Best degree apprenticeships UK 2026
Top programmes by sector, ranked by salary, employer reputation, and career outcome. Earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.
Level 6
Qualification awarded
Equivalent to a full honours degree, recognised by all UK employers
£18k–£38k
Starting salary range
Paid throughout, on work days and study days
£0
Tuition fees owed
Employer and government levy cover all degree costs
Top degree apprenticeship programmes 2026
Software Engineering DA
Highest-paying tech DA in the UK. London-based, world-class engineering culture.
PwC
Finance£26k–£32kDegree Apprenticeship (Audit / Tax / Tech)
ACA fully funded. Structured career path with annual salary reviews and global mobility.
Clifford Chance
Law£25k–£35kSolicitor Apprenticeship
Magic Circle firm. SQE-route to qualified solicitor, no LPC required.
Rolls-Royce
Engineering£21k–£28kEngineering Degree Apprenticeship
Aerospace and defence engineering. IMechE accredited BEng. Derby and Bristol bases.
Amazon
Technology£25k–£35kSoftware Engineering DA
Strong benefits package. Fast-paced engineering environment with clear progression.
KPMG
Finance£22k–£29kSchool Leaver Degree Apprenticeship
ACA funded. Big Four brand with structured mentoring and defined qualification pathway.
GCHQ
Cyber Security£22k–£30kCyber & Software DA
NCSC-certified. Security clearance fully sponsored. Unique national security career path.
NHS
Healthcare£20k–£29kNursing Degree Apprenticeship
NMC-registered RN on completion. Agenda for Change pay bands with London supplement.
Browse by sector
Technology & Software
Google, Amazon, BT, IBM, BAE Systems
Finance & Accounting
PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Barclays
Law & Solicitor
Clifford Chance, Linklaters, HSF, Ashurst
Engineering
Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Siemens, Dyson
Cyber Security
GCHQ, BAE Systems, BT Security, MoD
Data Science
Experian, Capital One, NHS, Civil Service
Nursing & Healthcare
NHS Trusts across England
Find your degree apprenticeship
Browse live degree apprenticeship roles updated daily from UK employers.
More on degree apprenticeships
Frequently asked questions
Which companies offer the best degree apprenticeships in the UK?▾
The most sought-after degree apprenticeship employers include Google, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Amazon, Clifford Chance, and the NHS. These programmes combine strong salaries, fully funded degrees, and excellent post-qualification career paths.
What is the highest paying degree apprenticeship in the UK?▾
Google's technology and software engineering degree apprenticeship pays £29,000–£38,000, the highest of any UK DA programme. Amazon (£25k–£35k), PwC (£26k–£32k), and Clifford Chance (£25k–£35k) are also among the highest paying. All are based in London.
Are degree apprenticeships competitive to get into?▾
Yes, the top programmes (Google, Big Four, Magic Circle law firms) are extremely competitive, with acceptance rates comparable to Oxbridge. Most require ABB+ at A-level and a strong application. Less well-known employers often have far lower competition for equivalent-quality programmes.
Are degree apprenticeships as good as going to university?▾
For most careers, yes. Degree apprenticeships award the same Level 6 qualification with no tuition debt and 3–4 years of industry experience. The main trade-off is the structured employer environment versus the freedom of university life. For sectors like finance, technology, and law, the apprenticeship route is increasingly viewed as the stronger option.