Degree apprenticeship entry requirements
What grades, qualifications, and criteria do you need? Requirements by sector and top employer — including alternatives to A-levels.
ABB
Typical A-level requirement
112 UCAS points — 3 A-levels including any subjects
Grade 4+
Minimum GCSE standard
Maths and English required at grade 4 or above by most employers
Non-A-level
Alternatives accepted
BTEC, T-Levels, IB, Scottish Highers all accepted by major employers
Entry requirements by sector
| Sector | A-levels | Maths required? | GCSE minimum | Example employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance / Accountancy | ABB–AAB (112–136 pts) | Preferred or required | Maths & English grade 6+ | PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, ICAEW |
| Technology / Software | ABB (112 pts) | Usually required (B+) | Maths grade 6+; English grade 4+ | BT, IBM, Google, Capgemini, GCHQ |
| Engineering | BBB–ABB including Maths | Required (B+ minimum) | Maths & Physics grade 6+ | Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Airbus, Siemens |
| Consulting | ABB (112 pts) | Not usually specified | Maths & English grade 5+ | Accenture, McKinsey, Deloitte Consulting, PA Consulting |
| Law | AAB (128 pts+) | Not required | English grade 6+; 5+ GCSEs at grade 5 | Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Herbert Smith Freehills |
| Data & Analytics | ABB including Maths | Usually required | Maths grade 6+ | Experian, Capital One, NHS, Civil Service |
| Management / Business | BBB–ABB | Not usually required | Maths & English grade 4+ | NHS, Civil Service, Lloyds, NatWest |
| Healthcare (Nursing) | BBB+ including a Science | Often required | Biology/Science grade 5+; Maths & English grade 4+ | NHS Trusts across England |
Typical requirements. Always check the specific employer listing for exact criteria — minimums vary by programme and cohort year.
Accepted alternatives to A-levels
Most degree apprenticeship employers accept equivalent Level 3 qualifications in place of A-levels. The following are widely accepted:
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Up to 168 UCAS pts (D*D*D*)
T-Levels
Up to 168 UCAS pts (Distinction*)
Scottish Highers
Scottish equivalency accepted by most employers
Access to HE Diploma
Typically equivalent to 3 A-levels
Cambridge Pre-U
Accepted as direct A-level equivalent
International Baccalaureate
IB 30–38 points typically equivalent to ABB–AAA
What if you don't meet the requirements?
Apply anyway — minimums are guides, not guarantees
Employers often state minimum grades but have made offers to candidates below the threshold when the rest of the application is strong. If you miss by one grade, apply and explain the context in your personal statement.
Apply to a Level 4 higher apprenticeship first
Level 4 and 5 higher apprenticeships often have lower entry requirements (e.g. 2 A-levels, or a BTEC Merit). Completing one builds experience and can open the door to a Level 6 degree apprenticeship internally or with another employer.
Retake or resit your weakest subject
A-level resits are common. If you missed a key grade by a narrow margin, a resit the following summer keeps your timeline open. Some employers specifically allow applications from resit candidates.
Target employers with broader entry criteria
Not all degree apprenticeship employers are as prescriptive as the Big Four. Many SMEs and public sector bodies have wider criteria and may assess applications holistically rather than filtering on grade thresholds alone.
Check your UCAS points and find matching roles
Use the UCAS grade calculator to check your points, then browse 12,000+ live apprenticeship roles filtered by level, sector, and location.
Frequently asked questions
What A-levels do I need for a degree apprenticeship?▾
Most degree apprenticeships require 3 A-levels at grades ABB–BBC (96–120 UCAS points). Some competitive programmes (finance, law, technology at top firms) require AAB or above. Maths A-level is commonly required for technology, engineering, and finance roles. Check the specific employer listing for exact requirements.
Can I get a degree apprenticeship with Cs at A-level?▾
It depends on the employer. Some degree apprenticeship programmes accept CCC (or equivalent) — particularly in business, healthcare, and public sector roles. Competitive employers (Big Four, Google, top law firms) typically require ABB or above. The employer list on Apprentice Wizard shows entry requirements where disclosed.
Do you need specific A-level subjects for a degree apprenticeship?▾
It varies. Technology and engineering degree apprenticeships almost always require Maths A-level at grade B or above. Some ask for a Science as well. Finance and accounting programmes often prefer (but do not always require) Maths. Law, business, and management programmes rarely specify subjects beyond a grade threshold.
Can I do a degree apprenticeship without A-levels?▾
Yes. Most employers accept equivalent Level 3 qualifications: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (DMM or above), T-Levels, Scottish Highers, or the International Baccalaureate. A few roles are accessible with Level 2 qualifications or strong work experience, but the majority of degree apprenticeship programmes expect Level 3 entry.
