Degree apprenticeship for graduates
Can graduates do a degree apprenticeship? The prior qualification rules explained — and what your real options are.
Prior degree rules apply
Key restriction
Cannot use levy to fund same or lower level qualification as one already held
Level 7 option
Main graduate route
Master's-level apprenticeships are above Level 6 — graduates are eligible in principle
Same-level rule
Why Level 6 is restricted
Level 6 DAs cannot be levy-funded for those who already hold a Level 6 degree
Level 7 funding change — January 2026
Government levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeship new starts is being removed for apprentices aged 22 or over from 1 January 2026. Most graduates are over 22. Employers can still self-fund Level 7 programmes. Check with your employer before assuming levy funding is available. Read our full Level 7 guide.
The rules explained — what graduates can and cannot do
The prior qualification rule
The core rule: you cannot use the government apprenticeship levy to fund a qualification at the same or lower level than one you already hold. A graduate with a BSc (Level 6) cannot use the levy to fund another Level 6 degree apprenticeship in the same or similar subject.
Level 7 is still an option — with caveats
A Level 7 (master's-equivalent) apprenticeship is above Level 6, so graduates are eligible in principle. Common routes include the Solicitor Apprenticeship (SQE), Chartered Accountant (ICAEW Level 7), and Senior Leader / MBA. Critical caveat: government levy funding for Level 7 is being removed for over-22s from 1 January 2026. Employers must self-fund.
Level 6 in a different subject — employer-dependent
Some employers accept graduates for Level 6 degree apprenticeships if the subject is substantially different from the applicant's prior degree. For example, an English graduate applying for a data science or engineering apprenticeship. This is not universal — the training provider must agree the prior degree is sufficiently different.
Graduate schemes and alternatives
Most large employers have separate graduate recruitment pathways. Graduate schemes, direct entry professional roles, employer-funded qualifications, and part-time master's degrees are all well-established routes for graduates that do not involve the apprenticeship levy rules.
Alternatives for graduates
| Route | Description |
|---|---|
| Graduate scheme | Structured 2–3 year development programme at a major employer; the most common route for recent graduates into top firms |
| Employer-funded professional qualification | ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPD, CILEX — many employers fund these for graduate hires without using the apprenticeship route |
| Level 7 apprenticeship (employer self-funded) | Where the employer self-funds (not using the levy), graduates can join Level 7 programmes regardless of the January 2026 funding change |
| Conversion course | GDL (law), PGCE (teaching), MSc conversion — employer or self-funded pathways into new professions |
| Part-time master's degree | Employer-funded or self-funded postgraduate study at a UK university alongside employment |
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can graduates do a degree apprenticeship?▾
Not usually for Level 6 programmes — the prior qualification rule prevents levy-funded apprenticeships at the same or lower level as a qualification already held. Graduates can apply for Level 7 apprenticeships, but levy funding for those is being removed for over-22s from January 2026.
What is the prior qualification rule?▾
The prior qualification rule means the government levy cannot fund an apprenticeship at the same or lower level as a qualification already held. A graduate with a Level 6 degree cannot use the levy to fund another Level 6 degree apprenticeship.
Can I do a degree apprenticeship in a different subject as a graduate?▾
Possibly — some employers accept graduates for Level 6 apprenticeships in a substantially different subject. This is employer and training-provider specific. Always check directly with the employer before applying.
Can graduates do Level 7 apprenticeships?▾
In principle yes — Level 7 is above Level 6, so graduates are eligible. However, government levy funding for Level 7 is being removed for over-22s from January 2026. Employers who self-fund can still run Level 7 programmes for graduates of any age.
What are the best alternatives for graduates?▾
Graduate schemes, employer-funded professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIPD), employer self-funded Level 7 apprenticeships, conversion courses (GDL, PGCE), and part-time master's degrees are all well-established routes for graduates that work around the prior qualification rule.
