Is it Possible to Start Studies in the United Kingdom Without a High School Diploma?

Since you’re here, you may be wondering if you have any chance of getting to a British university with poor high school exam results or even with no high school qualification at all. Well, the answer is simple: yes! If you are an UK/EU national or have a valid UK residence status - studies in the UK are most likely within your reach and you can start your studies in 2026! 

In this article you'll learn how it’s possible, what universities and courses are available in your case, how to apply, what funding is available for you and how to start your studies at a British University this year.

How is this even possible?

Many British universities offer studies with a foundation year. During such a year, you get prepared for a student’s life, master your academic English (especially writing and speaking), and, last but not least, learn the basics of the course you chose to pursue after the foundation year. It’s quite obvious then, that the entry requirements for the foundation years are lower – in certain cases it even means that no high school leaving qualification is required (providing that you have finished at least 2 grades of high school with relatively good grades).

Where is it possible?

The bachelor’s degree combined with the foundation year and available to people with no formal qualifications is not a common option offered by all British universities, though. Currently, you can find them only at a few selected higher education institutions in 4 different locations: London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

What about the entry requirements?

Academic requirements for EU applicants

For EU applicants the high school leaving certificate is not necessary, in most of the cases mentioned above you might start the foundation year if you have finished at least 2 grades of high school with relatively good grades. Find out if your grades are enough or check yourself using Can-I-Apply.

International students 

Unfortunately most international students cannot be accepted to the above mentioned programmes/ universities without completing high school, however bear in mind that academic entry requirements would still be lower than in case of standard, year 1 applications, so worth considering.

English language requirements

It’s important to know that even though no formal qualification is required, you still might need to have a proper level of English (to be able to communicate with the tutors and other students during your foundation year). Normally, it’s enough if your command of the language is at B1 level (intermediate). De Montfort University in Leicester and Coventry University (Coventry & London) allow the applicants to take their internal English exams for free. The University of Greenwich also offers such an option; however, there might be a small fee. Anglia Ruskin University (both in Cambridge & London), on the other hand, requires to take an external exam, called IELTS, passed at least with an average of 5.5 (which is a B1 equivalent).

How to apply for foundation year?

The application process to all campuses of Anglia Ruskin University and Coventry University is standard and takes place in UCAS – you'll need to write a proper personal statement, get a reference letter from either your manager or your high school teacher as well as set up, fill in and pay for a UCAS account. You can find step-by-step guide on how to fill UCAS here; you can also count on our personal support in preparing your UK University Application.

To get to either De Montfort University in Leicester or the University of Greenwich in London, all you need to do is to fill in the application form and you can do it in as little as five minutes using UniEdu QuickApply.

Simply start in the Can-I-Apply - then, after you check your eligibility you'll be able to proceed straight to the application process. It's completely free of charge and you can withdraw anytime - no strings attached.

Don’t worry – whichever university you choose, with our support you can finish everything easily and secure your place at chosen university. 

What about the costs and funding?

⚠️ IMPORTANT FUNDING NOTICE: UNDERSTANDING SFE ELIGIBILITY Please be aware that Student Finance England (SFE) has strict attendance rules regarding funding.

  • Approved Weekday & Mixed Timetables: Courses where the majority of your in-person classes are scheduled during the week (Monday–Friday) are fully eligible for support (Tuition Fee Loan + Maintenance/Living Support Loan + Childcare Grants). This applies even if your schedule includes some supplementary online or weekend sessions.

  • Weekend-Only & Predominantly Weekend Timetables: Courses where the majority or entirety of in-person contact hours fall on the weekend are legally classified by the government as "distance learning." If you choose one of these schedules, you are ONLY eligible for the Tuition Fee Loan. You will NOT be eligible for Maintenance (Living Support) Loans or Childcare Grants.

Funding depends on your eligibility and the specific timetable you choose. If eligible, Student Finance England may provide:

  • Tuition fees – up to £9,790 per year (Available for all study modes: weekday, evening, and weekend).

  • Living support – up to £10,830 per year, or up to £14,135 per year if studying in London (Available ONLY if you attend regular, in-person classes where the majority of hours are during the week Monday-Friday).

  • Childcare grant – up to £199.62/week for one child and up to £342.24/week for two or more children (non-repayable). (Available ONLY if you attend regular, in-person classes where the majority of hours are during the week Monday-Friday).

When can I start studying?

The recruitment process is constantly on with multiple start dates available. In most cases you can start the foundation year not only in September but also in January/February and even in April!

How to start?

It’s simple!  

You can check if you are eligible to start UK University course with your qualifications (even if you haven't finishes your high school) using UniEdu QuickApply University Application Form.

Answering few quick questions in the application will instantly let you:

  • list of universities that might accept you and best match your potential and needs
  • check on what courses are available,
  • select preferred study mode (evenings/mid-week/weekends) - study only 2 days a week
  • quickly apply for the chosen course with free support including applications for Student Finance Funding (both tuition fee and maintenace loan)

If you would like to discuss your options, choices, and funding availability in more detail, you can get in touch with us at any time for quick and friendly advice.