T Levels are school-leaver qualifications in England that combine classroom learning with practical experience, giving you the skills and knowledge to progress into employment, continue to higher education or start an apprenticeship
Key information about T levels
- A two-year Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A-levels.
- Developed in collaboration with employers to meet industry needs.
- Structure is divided into 80% classroom learning and 20% on an industry placement.
- Graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*.
- Provide a route into sectors such as construction, digital, engineering, and health.
What are T Levels?
T Levels (Technical Levels) are two-year qualifications designed for students aged 16 to 19 looking to develop vocational knowledge and skills for their chosen career. They are available at selected schools and colleges in England as an alternative to A-levels.
These career-focused qualifications combine classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement, preparing students for:
- apprenticeships
- further technical study
- skilled employment.
Created in partnership with industry, T Levels have been designed with input from more than 250 leading employers to ensure they develop the skills businesses need. They are available across 20 subject pathways - from education and early years to business, marketing, and the digital industries.
Explore what they are at GOV.UK - T Levels and see how they fit in with building Skills for Life.
Search for courses near you at T Levels - Find your nearest T Level.
What are the benefits of T Levels?
If you're deciding between T Levels, A-levels and apprenticeships, it can help to understand what makes T Levels different. Here are some of the main benefits of choosing a T Level:
- T Levels provide you with another study choice after your GCSEs and can lead to employment, apprenticeships, higher technical study and getting into university.
- As you'll be required to spend more time in the classroom than with an apprenticeship (about 80% compared to 20%), you can continue studying in a familiar environment while getting to experience the workplace through an industry placement directly relevant to your course. You can still choose to do a higher or degree apprenticeship after completing the course.
- T Levels are perfect if you have clear career goals and would benefit from hands-on learning and practical experience rather than pure academic study. This is different from Year 12 work experience, which is typically much shorter in length and more about observation than learning in the role.
- While the industry placement is part of a course and the employer is not legally obligated to offer a wage, the host company can still decide to pay you for the work.
Should I study T Levels or A-levels?
The right choice depends on your career goals. T Levels tend to suit students who already have an interest in a specific sector and want to gain practical experience alongside their studies.
On the other hand, A-levels may be more suitable if you enjoy academic study and want to keep your university and career options as broad as possible.
Here’s a breakdown of both options:
| T Levels | A-levels |
|---|---|
| Technical and career-focused. | Academic and subject-focused. |
| Include an industry placement. | No compulsory placement. |
|
A combination of classroom learning and practical experience. |
Mainly classroom-based learning. |
| Best suited to students with a clear career interest. | Best suited to students wanting to keep options open. |
| Equivalent to three A-levels. | Usually studied as three separate subjects. |
Should I study T Levels or an apprenticeship?
The right choice depends on how you prefer to learn. T Levels combine classroom study with an industry placement, while apprenticeships focus on paid employment and workplace training from day one.
Here’s a look at how they compare:
| T Levels | Apprenticeships |
|---|---|
| Primarily classroom-based. | Primarily workplace-based. |
| Includes an industry placement. | Paid employment throughout. |
| Equivalent to Level 3 study. | Available from Level 2 upwards. |
| Suitable for students wanting to continue studying. | Suitable for those ready to enter work. |
What subjects are T Levels available in?
Introduced in 2020, T Levels are still fairly new compared to other, more established qualifications, so they're not available in all sectors and subject areas. However, they now cover ten major disciplines.
You can currently study T Levels in:
- accounting
- agriculture, land management and production
- animal care and management
- building services engineering for construction
- craft and design
- design and development for engineering and manufacturing
- design, surveying and planning for construction
- digital data analytics
- digital software development
- digital support and security
- education and early years
- engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
- finance (last enrolments September 2026)
- health
- legal services
- management and administration
- maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing
- marketing
- media, broadcast and production
- science
- social care (available from September 2028)
- sport (available from September 2028).
For the latest list of approved T Level courses, visit Skills England - Qualification finder.
How are T Levels graded?
On completing a T Level, you'll be awarded one of the following grades:
- Pass (P)
- Merit (M)
- Distinction (D)
- Distinction* (D*).
The latest government figures show that in 2025, 93% of T Level students achieved a Pass or above.
How do T Levels compare with other qualifications?
T Levels are Level 3 qualifications equivalent in size to three A-levels. The highest T Level grade is a Distinction*, which offers the same maximum UCAS Tariff points as three A* grades at A-level or a BTEC diploma.
Are V-levels the same as T Levels?
No. From September 2027, V-levels will become a new Level 3 qualification alongside A-levels and T Levels.
While both qualifications are vocational, the table below shows how they have different aims and are designed for different types of learners.
| T Levels | V-levels |
|---|---|
| Equivalent in size to three A-levels. | Equivalent in size to one A-level. |
| Focus on preparing students for a specific occupation. | Provide a broader introduction to a vocational sector. |
| Include a substantial industry placement. | No mandatory industry placement. |
| Best suited to students with a clear career direction. |
Best suited to those exploring a vocational area before specialising. |
| Usually studied as a standalone qualification. | Can be combined with other V-levels or A-levels. |
If you're interested in a specific career area and want significant workplace experience, a T Level may be the better option. If you'd prefer to combine subjects and keep your options open while exploring a vocational field, a V-level might be a better fit.
Read more at GOV.UK - New V-levels and post-16 qualifications explained.
Do all colleges and sixth forms offer T Levels?
No. While there are now over 400 providers of the T Level qualification across England, they're not available at all colleges and sixth forms.
According to the Association of Colleges' (AoC) College Key Facts 2025/26 report, 19,900 students across 164 colleges are doing T Levels in 18 different subject areas.
Search institutions in your local area to discover whether T Levels are included in their course listings.
Explore other college courses.
What are the entry requirements?
Schools and colleges set their own criteria, so check their websites or contact them directly to learn more about their entry requirements for T Level courses.
To give you an idea of what's typically required, for entry onto the T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing at Wiltshire College & University Centre, you'll be expected to have gained at least five GCSE passes at grade 5 (B) or above, including English, maths and science. You'll also need to pass an interview.
On the other hand, to secure a place on the T Level in Accounting at University College Birmingham, you'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English (language or literature), with maths at grade 5 or above.
If you haven't met the minimum requirements for your course, T Level foundation years are post-GCSE study programmes that can help you develop your English and maths while boosting your:
- practical
- study
- technical skills.
They also provide relevant work experience in the subject, preparing you for a full T Level.
You can also consider functional skills qualifications.
Contact your school or college to discuss whether this would be the right pathway for you.
Will universities accept T Levels for entry?
Yes, it's been revealed that 198 higher education institutions in England (as of July 2026) accept T Levels for entry onto at least one of their courses.
You can view the full list at GOV.UK - List of higher education providers that accept T Levels for entry.
Do Russell Group universities recognise T Levels?
Most do. About three-quarters (18) of the 24 universities consider T Levels as a form of entry to their undergraduate programmes. These include:
- Cardiff University
- Durham University
- King's College London
- Newcastle University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- University of Sheffield
- University of Warwick
- University of York.
This shows that while A-levels are often held in higher regard due to their reputation as the traditional pathway to university, T Levels are increasingly seen as a legitimate alternative, especially for students who prefer a more vocational, hands-on approach.
How many UCAS points do you get for your T Levels?
If you had any aspirations to go to university, it's worth considering that a T Level Distinction* is worth the maximum 168 UCAS Tariff points (see the table below) - according to the model used by universities to assess qualifications in relation to their course entry requirements.
Read more about UCAS Tariff points and calculate what your qualifications are worth.
You can also explore applying for university.
The number of UCAS Tariff points awarded depends on your final T Level grade. The table below shows how each grade compares under the UCAS Tariff system used by many universities as part of their entry requirements.
| T Level grade | Tariff points |
|---|---|
| D* | 168 |
| D | 144 |
| M | 120 |
| P (C or above on the core) | 96 |
| P (D/E on the core) | 72 |
How long do industry placements last?
The work placement can vary in length according to the employer's needs and the area of specialism, but it must last at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days), excluding lunch breaks.
Most placements are expected to last around 50 days and typically take place during the normal working day, from 9am to 5pm.
However, if an employer cannot commit to the full 315 hours, the placement can be shared between two organisations. This would include sharing your learning goals to ensure your objectives are met.
As your industry placement will account for about 20% of your course, it can be completed either as a:
- block
- day release
- series of blocks
- combination of these.
The T Level itself, your college, and the employer will determine this.
Depending on the employer and occupational area, some industry placements can now be completed remotely or through a hybrid arrangement that combines workplace attendance with home-based activities.
Speak to your school or college to find out what is available for your chosen T Level.
Explore work placements at university.
Which employers offer T Level industry placements?
Hundreds of leading employers have hosted T Level students on industry placements, including:
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Nestlé
- NHS Trusts
- Persimmon Homes
- Yorkshire Water.
For some students, their industry placement has led to a permanent job offer or an apprenticeship opportunity after completing their course.
What jobs can I get with T Levels?
Depending on the subject studied, T Levels can lead directly to skilled employment, apprenticeships or further study in areas such as:
- agriculture, environment and animal care
- business and administration
- construction, engineering and manufacturing
- digital, creative and design
- education and early years
- health and science
- legal, finance and accounting.
For instance, a digital business services T Level could help you secure a role as a:
Explore job profiles in your chosen sector and read about the skills employers want.
Find out more
- Discover your various post-16 choices.
- Get an overview of the UK's FE sector.
- Visit the official T Levels website.