Level 7 apprenticeship UK
Master's-level apprenticeships in the UK — what they are, who is eligible, and what the 2026 funding changes mean for new and existing apprentices.
Master's level
Qualification level
Level 7 is equivalent to a master's degree — above a standard degree apprenticeship
Funding cut Jan 2026
Critical change
Government levy funding removed for over-22 starts from 1 January 2026
Under 22 still eligible
Who the levy still funds
School leavers under 22, care leavers up to 25, and EHCP holders up to 25
Important: Level 7 funding change from 1 January 2026
Government levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeship new starts is being removed for apprentices aged 22 or over from 1 January 2026. Around 89% of Level 7 apprentices are over 22. Existing apprentices who started before that date are fully protected and can complete their programme. Employers can still self-fund Level 7 programmes without the levy. Check with your employer or training provider before making plans based on levy funding.
What is a Level 7 apprenticeship?
A Level 7 apprenticeship sits at master's degree level — one step above the standard degree apprenticeship (Level 6). Programmes include the MBA and Senior Leader Apprenticeship, the Solicitor Apprenticeship (SQE route), Chartered Accountant (ICAEW ACA Level 7), and specialist postgraduate qualifications in data science, HR, and more.
Historically, Level 7 apprenticeships were funded through the government's apprenticeship levy and were widely used by employers to upskill existing staff or recruit career changers at a postgraduate level. The funding change from January 2026 significantly alters who can access levy-funded Level 7 programmes.
Who is still eligible for levy-funded Level 7 apprenticeships?
Apprentices aged under 22 at the start date
School leavers applying to Level 7 programmes (e.g. solicitor apprenticeships) at 18 are still funded
Care leavers aged up to 25
Care leavers retain eligibility up to age 25 regardless of Level 7 start date
Those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
EHCP holders are eligible up to age 25
Existing apprentices who started before 1 January 2026
Protected — they complete under the rules that applied when they started
Employer self-funded programmes (any age)
Employers can pay for Level 7 apprenticeships from their own budget, bypassing the levy restriction
Affected Level 7 apprenticeship programmes
| Programme | Awarding body | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MBA / Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Various business schools | Primarily recruits mid-career professionals aged 25+ |
| Chartered Manager (Level 6/7) | CMI | Management development route; most participants over 22 |
| Solicitor Apprenticeship | SRA / SQE | 6-year programme — under-22 school leavers still eligible via levy |
| Chartered Accountant (ICAEW Level 7) | ICAEW | ACA qualification; school leavers under 22 still eligible |
| Data Scientist (Level 7) | Various | Postgraduate data science route |
Alternatives to a Level 7 apprenticeship
If you are aged 22 or over and your employer cannot self-fund a Level 7 apprenticeship, alternative routes to postgraduate-level qualifications include:
- Part-time master's degree (employer-funded or self-funded) at a UK university
- Professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPD, CMI) funded directly by your employer
- Level 6 degree apprenticeship (still levy-funded for all ages)
- Employer's internal management development programmes
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a Level 7 apprenticeship?▾
A Level 7 apprenticeship is a master's-level programme combining employment with funded postgraduate qualifications such as an MBA, Chartered Manager, Solicitor (SQE), or Chartered Accountant. It sits one level above a standard degree apprenticeship.
What is changing about Level 7 funding in January 2026?▾
From 1 January 2026, government levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeship new starts is being removed for apprentices aged 22 or over. Around 89% of Level 7 starters are over 22. Existing apprentices who started before this date are fully protected. Employers can still self-fund Level 7 programmes.
I'm currently on a Level 7 apprenticeship — am I affected?▾
No — if you started your Level 7 apprenticeship before 1 January 2026, you are fully protected and can complete your programme under the rules that applied at your start date. The funding change only affects new starts from 1 January 2026.
Can I still do a solicitor apprenticeship after January 2026?▾
Yes — if you are under 22 at the start date, the solicitor degree apprenticeship (Level 7) remains levy-funded. School leavers applying at 18 are not affected. If you are 22 or over, your employer would need to self-fund the programme. Some law firms with large levy pots may continue to do this.
What are the alternatives to a Level 7 apprenticeship for over-22s?▾
Alternatives include: employer-funded part-time master's degree; professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIPD) paid by the employer; Level 6 degree apprenticeships (still levy-funded for all ages); or employer internal development programmes. Speak to your HR team about what your employer can fund.
