You don't need A-levels to apply to UK university as an adult.

A-levels are one of several entry routes that may be accepted, depending on the course and provider. For adult applicants, alternative pathways include relevant work experience, BTECs and vocational qualifications, the Access to HE Diploma, foreign or EU qualifications, mature student admission criteria, and foundation year programmes.

The UniStart 2026/27 course inventory includes adult-friendly routes in Manchester, Derby, Sunderland, and Newcastle Upon Tyne where these pathways may be accepted, depending on the course.

Applications for September 2026/27 are open now. Student Finance England encouraged full-time undergraduate applicants starting between 31 August and 31 December 2026 to apply by 15 May 2026 if they wanted funding in place by term start.

Full breakdown of which routes count for which courses, and how the Student Finance stack works alongside: link in the first comment.