First-generation students
Students who do not have parents or carers who have attended university themselves sometimes find it useful to have additional information and help when making their decisions and applying to higher education.
Information and advice pages
First-generation students
Students who do not have parents or carers who have attended university themselves sometimes find it useful to have additional information and help when making their decisions and applying to higher education.
Food science and nutrition 2026 personal statement guide
Demonstrate your enthusiasm and aptitude for a degree in food science, and give admissions tutors a taste of what whets your appetite about this subject.
Foundation apprenticeships
Foundation apprenticeships are available if you’re in your 5th or 6th year at secondary school in Scotland.
General visa and immigration information for studying outside of the UK
What you need to know about visas and immigration if you're going to study outside of the UK.
Get your finances uni-ready
It’s almost time to go to university, but it’s super important to get your finances in order first. Tick these off your list before you start uni and you’ll be well on your way to being in control of your own money.
Going back to uni or repeating a year
If you’ve studied before and are returning to university or you’re repeating a year, this can affect your student finance.
Graduate visa
After you’ve studied in the UK, and achieved a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, you can apply for a graduate visa. Discover what is it, how to apply, what the requirements are, and how long it might take.
HE provider good practice briefing for care experienced students
This is for staff working in universities and colleges. It outlines the common challenges for students who are care experienced (CE) and provides examples of good practice found around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education (HE).
HE provider good practice briefing for estranged students
This good practice briefing is written for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new flag to identify estranged students in the UCAS application for 2023 entry. We have worked with Stand Alone to outline the common challenges for these students, share examples of good practice being done around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.
HE provider good practice briefing for refugees, asylum seekers, and students with limited leave to remain
This briefing is for staff working in universities and colleges, supporting the introduction of the new UCAS flag to identify applicants who are refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain in the UK. We have worked with STAR Network, Refugee Education UK and We Belong to outline the common challenges for these students, share good practice around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.
HE provider good practice briefing for students from UK Armed Forces Families (Service children)
This briefing is for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new UCAS flag to identify students from UK Armed Forces families, from 2023 entry. We have worked with the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance and the Ministry of Defence to outline the common challenges for these students, share good practice around the UK, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.
HE provider good practice briefing for students in receipt of free school meals (FSM)
This briefing is for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new UCAS flag to identify applicants who have been in receipt of free school meals (FSM). Here, we outline the common challenges for these students, share examples of good practice around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.
HE provider good practice briefing for students who participated in WP and outreach activities
This briefing is for staff working in universities and colleges. Here, we outline common challenges for students who participated in widening participation (WP) and outreach activities, and share examples of good practice being done around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education.
HE provider good practice briefing for students with parenting responsibilities
This briefing is for staff working in universities and colleges to support the introduction of the new UCAS flag to identify students with parenting responsibilities from 2023 entry. Here, we outline the common challenges for these students, share good practice around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.
HE provider good practice briefing for students with care responsibilities
This good practice briefing is written for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new UCAS flag to identify students with caring responsibilities from 2023 entry. We have worked with the Carers Trust to outline the common challenges for these students, share examples of good practice being done around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.
Helping students find worthwhile work experience placements
It’s not always easy to secure work experience placements, but it is worth the effort, and it pays to start from as early as Year 9. Here’s how to ensure their placement is worthwhile, suitable, and gives them something useful to take away at the end.
Higher apprenticeships in Northern Ireland
Higher apprenticeships are available in Northern Ireland if you are already employed, or about to take up paid employment. Higher apprenticeships are available from Levels 4 – 7.
Higher Technical Qualifications
Find out what Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are, who they’re for, and what and where you can study.