Students the world over will be receiving notification shortly that they have (or have not) been successful in their A-Levels and will be going to university in September. University isn’t the only option, and it is possible to get a degree completely debt-free.
No Student Loans? 🧐
The bog standard apprenticeship scheme can be fairly limiting to some should they wish to complete a qualification while earning at the same time. It’s not uncommon for people to assume that an apprenticeship is the end of education, and once you’ve completed your 18 months studying and working for a small wage it’s time for you to start “actually working”.
This in fact, is a complete lie.
Degree apprenticeships exist – and I’m considering completing one. Once you’ve completed your Level 3, there are options (albeit fairly limited currently) to move onto and receive the degree that your heart desires.
You’ll be earning a full, real wage by this point and with your employers support, you will be able to complete a full degree without having to apply for and receive student loans. This means that your degree will be completely debt-free and you will not have to pay back a single penny.
Degree apprenticeships are completed across 3-4 years, which is the same as the average length of time for an undergraduate course in the UK. It’s a big commitment for both you and your employer, who will be paying your course fees, but it is something to consider.
Why choose a debt-free degree apprenticeship?
Instead of heading the traditional route of A-Levels, University, and struggling to find a post-grad job in your field, a degree apprenticeship allows you to:
- Work in the sector you’re studying from Day 1.
- Work towards and receive the same degree as everyone else, debt-free.
- Experience university life without the pressure of struggling of moving away.
- Make friends outside of your work circle.
- Spend a week or so away in a different city every semester without committing to living in grotty student accommodation.
- Enjoy a stable wage packet every month.
Studying at university isn’t for everyone. Moving away, struggling to juggle a part time job with completing coursework and living life, and the atmosphere itself can be difficult. However, a degree apprenticeship allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
You can work full time, while being allocated working hours to study (getting paid to read? Get in!). You can make university friends, without having to wake up to their rancid mouldy plates from last semester in the sink.
A debt-free degree such as a degree apprenticeship is the way forward. And I’m quite looking forward to starting mine next September (fingers crossed!). I haven’t even finished my Level 3 in Digital Marketing yet! I’ll be known as the forever apprentice.
12 Comments
This is such an informative post for anyone in this position right now. I’m well past the age of my A Levels and I never went to Uni – which was my biggest regret. The thought of all the debt is terrifying though so this is definitely an amazing option!
August 16, 2019 at 10:05 amYes! The debt can be so off-putting, as well as the entire concept of university. This way you can get the best out of both situations with education & employment!
August 18, 2019 at 7:19 pmHaving student loans can be a drain, especially when you owe so much money. There are a lot of options out there that can help with easing the college of higher education. I like the idea of a debt-free degree. Thanks for sharing this info!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
August 18, 2019 at 7:03 pmStudent loans really can be a drain!
August 18, 2019 at 7:20 pmHad no idea this was a thing! Amazing post, especially for new students! Keep writing x
August 18, 2019 at 7:12 pmI think it’s a relatively new offering, which is fantastic! It means everyone can get the education they deserve! Thank you x
August 18, 2019 at 7:20 pmI’m £50k in debt after my three-year course! Thanks for the hard work you put into this post; I’m sure it’ll save some people’s skins, but I think my goose is thoroughly cooked!
August 21, 2019 at 9:08 amOoph! That’s hefty! Hopefully this will help people in the future!
August 21, 2019 at 9:09 amWow, this is awesome that these sorts of options exist! I grew up in a country where education is free and in addition to Universities, we have Universities “with applied sciences” which means that you get more practical experience than in the book-focused basic Uni. I mean, practical knowledge is 50 times more valuable in work-life than knowing a book by heart, right?
Good luck with your studies! Remember to dream big! I did, and I’m doing pretty well right now 😉
Teresa Maria | Outlandish Blog
August 22, 2019 at 12:42 pmThose applied sciences sound amazing! As you said, practical knowledge you can apply to a multitude of situations is so much better than knowing some text! Thank you!
August 22, 2019 at 12:44 pmThis is a really useful post for young people studying GCSEs, as there’s such a focus on traditional routes. I went to university to study Literature and then trained to teach, which I couldn’t have done as an apprenticeship, but if I’d gone down a route where I could, I would definitely have opted to do it.
I did work two jobs while I studied my degree, so it’s important to know that working alongside studying for degrees are incredibly difficult.
Best of luck for your next steps, Lucy-Kate!
August 31, 2019 at 8:32 pmDefinitely – there’s a lot to focus on when studying a degree so juggling both can be quite the challenge! Degree apprenticeships allow you to set aside 1-2 working days a week to focus on your studies, which I think is great! Thank you so much.
September 10, 2019 at 6:38 pm