Hello Future

Hello Future We offer advice & guidance on young people’s future options.

Working in schools, colleges, and communities, we supply a range of opportunities & experiences to help learners realise their potential and explore their next steps.

❓ What are the advantages of higher education?📚 You get to learn about a subject you are passionate about and gain some ...
16/06/2026

❓ What are the advantages of higher education?
📚 You get to learn about a subject you are passionate about and gain some expertise.
💸 On average, university graduates earn over £100,000 more than non-graduates over their lifetime, after tax and student loan repayments.* Graduates are also eligible to apply for a wider variety of jobs as lots of employers require applicants to have a degree even when it isn’t legally required.
🦅 You can some independence by moving out, organising your own schedule, and taking on leadership roles at your university or apprenticeship provider.
🖥 Higher education naturally helps build lots of essential skills that will help you in the workplace and in general life, such as critical thinking and specialised research skills.
🌍 You’ll meet lots of new people with totally different backgrounds to you. This is a great chance to broaden your worldview and inspire you to live more freely.

❓ How long does each degree last in the UK?
For full-time courses:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree: usually 3 years UK-wide or 4 years in Scotland
Master’s degree: usually 1 year
Higher apprenticeship: 2-5 years
Degree apprenticeship: 3-6 years
PhD (doctorate): usually 3-6 years

❓ Is it worth it?
That depends on what you value! If you’d prefer to jump straight into full-time work so that you can earn immediately, that’s great. Otherwise, higher education can be a good option if you enjoy learning and are passionate about a subject. There are lots of options to work while you study if that’s your style too, such as sandwich courses, part-time study, degree apprenticeships, placements, internships, part-time work, and lots more!

*For more information on graduate vs non-graduate earnings, see GOV.UK's news story on the IFS's research at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/graduates-enjoy-100k-earnings-bonus-over-lifetime

⏲ Although universities have different deadlines, many are approaching in the next few weeks. Make sure to check when yo...
11/06/2026

⏲ Although universities have different deadlines, many are approaching in the next few weeks. Make sure to check when your deadline is and put your application in early in case any issues arise!

🌇 If you’ve already missed the deadline, don’t worry! Contact your university and see if there’s anything they can do - many universities guarantee accommodation for all first-year students. If not, private accommodation and student housing run on different timelines so see what’s available for you.

🏡 Choosing accommodation can often feel overwhelming, so here is our advice! This post shares key things students should...
10/06/2026

🏡 Choosing accommodation can often feel overwhelming, so here is our advice! This post shares key things students should consider and who they can go to for support.

✨ Share this post with someone who is preparing for university!

❓ How much does university cost?For courses starting in 2026/27 in England, full-time undergraduate courses cost up to £...
09/06/2026

❓ How much does university cost?
For courses starting in 2026/27 in England, full-time undergraduate courses cost up to £9,790 per year. However, you are not expected to have this money in the bank. You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full £9,790 cost of university plus a Maintenance Loan, which covers your cost of living (rent, groceries, etc).
If you’re still struggling to afford university, you could apply for a bursary, grant, or scholarship. This is extra money which you never have to pay back. Bursaries are typically awarded based on need (financial, disability, etc), and Scholarships are usually awarded for academic accomplishments or potential.

❓ Will attending university cause financial struggles in the future?
Although we call them ‘student loans’, you do not have to pay back your Maintenance and Tuition Fee Loans in the same way you would a normal loan. You only start paying it back once you earn over £25,000 per year. Then, you’ll pay back 9% over that amount. So, if you made £25,100 per year, you would pay back £9 per year. The loan is written off after 40 years even if you haven't paid a penny back.

❓ How do I get a scholarship, grant or bursary?
Scholarships and bursaries are offered by universities, employers, or other organisations. Grants are offered by charities or trusts that represent underrepresented groups. It’s a good idea to check the websites for all of these places, especially of your university, to see what you might be eligible for, or to ask about funding at an open day.

💸 Is there anything you'd like to know about finances at university?

🎓 Scholarships and bursaries can make a huge difference when it comes to university costs! This guide breaks down the fu...
03/06/2026

🎓 Scholarships and bursaries can make a huge difference when it comes to university costs! This guide breaks down the funding opportunities you should know about when applying for university.

Share this post with someone who is applying for university 📚

‘Further education’ is your next step after finishing secondary school. In the UK, you have to do some form of study or ...
02/06/2026

‘Further education’ is your next step after finishing secondary school. In the UK, you have to do some form of study or training until the age of 18. The main forms of further education are college (BTEC Nationals or T Levels), sixth form (A Levels or BTEC Nationals), and advanced apprenticeships.

❓ Do I have to have a GCSE in a subject to study it at college/sixth form?
Not necessarily. Often, you’ll be asked to have at least 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 including Maths and English to study at sixth form, college, or an advanced apprenticeship. Sometimes, you may be expected to have a higher grade in the subjects you are applying to study or a similar subject.
However, there are more subject options at Level 3 than GCSE. This means that for some subjects, it would be impossible for you to have already studied them! In this case, as long as you can show an interest in the subject and ideally some similar subjects at GCSE, you are likely to be accepted.

❓ Can I do further education after age 18 and do I have to pay?
There is no upper age limit to study further education in the UK. However, if you would like to attend college aged 19 or over, you may be expected to pay a fee for this. Financial support is available for those in further education of all ages, such as the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund and the Advanced Learning Loan.

❓ Why do we need further education?
Further education prepares you for work and university, giving students practical training, specialised knowledge, and transferable skills, while offering a greater sense of independence. Because you can choose the subject and type of further education you want (sixth form vs college vs apprenticeship), you can choose an education path which actually suits your strengths and guides you towards your dream career.

💭 Are you considering whether a higher or degree apprenticeship would be the best fit for you? Both routes have their pr...
28/05/2026

💭 Are you considering whether a higher or degree apprenticeship would be the best fit for you? Both routes have their pros and can lead to long-term career growth, so it's about choosing which is right for you.

➡Swipe for a comparison and some things to think about when making your decision.

📖 Here are some of Hello Future's tips for studying. Try them out during half-term and find what works for you!
27/05/2026

📖 Here are some of Hello Future's tips for studying. Try them out during half-term and find what works for you!

🤔 Are you trying to decide between an apprenticeship or university? Both offer amazing opportunities!Swipe to compare an...
21/05/2026

🤔 Are you trying to decide between an apprenticeship or university? Both offer amazing opportunities!

Swipe to compare and start to think about which may be right for YOU.

Education

❓ Does university guarantee you a job after graduation?Not necessarily. However, a university degree can:1️⃣ Broaden the...
19/05/2026

❓ Does university guarantee you a job after graduation?
Not necessarily. However, a university degree can:
1️⃣ Broaden the variety of jobs you could apply for. Some jobs, like doctors, vets, and architects, require you to have a degree. For others, specific employers may require applicants to have a degree even if it is not legally required, or may offer graduates a more senior role without having to work their way up.
2️⃣ Increase the amount of money you could earn after graduation. On average, university graduates earn over £100,000 more than non-graduates over their lifetime, after tax and student loan repayments.*

❓ What can I do with higher education?
Aside from broadening the variety of jobs you can apply for, higher education:
🌟 Helps you build expertise in a subject area.
🌟 Gives you a chance to connect with professionals in your industry, which can open lots of doors in your future career.
🌟 Provides lots of essential skills that will help you in the workplace and in general life. One of the most important skills learned through university is critical thinking, the ability to question, analyse, and evaluate information. This helps you in every part of life, from improving your decision-making at work, to identifying misinformation online, to increasing your creativity and independence.
➡ All of these things can help you find a job after graduating alongside providing lots of personal benefits.

*For more information on graduate vs non-graduate earnings, see GOV.UK's news story on the IFS's research at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/graduates-enjoy-100k-earnings-bonus-over-lifetime

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