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Degree Apprenticeships: Earn a Degree While You Work

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A young electrician in a hard hat working on wiring
Photo: @emmages / Unsplash

A degree apprenticeship combines a paid job with university-level study. It’s competitive, demanding and, for the right person, a great alternative to full-time university.

The short version

  • Degree apprenticeships in England are at levels 6 and 7, equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
  • You’re an employee, earning a wage with holiday pay, and you get at least 20% of your normal working hours for training and study.
  • Your training is paid for by your employer and government funding, so you don’t pay tuition fees.
  • From 1 April 2026, the apprentice minimum wage is £8.00 an hour for apprentices under 19 or in their first year.
  • You apply to employers directly, often through GOV.UK’s Find an apprenticeship service, rather than through a standard UCAS application.

A degree apprenticeship lets you work for an employer, earn a salary and study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the same time. They’re available in areas such as engineering, digital and technology, business, healthcare, construction and law. Here’s how they work in England.

The basics

According to GOV.UK:

  • Levels: degree apprenticeships are at levels 6 and 7, equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Higher apprenticeships cover levels 4 to 7.
  • Who can start one: you must be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education. You can apply while you’re still at school or college.
  • Pay: apprentices are employees who earn a wage and get holiday pay.
  • Study time: you get time for training and study related to your role, at least 20% of your normal working hours.
  • Length: apprenticeships take from 8 months to 6 years, depending on the type and level.

Your training is funded by your employer and the government, so you don’t pay tuition fees.

Pay

Employers often pay more than the legal minimum, especially for degree apprenticeships, but the floor is set by law. From 1 April 2026, GOV.UK lists the apprentice rate as £8.00 an hour. It applies to apprentices aged under 19, and to those aged 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship. After that first year, apprentices aged 19 or over are entitled to the minimum wage for their age.

Is it right for you?

It might suit you if you:

  • Know which career area you want to work in.
  • Like learning by doing and applying ideas straight away.
  • Want to avoid tuition fee loans.
  • Can manage a busy schedule of work and study.

Think carefully if you:

  • Aren’t sure which subject or career you want.
  • Want the full student experience of living away and studying full time.
  • Want a broad academic subject, like history or philosophy, that isn’t widely offered as an apprenticeship.

How to find and apply

  1. Search vacancies on GOV.UK’s Find an apprenticeship service, and look at employers’ own careers pages. UCAS also lists apprenticeship opportunities.
  2. Check the details: the job, the university or training provider, the qualification you’ll get, entry requirements and the location.
  3. Apply to the employer. Expect application forms, online tests, interviews and sometimes assessment centres.
  4. Keep options open. Many applicants apply to university through UCAS and to apprenticeships at the same time.

Study tip

Recruitment for degree apprenticeships often happens later than university applications, with many vacancies appearing from autumn through spring. Set up alerts so you don’t miss closing dates.

What to ask an employer

  • Which university or training provider delivers the degree?
  • How is study time organised, for example day release or blocks?
  • What support will I get from a mentor or line manager?
  • What happens at the end of the apprenticeship?

Comparing your options

A degree apprenticeship isn’t the only way to study while working. Part-time study with the Open University offers flexibility for people already in jobs, and our guide to student finance explains the costs of full-time university for comparison.

Questions students ask

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

GOV.UK says you need to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education to start one. Degree apprenticeships usually also ask for A levels or equivalent qualifications, set by the employer and university.

How long does a degree apprenticeship take?

Apprenticeships in general take from 8 months to 6 years depending on the type and level. Degree apprenticeships are at the longer end, often several years.

Is a degree apprenticeship easier than university?

Not usually. You’re doing a full-time job and degree-level study at the same time, which takes good organisation. In return, you finish with work experience, a degree and no tuition fee debt.

What happens after the apprenticeship?

Many apprentices stay with their employer, but it isn’t guaranteed. Your degree and experience are yours either way.

This guide is general information for students in the UK. Dates, fees and rules change, so always check the latest details with UCAS, GOV.UK, Student Finance England or your university or college before making decisions.

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