Should I go to university or do an apprenticeship?

Deciding what to do when you leave school or college isn't easy. Do you go to university and get a degree, or choose an apprenticeship and earn while you learn? Explore which route would be best for you

If you're still unsure, remember that you're choosing between the two experiences, not whether to gain a degree. You'll still be able to achieve a university qualification with a degree apprenticeship.

You'll also find that college courses are available if you pursue an apprenticeship at the FE (further education) level.

Which option is most popular?

It's true to say that higher education (HE) remains the most popular option.

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), around 2.94 million students attended UK universities in 2022/23.

However, attitudes towards apprenticeships have evolved, and they're now recognised as a viable alternative to university. This is reflected in the number of people deciding on this route to employment.

The latest government apprenticeship and trainee figures (November 2024) show that 50,110 apprentices started degree apprenticeships to Bachelors (Level 6) and Masters (Level 7) standards in England during 2023/24. This is a 7% increase on the previous year.

What are the main advantages of each route?

The benefits of university over apprenticeships

• choose from thousands of degrees
• a more open-ended career in terms of future opportunities
• gain independence by living away from home
• acquire a range of soft skills transferable to any job role
• high earning potential for many graduate roles
• develop specialist knowledge for careers in academia
• enjoy the full social experience of university
• have access to cutting-edge research facilities
• receive expert career guidance and support.

The benefits of apprenticeships over university

• enter the world of work and gain valuable on-the-job training
• earn a salary as you study for your qualification
• no tuition fees to pay or student debt
• make industry contacts from the first day
• a direct entry into a specific career
• fast-track your career with work-based learning.

Which would be the best fit for my lifestyle?

University culture

Deciding to go to university opens up a range of options, including:

• moving to a new city/part of the country - see 7 most popular UK student cities
• getting involved with clubs and societies
• experiencing living by yourself or with other students/coursemates - read about student accommodation
• getting a part-time job alongside your studies
• setting up a side hustle
• managing your own time.

Life as an apprentice

You'll need to be disciplined and well-organised to balance your work and study, including:

• being prepared to work during the day and study at night and on weekends
• prioritising work and managing deadlines
• attending university for lectures and seminars one day a week
• going into an office each day or working from home
• socialising with your team and co-workers
• taking on board feedback from your mentor(s).

What subjects are on offer?

If you choose to study at university, you can pick from a range of courses. This can be useful if you're unsure what to do after graduation, as you can opt for a broader subject and keep your options open.

You might also be surprised at the scope of apprenticeships on offer. They are no longer dominated by manual trades such as construction and engineering - instead, they span a range of industries, including:

• accountancy
• banking
• business
• HR
• IT
• law
• marketing
• media
• nursing
• retail
• sales
• social care
• transport.

What will I learn?

Course and apprenticeship content depends on the subject you choose to study or train in. Each degree and apprenticeship will be different, so do some research to discover what each involves.

When comparing university courses and apprenticeships, ensure the content and resulting qualifications meet your career needs.

Although vocational degrees are rising, university study primarily focuses on education and research.

Following a theory-based approach, you'll learn about your subject through lectures and seminars, as well as workshops, to graduate with a Bachelors degree. You'll then head out into the world of work to test your knowledge and put into practice what you've learned.

Apprenticeships appeal to those looking for alternatives to university as they take a more practical approach to learning. You'll focus on training for a specific career and learn your trade by doing the job. You'll gain hands-on experience and have the opportunity to apply your skills immediately.

On completion, you may hold an NVQ, HNC or HND, while higher apprenticeships can lead to a foundation degree and degree apprenticeships can result in a full honours degree.

What job opportunities are available?

A university education allows you to target a broader range of careers than you can through an apprenticeship, but both will stand you in good stead when getting a job.

Apprenticeships are restrictive because the training and skills you gain are specific to a particular industry or role. An apprenticeship will also likely tie you to the employer for a specified number of years. However, if you're confident in your career choice, you'll be well-equipped to take advantage of any opportunities to progress.

Remember that you'll need a degree to enter certain professions - for example, sectors such as healthcare, business and science. These professions include:

• ecologist
• hospital doctor
• nanotechnologist
• psychotherapist
• psychiatrist
• surgeon.

Other sectors benefit from the practical, on-the-job training that higher and degree apprenticeships provide, such as roles in:

• engineering and manufacturing
• property and construction
• the media.

Browse our job profiles to discover whether you'll need to pursue university or an apprenticeship for your chosen career.

How much will it cost?

Apprenticeships undoubtedly win this round. If you're under 25, the government and your employer will fund your training, so you don't have to pay a penny.

On the other hand, studying for a degree will cost you up to £9,535 per year in tuition fees, plus additional living expenses. You'll undoubtedly leave university with student debt - however, you won't start your repayments until you earn a minimum of £25,000 a year.

Read more about how the system works at MoneySavingExpert - Student Loans Decoded.

Explore student loans and finance.

What will I earn?

If you opt for university, you'll have to wait until graduation to earn a full-time wage.

According to the High Fliers report on The Graduate Market in 2024, the average graduate starting salary with one of the UK's leading employers is £34,000, an increase of £500 on the previous year.

As an apprentice, you'll earn while you learn and receive at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices.

The rate is £6.40 for those under 19 (from April 2024). This rate also applies to those aged 19 or over in their first year of training.

Apprentices can expect to earn around £15,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on your training level and the job sector you're working in.

The Sutton Trust examined the earning potential of university graduates and apprentices. It found that apprentices can expect to earn thousands more in their lifetime than undergraduates from non-Russell Group universities.

Independent employment researchers Incomes Data Research (IDR) found that starting salaries for degree apprentices increased by almost a third (31%) between 2018 and 2024. The findings from surveying 88 major UK employers showed how the gap between apprentice and graduate pay has narrowed in recent years.

Discover the best paying apprenticeship sectors in 2025.

How do I make the right decision?

It's a tough choice, and one option isn't necessarily better. Consider your current situation, including your qualifications, what you'd like to study, your finances, and what you'd like to do in the future.

Also, think about your personality type. Are you an academic or a visual learner? Do you learn better through reading or hands-on experience? Research how you like to operate and choose the best option for you.

To help narrow it down, you can:

• attend university open days to get a feel for student life
• compare UK universities using a range of factors
• get advice on how to choose the right degree
• take the Job Match quiz to discover which careers may suit you
• browse our job profiles by sector to explore routes into different jobs
• speak to friends and family about your options
• contact a careers adviser, such as through the National Careers Service.

Find out more

• Consider other alternatives to university.
• Explore getting into university and university life.
• Get the lowdown on what is an apprenticeship?