UK Universities That Accept Mature Students Without Qualifications (2026)
Quick answer
These UK providers accept mature students aged 21 and over with no A-Levels and no previous degree: Global Banking School (GBS), the Open University, Birkbeck, Arden University, QA Higher Education, University of Sunderland London, London Metropolitan, University of East London, Middlesex and most post-1992 universities. Entry is based on work experience, an Access to HE Diploma or a foundation year, and tuition is covered by a Student Finance England Tuition Fee Loan if you are British, hold EU Settlement Scheme status or have ILR.
At a glance
- GBS (Global Banking School) - entry with 19+ work experience, GBP 6,935 per year, September, January and May intakes
- Open University - no entry requirements, part time, October and February starts
- Birkbeck, University of London - mature entry, evening study, up to GBP 9,535
- Arden University - work experience accepted, multiple start dates
- QA Higher Education - Access or experience accepted, three intakes
- Sunderland London - mature entry route, September and January
- London Met, UEL, Middlesex - Access or foundation year, up to GBP 9,535
GBS (Global Banking School)
The most common choice for mature students in England who left school without qualifications. GBS is an alternative higher education provider regulated by the Office for Students and designated for Student Finance England. Campuses in Greenford, Stratford, Holborn, Wembley, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
- Accepts 19+ applicants with relevant work experience and no A-Levels
- Tuition GBP 6,935 per year, fully covered by a Tuition Fee Loan
- Degrees awarded by Leeds Trinity University, Bath Spa University, University of Suffolk and Ravensbourne
- Subjects: Business, Accounting and Finance, Health and Social Care, Digital Marketing, Tourism, Construction
- Three intakes a year so you never wait 12 months
- Apply direct, not through UCAS, decision usually in 3 to 5 working days
Open University
No entry requirements for most undergraduate modules. Study part time from home, keep your job, and pay per module with an SFE part-time Tuition Fee Loan. Best if you need maximum flexibility and cannot attend a campus.
Birkbeck, University of London
A London university experience with teaching in the evenings, built around working adults since 1823. Mature applicants are assessed on motivation and experience rather than grades.
Arden University and QA Higher Education
Both run blended and online degrees with multiple start dates and mature-friendly admissions. Arden is strong on Business and Computing. QA delivers degrees with Northumbria University and Solent University. See our Arden and QA finance guides.
Post-1992 universities
London Metropolitan, University of East London, Middlesex, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Bolton, Teesside and Sunderland all publish a mature entry policy. Typical route: apply through UCAS, submit a personal statement explaining your experience, attend an interview, and either enter Year 1 directly or start with a foundation year.
What you still need
- GCSE English grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills English. If you do not have it, colleges run short courses year round.
- Proof of status: British passport, EUSS share code, or BRP showing Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- A CV and employer reference if you are applying on the work experience route.
Which one should you choose?
- Want the lowest debt and the fastest start: GBS
- Need to keep a full-time job: Open University or Birkbeck
- Want online study with structure: Arden or QA
- Want a traditional campus and are happy to do a foundation year: a post-1992 university