Why does university still appeal to many in 2026?

4

I'm in Y11 and have been thinking about post 18 careers. However paying for university and getting a degree in uni has no appeal to me whatsoever, I'd want to go down the degree apprentice route or even just straight into the workforce after college. So why in a world with well paying apprenticeships do people still want to go to uni?

Thanks, G

Reply 1

lalalallaanonal

6

Original post

by chrizzyG

I'm in Y11 and have been thinking about post 18 careers. However paying for university and getting a degree in uni has no appeal to me whatsoever, I'd want to go down the degree apprentice route or even just straight into the workforce after college. So why in a world with well paying apprenticeships do people still want to go to uni?
Thanks, G

I think it depends what you want to do. If you want to go into medicine or law (or similar), unfortunately it is necessary. If you don't know what you really want to do, DONT go. The student debt cycle is rough and the interest rates are crazy on it, I think the BBC just did an article on it. Obviously unless you can get a scholarship or bursary. The biggest reason going for me was bc of my future career, and because I have a lot of financial support from my family, otherwise I likely would've gone down the degree apprentice route. If you're only in year 11, don't stress, get your GCSEs done and just make sure you do as well as possible so that theres plenty of flexibility when you finally decide.

Reply 2

SOAS Rep Marjaan

Official Rep

9

Original post

by chrizzyG

I'm in Y11 and have been thinking about post 18 careers. However paying for university and getting a degree in uni has no appeal to me whatsoever, I'd want to go down the degree apprentice route or even just straight into the workforce after college. So why in a world with well paying apprenticeships do people still want to go to uni?
Thanks, G

Hi there,

University definitely isn't the right option for everyone. It's good you are thinking about this now so you can plan ahead but your main priority should be your grades because they will help you regardless of what route you go down. Like the previous commenter said, going to university is a requirement for some career paths like medicine however, this only applies for law if you would like to become a barrister otherwise there is even a solicitor apprenticeship programme offered by many firms.

University may be worth it for you, if you would like to dedicate a few more year to only studying and getting internships, or you get a scholarship to cover your fees, or it isn't optional for your career goals. If you would like to start working alongside your studies (studying through an apprenticeship), I would highly recommend attending some careeers fairs once you are done with your GCSEs. Message people who are currently doing apprenticeships on LinkedIn and ask for their experiences. But most importantly do some research into the field you want to enter and looks into what programmes they have available: how long is the apprenticeship, what's the highest level can you get qualified with an apprenticeship, what does the pay look like, how much would it impact your career trajectory to go down apprenticeship route rather then university.

Once you know more, you will be more certain about your decision. After that you will just need to start focusing on the application process to make sure you secure an apprenticeship. Getting into university is almost guaranteed with Clearing but with apprenticeships, you need to show that you are mature enough to start working start after Sixth-Form or GCSE (depending on when your apprenticeship starts). While everyone is writing their UCAS applications, you will need to be creating a CV, cover letter and writing individual applications to each company you are interested in doing an apprenticeship with. Applications processes will vary depending on the firm, but you may be able to expect some online tests, interviews and possible in-person group assessment days.

Many schools will recommend that you still apply to university as a backup or in case you change your mind. This is mainly because most schools do not help you with your apprenticeship applications and they want to make sure you have something lined up after you graduate. But this does not mean you cannot get support from the careers team at your university or ask for support online via LinkedIn from people who have the role you applied to.

I hope this helps and good luck with your GCSEs!

Why does university still appeal to many in 2026?

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