What Is a Degree Apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship is a higher education route in the UK that combines a full university degree with paid employment. You work for a real company, earn a real salary, and graduate with a real degree — all without paying a penny in tuition fees. For many students, it is the most financially sensible path into a professional career available in the UK today.

This guide explains everything: what degree apprenticeships are, how they work day to day, who offers them, and how to apply.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship is a programme jointly designed by an employer and a university. You are employed full-time by the company and study part-time at university — typically one day per week or in block release periods. At the end of the programme, you graduate with a full bachelor's or master's degree, exactly the same qualification as any other student at that university.

The key difference from a traditional university degree: you are paid throughout, and you pay nothing for tuition. The employer funds the degree through the government's Apprenticeship Levy. You graduate debt-free, with years of professional experience, and — in most cases — a standing job offer from the employer you trained with.

Degree apprenticeships were introduced in England in 2015 and have grown rapidly. In 2026, there are programmes available across technology, finance, engineering, healthcare, law, data science, business management, architecture, and more.

How does a degree apprenticeship work day to day?

The structure varies by employer and programme, but the typical arrangement is:

• Four days per week working at the employer — doing real work in your team, not shadowing or making coffee
• One day per week studying at a partner university, either in person or online
• Some programmes use block release instead — you work for several weeks, then attend university for a full week
• The programme lasts three to six years depending on the level and subject
• You complete a final endpoint assessment — a project, presentation, or professional exam — to achieve the apprenticeship standard alongside your degree

You are a full employee of the company. You receive a salary (typically £18,000–£30,000 for the first year, rising as you progress), holiday entitlement, and access to employee benefits. Many employers also pay for books, equipment, and travel to university.

The levels explained

Degree apprenticeships are classified by level, which corresponds to the qualification you earn:

Who pays for a degree apprenticeship?

You pay nothing. The cost of your degree is covered through a combination of the government's Apprenticeship Levy and direct employer contributions.

Here is how it works: large employers in the UK pay a 0.5% levy on their payroll into a government fund. That fund can only be spent on apprenticeship training — including university tuition for degree apprentices. The employer draws down from their levy pot to pay your university fees directly. You never see the money and you are never billed.

For smaller employers who do not pay the levy, the government co-funds 95% of training costs and the employer covers the remaining 5%. Either way, you pay nothing.

You also do not take out a student loan. Unlike traditional university, there is no debt to repay at the end — because there was no debt to begin with.

Who offers degree apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeships are offered by hundreds of employers across the UK, from global corporations to NHS trusts to specialist engineering firms. Some of the most prominent include:

• Technology: Google, Amazon, BT, IBM, BAE Systems, Capgemini, DXC Technology, CGI
• Finance & Professional Services: KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY, Barclays, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Lloyds Banking Group
• Engineering & Defence: Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Airbus, Network Rail, Siemens, Arup, Leonardo
• Healthcare: NHS, AstraZeneca, GSK, Roche
• Law: Clifford Chance, Pinsent Masons, Womble Bond Dickinson
• Public Sector: Civil Service, local councils, Ministry of Defence

Programmes are available in every region of the UK, though London and major cities have the highest concentration of opportunities. Some programmes are available fully remote or with flexible location requirements.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements vary by employer and programme. For Level 6 (degree) apprenticeships, typical requirements are:

• A-Levels: Usually BBC to AAA depending on the employer and sector. Technology and finance programmes at top employers tend to be more competitive.
• GCSEs: Most employers require grade 4 or 5 (C or above) in English and Maths.
• BTECs: Many employers accept BTEC qualifications, particularly in engineering and technology.
• Age: There is no upper age limit on apprenticeships. Many programmes recruit people already in work alongside school leavers.

Entry requirements are often lower than for the equivalent university course, because employers also assess attitude, potential, and fit — not just grades. Many students who did not get the grades for a traditional university course have been accepted onto degree apprenticeships at top employers.

Unlike UCAS, there is no centralised application system. Each employer has its own process, application window, and timeline.

How to apply

Applying for a degree apprenticeship is different from applying to university through UCAS. Here is the process:

• Find programmes: Use ApprentiFinder to search by field, level, location, and salary. Each listing links directly to the employer's application portal.
• Apply directly to the employer: There is no central system. Each employer has its own online application form.
• Typical process: Online application → psychometric or aptitude tests → video interview → assessment centre → offer
• Apply early: Many large employers (KPMG, PwC, Google) open applications in September for programmes starting the following autumn. Cohorts often fill on a rolling basis — waiting until spring can mean missing out entirely.
• Apply to both UCAS and apprenticeships simultaneously: This is common and sensible. Many students keep both options open until A-Level results in August.

There is no limit on how many programmes you can apply for. Many applicants submit five to fifteen applications simultaneously, just as they would with university offers.