1. Mandatory Criteria

You may apply to a Pathways programme if you:

  • Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee paying school/college 
  • Are studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent)  

For our in-person Pathways programmes, you'll also need to:

  • Live within a commutable distance from the Pathways University you're applying to. If you live further than 90 minutes away from a university, we would recommend looking at an alternative programme with no distance requirement, such as Pathways Online or a UK Summer School.

2. Additional criteria

If you meet the above requirements, we will also consider if you...

  • Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 – 6 (or A*- B), including English and Maths
  • Universities may may also consider your overall level of GCSE (or equivalent) attainment as part of the selection process 
  • Individual institutions may have subject specific requirements which will be stated on the programme application form where applicable 
  • Would be in the first generation of your family to attend university 
  • Have been in receipt of Free School Meals whilst at secondary school 
  • Attend a school or college with below average attainment or a low rate of progression to the top third of higher education institutions
  • Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation 
  • Have been looked after or in care*

    *If you are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care, you only need to meet the age, school and academic requirements. 
The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place. You don't need to meet all the additional criteria to be eligible. There is room on the application form and teacher verification to explain any extenuating circumstances that might impact your application.