'A UK further education qualification will open doors and help you prepare for a career or further study. There are a huge range of vocational and academic options available and many different routes to take.'
Study at further education (FE) level in the UK and you will benefit from highly-qualified teaching, excellent facilities and outstanding resources. After your secondary school studies you may be thinking about what to do next and many international students choose to take UK further education qualifications because they are fully accredited and globally recognised. Some adult learners also choose to study for a further education course as the first step to a change in career.
Where can I study for a FE qualification?
You can study a further education courses at a variety of institutions. Many schools offer further education courses - particularly AS- and A-Levels - in years 12 and 13. These two years are known as the 'sixth form' in many institutions, though not all UK schools provide have them (generally this is the case in Scotland).
Other students choose to study at a sixth-form college - where A-levels and other vocational qualifications are offered - or an FE college. FE colleges may go by slightly different names (such as a City College, College of Technology, or, in Scotland, just a College), and similarly offer a mix of academic and vocational qualifications. Typically FE colleges admit full- and part-time students over the age of 16, including adult learners.
Some colleges specialise in particular types of courses, such as art and design, catering, engineering or garden design. There are also a number of private colleges that offer further education.
Where can I study for a FE qualification?
You can study a further education courses at a variety of institutions. Many schools offer further education courses - particularly AS- and A-Levels - in years 12 and 13. These two years are known as the 'sixth form' in many institutions, though not all UK schools provide have them (generally this is the case in Scotland).
Other students choose to study at a sixth-form college - where A-levels and other vocational qualifications are offered - or an FE college. FE colleges may go by slightly different names (such as a City College, College of Technology, or, in Scotland, just a College), and similarly offer a mix of academic and vocational qualifications. Typically FE colleges admit full- and part-time students over the age of 16, including adult learners.
Some colleges specialise in particular types of courses, such as art and design, catering, engineering or garden design. There are also a number of private colleges that offer further education.
Choosing a course that's right for you
The range of further education courses on offer is designed to help students find a qualification that suits their particular needs. If you’re planning on applying for university, you may consider academic courses, such as A-levels, though there are also a range of pre-university foundation and access routes on offer. You can find out more about academic qualifications here.
If you are practical and hands-on you might like to take a vocational award, such as an NVQ or apprenticeship, which provide excellent workplace experience. You can find out more about vocational qualifications here.
If you are practical and hands-on you might like to take a vocational award, such as an NVQ or apprenticeship, which provide excellent workplace experience. You can find out more about vocational qualifications here.
You can search for further education courses using the course search, to the top-right of this website.
While you study
Most international students find that they settle in quickly to their FE studies. The school, sixth-form centre or college will usually be able to help you find a place to live, and there are a range of accommodation options available. Some students choose to stay in halls of residence or other accommodation which the institution provides or recommends, while others choose to lodge with host families or rent a room in private houses or flats. The institution to which you are applying will provide you with information about what options are available.
Many international students who come to the UK to study for FE qualifications take time to explore the rich diversity of the UK's culture, cities and countryside. You can find out what other international students think about living and studying in different areas of the UK on the Education UK interactive map.
My experience: Eliza Esiategiwa (Nigeria)
My experience: Lina Yow Pei Shi (Singapore)
My experience: Pratichya Kandel (India)
