Pathway · Degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships: every step from Year 10 to your offer
A degree apprenticeship lets your child earn a salary and a degree, with no tuition fees. You apply to employers, not through UCAS, and the timing is different. Here is what matters when, and how we help.
We pair students with tutors who know the subject and the route, at the stages where it counts.
Facts checked against official sources on 6 November 2026.
Degree apprenticeships at a glance
- How you apply
- Like a job: to the employer, through Find an apprenticeship, UCAS’s apprenticeship search or the employer’s own site. University courses still go through UCAS.
- Levels
- Degree apprenticeships are Level 6 (a bachelor’s degree) and Level 7 (a master’s). Higher apprenticeships are Levels 4 and 5, like a foundation degree.
- Cost
- UCAS says the degree is fully paid for, so there is no cost to you. Apprentices can’t get student loans.
- Pay
- A salary. The apprentice minimum is £8 an hour from 1 April 2026, for under 19s and for the first year. Employers can pay more.
- Time
- Three to six years, about 20% studying and 80% working, according to UCAS.
- Timing
- Employers advertise all year, each with its own deadline. Some big ones recruit in a window: BAE Systems opens higher apprenticeships in November 2026 and degree apprenticeships in January 2027.
- Entry
- Set by each employer. Examples: Rolls-Royce asks for BBC at A-Level (112 UCAS points), BAE Systems for 5 GCSEs including Maths and English plus UCAS points.
- Level 7 funding
- From January 2026, UCAS says government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is limited to people aged 21 and under, with exceptions.
Start here
Which year is your child in?
Pick a year to see what to do now. The timeline below marks where you are.
Year 12: what to do now
Apply for support programmes, and explore
- Check Sutton Trust Access Apprenticeships: applications opened on 1 September 2026, with a closing day of 2 November
- Check the Social Mobility Foundation programme, which says Year 12 students can apply
- Book a UCAS Discovery event near you (2027 dates run from 22 February)
- Make Year 12 exams count: employers ask for UCAS points
The journey
The degree apprenticeship timeline
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1
Year 10 to 11
Strong GCSEs, explore the options
Most employers ask for GCSE Maths and English. Rolls-Royce, for example, asks for five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, Maths and Science.
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2
Year 12, September to December (you are here)
Support programmes open
Access Apprenticeships opened on 1 September 2026 and gives 2 November as its closing day. The Social Mobility Foundation’s programme usually closes in December.
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3
Year 12, spring
Events and research
UCAS Discovery events run through 2027, starting with Newport on 22 and 23 February and London on 15 and 16 March.
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4
Year 12, summer
Shortlist and prepare
Read entry criteria, join talent communities, and write a CV.
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5
Year 13, from November
Windows start to open
BAE Systems’ higher apprenticeships open in November 2026. A BBC Level 6 vacancy on Find an apprenticeship closed on 3 November 2026.
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6
Year 13, January to February
More windows, and the UCAS deadline
BAE Systems’ 2027 degree apprenticeships open in January 2027. The main UCAS deadline for university is 13 January 2027.
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7
Year 13, spring
Assessment centres and interviews
KPMG’s Launch Pad days in spring 2027 include 16 March (Bristol), 23 March (Glasgow), 27 April (London) and 5 May (Leeds).
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8
Year 13, to September
Offers and starting
Vacancies are advertised all year. One UCAS-listed Level 3 job had an apply-by date of 17 March 2026 and a start date of 6 July 2026.
Scroll along the journey →
Honest priorities
What employers look for
Each employer sets its own criteria, and every vacancy is different. This is the overall picture from the pages we read.
- Matters most
The online tests and interviews
Employers run stages in order. At KPMG, for example, you are invited to the video interview only if you pass the online assessments.
- Matters most
Grades and UCAS points
Rolls-Royce asks for BBC at A-Level (112 UCAS points). BAE Systems’ degree apprenticeships ask for a minimum of 240 or 96 UCAS points.
- Matters a lot
GCSE Maths and English
Both Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems ask for them. BAE Systems asks for five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including Maths and English.
- Matters a lot
Skills and attitude
UCAS says employers also value communication, leadership and passion, and a willingness to learn.
- Matters, to some extent
Your CV and application form
UCAS says you usually apply with a CV and cover letter, and you can use your personal statement as a starting point.
- Helps
Eligibility and security checks
Some roles, such as BAE Systems’, are subject to security and export control rules, and nationality or place of birth can limit who is eligible.
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Every stage we can support
From first conversation to results day
Twelve stages, from the first conversation to your offer. Open any stage to see your to-do list and how we help.
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Any time, ideally Year 10 to 12
Stage 1: A free consultation and a plan
A first conversation about your child’s goals, grades and timeline, so nothing important is left to chance.
Your to-do and how we help with A free consultation and a plan
Your to-do
- Bring recent reports and any mock or predicted grades
- Note the courses or universities already on your list
- Ask anything: we explain the whole route
How Brainhub helps
- A free consultation with someone who knows the apprenticeship route
- A written plan with next steps, key dates and the support worth having
- Honest advice if a different course or route would suit your child better
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Year 10 to 11
Stage 2: Strong GCSEs, especially Maths and English
Employers set GCSE minimums, often including Maths and English. Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems both ask for them.
Your to-do and how we help with Strong GCSEs, especially Maths and English
Your to-do
- Aim for solid grades in Maths, English and the sciences
- Ask what the apprenticeships your child likes will require
- Keep options open: university is still possible
How Brainhub helps
- GCSE tuition in Maths, English and Science
- Exam technique and a revision plan
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Year 11
Stage 3: Choosing post-16 courses
Employers accept different routes. Rolls-Royce takes A-Levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a T Level at Merit plus A-Level Maths. Check before choosing.
Your to-do and how we help with Choosing post-16 courses
Your to-do
- Read the entry criteria for two or three target employers
- Compare A-Levels, BTECs and T Levels
- Ask the school how UCAS points are counted
How Brainhub helps
- Advice on which route and subjects fit the employers your child likes
- A head start on demanding subjects
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Year 11 to 12
Stage 4: Explore what is out there
There is no one list. Search the UCAS apprenticeship search and GOV.UK’s Find an apprenticeship, and go to events to talk to employers.
Your to-do and how we help with Explore what is out there
Your to-do
- Search by interest, employer and location
- Note entry criteria and typical timing
- Book a UCAS Discovery event
How Brainhub helps
- Help narrowing a long list to a short one
- Honest advice on degree apprenticeship versus university
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Year 12, from the autumn
Stage 5: Free programmes and support
Sutton Trust Access Apprenticeships and the Social Mobility Foundation help state school students. Windows open in September and close in the autumn.
Your to-do and how we help with Free programmes and support
Your to-do
- Check who can apply to each programme below
- Put every opening and closing date in a calendar
- Ask your school which programmes it supports
How Brainhub helps
- Help choosing the programmes that fit
- Application answers checked before you submit
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Year 12
Stage 6: A-Level grades and UCAS points
Offers and entry criteria are expressed in grades and UCAS points. Year 12 results shape predicted grades and what you can apply for.
Your to-do and how we help with A-Level grades and UCAS points
Your to-do
- Work steadily from the start of Year 12
- Treat mocks and end-of-year exams as real
- Ask when and how predicted grades are set
How Brainhub helps
- A-Level tutors who teach to the exam board
- Past-paper practice and a catch-up plan after a disappointing mock
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Year 12 summer
Stage 7: CV and employer shortlist
You apply as you would for a job. UCAS suggests a CV and cover letter, and your personal statement can be a starting point.
Your to-do and how we help with CV and employer shortlist
Your to-do
- Draft a CV with the UCAS CV Builder
- List the employers and vacancies you like
- Join talent communities to hear when applications open
How Brainhub helps
- CV and application feedback
- Practice answers to the questions employers ask
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Year 12 summer to Year 13 autumn
Stage 8: Keeping university open
UCAS says nothing stops you applying to university while you apply for apprenticeships. A university offer is a real back-up.
Your to-do and how we help with Keeping university open
Your to-do
- Decide whether to send a UCAS application as well
- Compare the two routes, not just the offers
- Keep the UCAS deadline in view: 13 January 2027 for most courses
How Brainhub helps
- Advice on whether to apply both ways
- Help with a personal statement if you do
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Year 13, from November
Stage 9: Applying to employers
Employers advertise all year, but some recruit in windows. BAE Systems opens higher apprenticeships in November 2026 and degree apprenticeships in January 2027.
Your to-do and how we help with Applying to employers
Your to-do
- Apply early, as many employers recruit on a rolling basis
- Check spelling and complete every section
- Apply for several vacancies, not just one
How Brainhub helps
- Help with applications and written answers
- A reminder of every opening and closing date
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Year 13, autumn to spring
Stage 10: Online tests and video interviews
Selection often starts online. KPMG, for example, sets a skills and cognitive assessment, then a video interview with six recorded questions.
Your to-do and how we help with Online tests and video interviews
Your to-do
- Use a laptop or desktop, and a quiet room
- Practise timed questions beforehand
- Reply quickly when invited
How Brainhub helps
- Help preparing for online tests
- Practice video interview questions with feedback
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Year 13, winter to spring
Stage 11: Assessment centres and interviews
The last stage is often an in-person half-day, as at KPMG’s Launch Pad, or a virtual or face-to-face interview, as at BAE Systems.
Your to-do and how we help with Assessment centres and interviews
Your to-do
- Reread your application before the day
- Prepare examples of teamwork and problem solving
- Plan the journey and what to wear
How Brainhub helps
- Mock interviews
- Feedback on answers and how you come across
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Year 13, spring to summer
Stage 12: Offers, results and plan B
An offer may depend on results. If an application doesn’t work out, vacancies run all year, and a university place may still be an option.
Your to-do and how we help with Offers, results and plan B
Your to-do
- Have a plan B ready before results day
- Ask employers for feedback if offered
- Look again at the next intake
How Brainhub helps
- Support on results day
- Help reapplying next year
Admissions tests
Online tests and assessment centres
Selection works like a job application, not UCAS. Stages differ by employer. These are the stages two employers publish; check each vacancy.
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Online application and CV
Nearly every employer
- What
- A CV and cover letter, or an online form. UCAS says you can use your personal statement as a starting point.
- Where
- GOV.UK’s Find an apprenticeship, UCAS’s apprenticeship search, or straight to the employer
- Tip
- BAE Systems says to check spelling, complete every section, and include full exam grades and relevant experience.
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KPMG online assessments
KPMG apprentice programmes
- Skills
- Untimed. KPMG suggests allowing 20 minutes.
- Cognitive
- Timed: 36 minutes
- Rules
- Do it on a desktop or laptop, and KPMG recommends Chrome. You are invited automatically after applying.
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KPMG video interview
KPMG, after the online assessments
- Format
- Six pre-recorded questions from an AI interviewer, with set preparation time before each answer
- Time
- Allow about 40 minutes, at a time that suits you
- Marking
- A member of the Student Recruitment team reviews and scores the answers
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KPMG Launch Pad
KPMG’s final stage
- Format
- An in-person half-day with assessed and non-assessed activities
- Dates
- 17 November, 1 December and 9 December 2026; then 16 March, 23 March, 27 April and 5 May 2027
- Outcome
- KPMG says a successful candidate has a job offer within 2 working days
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BAE Systems assessment and interview
BAE Systems degree apprenticeships
- Stage 1
- An online application
- Stage 2
- A virtual assessment: gamified challenges and video questions
- Stage 3
- A virtual or face-to-face interview
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End-point assessment
Every apprenticeship, at the end
- What
- UCAS says it tests your ability to do the job as well as your academic learning
- Also
- There may be assignments through the course.
Swipe for more →
Free summer schools and programmes
Free programmes, events and employer schemes
A mix of free support for state school students, official places to search, and employer schemes with published criteria. Windows differ, so check each one now.
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Sutton Trust Access Apprenticeships
The Sutton Trust
An 18-month programme for Year 12 students planning an apprenticeship, with work experience that includes meeting current apprentices.
- Who
- Year 12 students at state schools, within 90 minutes of London or Manchester
- When
- Applications opened on 1 September 2026. The closing day is given as 2 November, without a year, so check now whether it has closed.
- Cost
- Free. The cost of travel is covered, and no accommodation is needed.
Who can apply to Sutton Trust Access Apprenticeships
- Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or college
- In Year 12 in England or Wales (Year 13 in Northern Ireland, S5 in Scotland)
- Live within 90 minutes of London (Banking and Finance, Law) or Manchester (Engineering, Law)
- Also considered: at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 6 including English and Maths, and overall GCSE results
- Also considered: first in the family to go to university, free school meals at secondary school, a school or area with low progression to higher education, or care experience
- You don’t need to meet all the extra criteria
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Aspiring Professionals Programme
Social Mobility Foundation
Mentoring, skills sessions, work experience and university and degree apprenticeship support and guidance.
- Who
- Year 12 students who meet the background and grade criteria
- When
- Latest published: applications opened in September 2025 and usually close in December, with outcomes from January 2026. The page’s dates are unclear, so check.
- Cost
- Free. The programme covers reasonable expenses, and travel, accommodation and meals for residentials.
Who can apply to Aspiring Professionals Programme
- In Year 12 (or S5 in Scotland); the page also lists Year 13 for Northern Ireland
- Free school meals eligibility or care experience, or two of: first generation at university, household income below £45,000, or a parent or guardian in a target occupation group or unemployed
- Four GCSEs at grades 7 to 9 in England and Northern Ireland, and at least one A-Level in England
- Not attended a fee-paying school at any point
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Sutton Trust Online
The Sutton Trust
Support for applying to top universities or apprenticeships, including CVs, assessment days, admissions tests and accepting an offer.
- Who
- Students aged 16 to 18 at state schools, in the required year
- When
- Latest published (2025): applications opened on 15 May and closed on 26 August 2025. Check the page for the next dates.
- Cost
- Not stated on the page
Who can apply to Sutton Trust Online
- Attend, or have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or college
- At least four GCSEs at grades 9 to 6 including English and Maths
- Meet at least one social mobility criterion, such as first in the family to gain a degree or free school meals
- Lasts up to 18 months and is open nationally
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UCAS Discovery events
UCAS
Events where you can learn about degrees, apprenticeships and careers, and speak to employers and apprenticeship providers.
- Who
- The page doesn’t state year groups
- When
- 2027 events run from 22 and 23 February (Newport) to 6 October (Stornoway), including London on 15 and 16 March and Leicester on 15 and 16 April. Dates may change.
- Cost
- Not stated on the page
Who can apply to UCAS Discovery events
- Book a place for each event through its link
- Year groups and cost aren’t stated on the page, so check the event page
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Find an apprenticeship
GOV.UK
The government service to search and apply for apprenticeships in England, with an account to track applications.
- Who
- Anyone aged 16 or over who is not in education
- When
- Vacancies are added all year, and each has its own closing and start date
- Cost
- Not stated on the page. Apprentices work and get paid.
Who can apply to Find an apprenticeship
- Aged 16 or over
- Not in education, full or part-time
- The service covers England only
- You can have a previous qualification, even a degree, and still start an apprenticeship
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UCAS apprenticeship search
UCAS
A search of apprenticeship vacancies, with a CV Builder and guides by industry.
- Who
- Anyone in England aged 16 or over, not in full-time education
- When
- Employers advertise throughout the year, each with its own deadline and start date
- Cost
- Not stated on the page
Who can apply to UCAS apprenticeship search
- Aged 16 or over
- Live in England or a British Overseas Territory or Crown Dependency
- Not in full-time education
- Entry requirements vary by employer and vacancy
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Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Rolls-Royce
A four-year programme leading to a fully sponsored BEng from the University of Derby or UWE.
- Who
- School leavers with A-Levels including Maths, or an equivalent
- When
- The page says it is closed for 2025 applications and to register your interest for the 2026 programme. It gives no 2026 or 2027 dates.
- Cost
- The degree is sponsored. Starting salary £21,776 a year.
Who can apply to Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
- Five GCSEs at grade 4 or C or above including English Language, Maths and Science
- Three A-Levels at grade BBC, including Maths and one approved subject
- 112 UCAS points, obtained or predicted
- Or an Engineering-based Level 3 Extended BTEC Diploma with a Merit in a specified further maths unit
- Or a T Level at Merit plus A-Level Maths at grade C; BTECs and A-Levels can’t be mixed
- Derby or Bristol; Bristol students spend the first year at Weston College
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Degree apprenticeships (Level 6)
BAE Systems
Full honours degree apprenticeships, such as the five-year aerospace scheme, with a salary of up to £26,000 depending on age and role.
- Who
- Applicants aged 16 or over with the grades below
- When
- The page says 2027 applications open in January 2027, with no closing date. Its window description is inconsistent: six weeks from early January in one place, November to end of February in another.
- Cost
- Salary of up to £26,000 depending on age and role
Who can apply to Degree apprenticeships (Level 6)
- England and Wales: age 16 or over, and five GCSEs at A* to C or 4 to 9 including Maths and English
- A minimum of 240 or 96 UCAS points, or equivalent
- Some roles also need Science or other technical subjects
- Scotland: five National 5s at C or above, plus 3 to 4 Highers at C or above
- Many roles need security checks, and nationality or place of birth can limit eligibility
- Stages: online application, virtual assessment, then an interview
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Higher apprenticeships
BAE Systems
Higher apprenticeships with a salary of up to £24,125 depending on age and role.
- Who
- Applicants aged 16 or over with the grades below
- When
- The page says 2027 applications open in November 2026, and the main recruitment window runs from the start of November to the end of February. Early application is advised.
- Cost
- Salary of up to £24,125 depending on age and role
Who can apply to Higher apprenticeships
- England and Wales: age 16 or over, and five GCSEs at A* to C or 9 to 4 including Maths and English
- Engineering or technical roles also need a science or technical subject
- A minimum of 72 or 96 UCAS points applies, depending on the role
- Scotland: five National 5s at C or above, plus 2 to 3 Highers at C or above
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Apprentice programmes
KPMG
Programmes in Audit, Technology and Engineering, Consulting, and Tax and Law, with a four-stage selection process.
- Who
- School and college leavers; criteria are on each programme page
- When
- KPMG recruits on a rolling basis and typically opens between summer and autumn. Launch Pad days run from 17 November 2026 to 5 May 2027.
- Cost
- A salary; no figure on the pages we read. Audit and Tax give five years of experience.
Who can apply to Apprentice programmes
- Check the criteria on each programme page
- KPMG says to apply if you are a few grades or points short
- Online application, online assessments (36 minutes timed), video interview, then Launch Pad
- If rejected, you can’t apply again until the next intake year
Swipe for more →
Dates are the latest published. Some pages gave no date for the next window, or didn’t state a year. Criteria change each year, so always check the official page.
Interviews
Apprenticeship interviews and assessment days
These are job interviews, usually after online stages. Some are recorded, some are online and some are in person. Practice is about clear, specific answers.
Pre-recorded video interviews
KPMG asks six questions from an AI interviewer, with preparation time before each. A recruiter reviews and scores the answers.
Virtual or face-to-face
BAE Systems interviews apprentices virtually or face to face, after an online application and virtual assessment.
Half-day assessment centres
KPMG’s Launch Pad is an in-person half-day with assessed and non-assessed activities. Successful candidates are told within two working days.
What employers look for
UCAS says employers value skills such as communication, leadership and passion, and a willingness to learn.
Feedback, and one try a year
KPMG lets unsuccessful candidates ask for feedback, and they can’t reapply until the next intake year.
Swipe for more →
Open days and admissions teams
Events and talking to employers
UCAS Discovery events run through 2027, and employers and universities hold their own events. Signing up to an employer’s talent community, as BAE Systems offers, tells you when vacancies go live.
Questions worth asking
- Which university will I study at, and which degree do I earn?
- How is the week split between study and work: day release or blocks?
- What is the salary in each year, and what happens after the first year?
- What grades, UCAS points and subjects do you ask for?
- When do applications open and close, and what are the stages?
- Are there security checks or nationality limits for this role?
If it doesn’t work out first time
If it doesn’t work out, or plans change
One application rarely decides everything. Vacancies are advertised all year, and university stays open as a route.
Apply again
Employers advertise throughout the year. KPMG says you can’t reapply until the next intake year, so check each employer’s rule.
Keep university open
UCAS says nothing stops you applying to university while applying for apprenticeships. The main UCAS deadline for 2027 entry is 13 January 2027.
A lower level first
Higher apprenticeships (Levels 4 and 5) are like a foundation degree or the first year of a degree, and can lead on to more.
Apprenticeships later
GOV.UK says you can have a previous qualification, even a degree, and still start an apprenticeship.
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Talk to someone who knows the route
Book a free consultation. We look at your child’s grades, interests and timeline, then suggest the next steps. No obligation.
Questions parents ask about degree apprenticeships
Do degree apprentices pay tuition fees?
No. UCAS says the degree is fully paid for, so there is no cost to the apprentice. Apprentices can’t get student loans.
How much do apprentices earn?
At least the apprentice minimum wage, which is £8 an hour from 1 April 2026. It applies to under 19s and to those aged 19 or over in their first year. Employers can pay more: Rolls-Royce lists £21,776 a year and BAE Systems up to £26,000 for degree apprentices.
Can my child apply to university and for apprenticeships at the same time?
Yes. UCAS says nothing stops you applying to university through UCAS while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies, and you are free to apply for several of each.
How do you apply for a degree apprenticeship?
You apply to the employer, as for a job: usually a CV and cover letter or an online form. You can search on GOV.UK’s Find an apprenticeship and UCAS’s apprenticeship search, or go straight to the employer.
When should we apply?
Employers advertise all year, each with its own deadline. Some recruit in windows: BAE Systems opens higher apprenticeships in November 2026 and degree apprenticeships in January 2027, so it pays to start in Year 13 autumn and watch your shortlist.
What grades does my child need?
It depends on the employer and the vacancy. Rolls-Royce asks for BBC at A-Level (112 UCAS points), and BAE Systems for five GCSEs including Maths and English plus UCAS points. KPMG says to apply if you are a few grades short.
Is it a real degree?
Yes. Level 6 is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and Level 7 to a master’s. Rolls-Royce’s engineering apprentices earn a sponsored BEng from the University of Derby or UWE. It takes three to six years, with about 20% studying.
What is the difference between higher and degree apprenticeships?
Higher apprenticeships are Levels 4 and 5, like the first year of a degree or a foundation degree. Degree apprenticeships are Levels 6 and 7, like a bachelor’s or a master’s.
Do T Levels lead to degree apprenticeships?
They can count. A T Level is a two-year course equivalent to three A-Levels, with a 45-day industry placement, and UCAS gives it points. Rolls-Royce accepts a T Level at Merit plus A-Level Maths at grade C. Check each employer.
How does Brainhub help with degree apprenticeships?
We start with a free consultation and a written plan, then support each stage: tuition, help with applications and online tests, and mock interviews.
Read next
- Post-16 options explained
- How to choose A-Levels
- BTECs explained
- Writing the personal statement
- A-Level tutors
- Engineering pathway
- All pathways
Sources (27)
- UCAS: apprenticeships
- UCAS: degree apprenticeships
- UCAS: apprenticeships in England
- UCAS: what is an apprenticeship?
- UCAS: apprenticeship search
- UCAS: Discovery events
- UCAS: T Levels
- UCAS: dates and deadlines for 2027 entry
- GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
- GOV.UK: apply for an apprenticeship
- GOV.UK: Find an apprenticeship
- Find an apprenticeship: BBC Level 6 vacancy (closed 3 November 2026)
- National Apprenticeship Service: becoming an apprentice
- Office for Students: how to apply for a degree apprenticeship
- Sutton Trust: Access Apprenticeships, am I eligible?
- Sutton Trust: Access Apprenticeships, when do applications open?
- Sutton Trust: Access Apprenticeships, when do applications close?
- Sutton Trust: what the Access Apprenticeships programme consists of
- Sutton Trust: Access Apprenticeships travel and cost
- Sutton Trust Online
- Social Mobility Foundation: Aspiring Professionals Programme
- Rolls-Royce: engineering degree apprenticeship
- BAE Systems: degree apprenticeships
- BAE Systems: higher apprenticeships
- KPMG: apprentice application process
- KPMG: application tips and advice
- KPMG: apprentice programmes
Facts checked against official sources on 6 November 2026. Rules, dates and criteria change every year, so check each official page before you apply.