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After graduation: Visa, graduate schemes, and jobs

What to do once you graduate from your course is always a difficult decision. Here we highlight your options, and give you all the information you need: how to apply, how much it costs, how long it takes, and more help about starting your career.

Alternatives to university

Going to uni or doing an apprenticeship isn’t right for everybody. When researching post-16 plans, it’s important your child weighs up all their options to make the right decision for them in the long-term.

Applying for a business apprenticeship

Do you want to build business knowledge while gaining hands-on experience? Whether you're looking at a career in business administration, operations, or marketing, apprenticeships are the perfect way to get your foot in the door with some of the biggest players in the market today. Here, we walk you through applying for a business apprenticeship, with top tips from employers about what they look for in an apprentice.

Applying for a creative apprenticeship

Do you want to start a career in the creative industries? The creative industries cover a whole host of careers, and apprenticeships too. From craftspeople, to TV, film and radio and everything in between. Whether you're looking to learn practical skills, media processes or management techniques, an apprenticeship in the creative industries can give you the qualifications and experience you need to set you up with a career for life.

Applying for a digital and IT apprenticeship

Looking to start a career in the digital and IT sector? There's no better way to immerse yourself in the tech world than an apprenticeship, where you will get access to industry-standard tools, equipment and work on live projects on a daily basis. Take a look through our digital and IT apprenticeship application guide below, and find out the first steps of your journey into a future in the tech space.

Applying for a healthcare apprenticeship

Are you interested in a career in healthcare? Whether you're looking at frontline dentistry, nursing, or a behind the scenes in the lab with science and medicine - an apprenticeship can help you get there, bringing practical experience together with academic qualifications, it could be the pathway for you.

Applying for a legal apprenticeship

Do you want to start a legal career among experienced professionals? Legal apprenticeships, including the 6-year solicitor apprenticeship, are the perfect way to gain practical skills and real-world context on the route to becoming a qualified solicitor. In this guide, we walk you through applying for one type of legal apprenticeship, the solicitor apprenticeship - which includes a Law Degree and all the professional examinations you need to qualify - with top tips from employers about what they look for in an apprentice.

Applying for an engineering apprenticeship

Are you eager to take on a career in engineering? Engineering apprenticeships offer students at all levels the opportunity to acquire hands-on skills and real-world experience while on the path towards becoming a qualified engineer. In this guide, we'll take you through the process of applying for an engineering apprenticeship, including invaluable advice from employers on what they seek in an apprentice.

Apprenticeship FAQs

Wondering where to start with apprenticeships? We’ve put together some frequently asked questions about applying for vacancies, how they work, salary and benefits, and degree apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships

Interested in an apprenticeship? Check out some of the great resources, useful hints and tips, and vacancies UCAS has to offer.

Apprenticeships in Wales

Everything you need to know about apprenticeships in Wales, including what they are, how they work, and more.

Architecture and planning 2026 personal statement guide

If you’re applying for architecture and planning, outline your reasons for wanting to study the course. The built environment encompasses lots of courses and professions, so be as specific as possible about your interests and enthusiasms.

Azrah, Level 6 clinical trials specialist degree apprentice

Azrah Bashir is in her second year of a clinical trials specialist degree apprenticeship at HMR London (Hammersmith Medicines Research); a company specialising in phase 1 and early phase 2 clinical trials. At the end of her five-year course she will get a BSc Applied Bioscience degree from the University of Kent.

Balancing work and study

As long as it doesn’t take up too much study time, finding a part-time job is a great way to gain more money, less debt, and new skills for your CV.

Biology 2026 personal statement guide

Biology admissions tutors say it’s all about genuine passion, enthusiasm, and curiosity. The key to writing a successful biology personal statement is to show you understand what you're applying for, along with some evidence of your enthusiasm, and commitment to the subject.