Choosing a degree
Foundation Year or Access to HE: which suits you
Both prepare you to get into university if you don't have the grades or haven't studied for a while. But they work differently: where you do them, how they're paid for and what happens next.
In 30 seconds
- The Foundation Year is the first year of a 4-year degree, at the university. It's funded by Student Finance.
- Access to HE is a one-year course at a college. It's funded by the Advanced Learner Loan, which is written off if you finish a degree.
- With the Foundation Year you're already on the degree. With Access, you then apply through UCAS to whichever university you want.
The Foundation Year
It's a preparation year that forms part of the degree: the degree lasts 4 years instead of 3. You do it at the same university and, once you pass, you move into the first year.
- It's paid for with the Student Finance tuition fee loan, like the rest of the degree, and can include the loan to live on.
- You already know the university, the campus and your classmates from day one.
- Watch out: it isn't the same as a Foundation Degree, which is a separate 2-year qualification.
More details in our guide Foundation Year.
Access to HE
It's a one-year diploma designed for adults who want to go to university. You study it at a college, sometimes part time.
- It's paid for with the Advanced Learner Loan, for people aged 19 or over with the right nationality or status and 3 years of residence.
- If you then complete a degree that is also funded, that loan is written off.
- When you finish, you apply through UCAS to any university that accepts your diploma.
How to choose
- You already know which degree and which university: the Foundation Year is the most direct route.
- You're not sure yet, or you want more choice of university: Access lets you choose later.
- The timetable matters to you: compare both. There are Foundation Years with classes concentrated into a few days, and part-time Access courses.
Our advice: if you don't know what to study, start with the career test. Choosing the right degree makes the path easier.
Official sources (checked on 25/10/2026): GOV.UK · Advanced Learner Loan · Access to HE (QAA) · GOV.UK · Student finance.
