Why choose higher education?

Entering higher education will give you the opportunity to study your chosen subject and increase your knowledge, but there are other benefits too:

  • Improve your earning potential

    According to UCAS, the average salary for graduates aged between 25 and 30 was 30% higher than those without a degree.

  • Build essential life skills

    Studying at university allows you to improve your communication, motivation and leadership skills. It will also allow you to gain confidence, learn to manage your time and solve problems. These are all skills that will improve your career and life prospects.

  • Gain independence

    Studying at university will give you the chance to invest in yourself, meet new people and broaden your horizons.

  • Personal achievement

    Studying at university is a life-changing and enriching experience. After studying hard for three years or more, you will feel an enormous sense of achievement.

What course should I choose?

In the UK there are more than 50,000 courses in over 25 subject areas to choose from.

In addition to your choice of subject, you also need to consider:

  • Type of course

    You can choose to study full-time or part-time, or even opt for distance learning through a course run by the Open University where you can study from home.

    Part-time and distance learning are good options if you have other responsibilities such as work, raising a family or caring.

  • Where to study

    Many universities will offer courses in the subject you are interested in, however they will all be slightly different at each university. Tuition fees can vary and are set by the university or college. In Wales, tuition fees have been capped at £9,000 per year but in other parts of the UK you could be charged up to £9,250 per year for a full-time undergraduate course.

  • There are many places where you can find out more information to help you make your choice, such as:

    Careers Wales

    UCAS course directory

    Which? University website

Funding your studies

Students entering higher education from September 2018 can apply for grants and loans to help with living costs and a loan to help with tuition fees. You might also be eligible for extra support such as a Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance, Adult Dependants’ Grant or Disabled Students’ Allowances.

Higher education stories

Dylan from Bangor
Dylan Jones, 21, from Bangor, says the pandemic isn’t getting in the way of his future plans, despite the changes to learning over the last year.
Elen from Anglesey
Elen Jones, 20 from Anglesey, is studying for a degree in Welsh and Media to help get her career off to a flying start.
Elin from Caerwys
Student finance package helps Flintshire student study dream course at Cambridge.
Kirsty from Newport
Kirsty studies for a BSc Environmental Science while running eco-cleaning business.
Joanne from Cardiff
Pontardawe mum on path to becoming a teacher through part-time degree at the Open University.
Paul from Merthyr Tydfil
IT security expert reaps benefits of part-time university study.
Ilan from Bala
Overcame dyslexia to graduate from Bangor University with a first-class Electronic Engineering degree.
The Humphreys family from Montgomery
Parents supported their children in their decision to go to university and would have done anything they could to allow them to follow their dream.

Don't let money get in the way of university

From September 2018, new full and part-time undergraduates will get comprehensive support to help fund their day-to-day living costs during term time, regardless of where in the UK you choose to study.