
How it’s paid for
If you’re 19 or over, you can usually get an Advanced Learner Loan for it. If you then complete a university course that’s eligible for student finance, Student Finance England writes off what you still owe on the Access course loan. Some people can get a grant instead, which you don’t pay back. The college can tell you what you can get.
Starting with an HND
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a practical, work‑related course that usually takes 2 years full‑time. Entry requirements are set by each college or university, and some HNDs accept students without A‑levels.
An HND is a qualification in its own right. You can also turn it into a full degree with a 1‑year top‑up course. Our guide HND, top‑up or full degree explains how the two fit together.
Which route suits you?
| Route | Full‑time length | Suits you if |
|---|---|---|
| Degree with a foundation year | Usually 4 years | You want to start university straight away |
| Access course, then a degree | 1 year at college, then 3 at university | You’d like to build your confidence at college first |
| HND, then a top‑up | 2 years, then 1 year | You’d like a qualification after 2 years, with the option to carry on |
Can I get student finance?
Not having A‑levels doesn’t affect your student finance. What matters is where you live, your age, your course and any funding you’ve had before. For example, you must be under 60 on the first day of your course to get a tuition fee loan.
Our guide Am I eligible for student finance? explains each rule.
Official sources
- Student finance for foundation years
- Who’s eligible for student finance from January 2027
- Advanced Learner Loan
- What qualification levels mean
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.