What you will learn on this page:
What is a gap year?
A gap year usually means taking a year out in between your studies. People often take one at 18, after Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels. There are lots of things you could do on a gap year.
Work
Earn money and get experience of working in a job area you are interested in.
Volunteer
Give your time to a cause you care about, and develop your personal and employability skills.
Travel
Meet people from different cultures. Some countries, such as Australia, offer short-term visas for young people who want to work there for up to a year.
Why take a gap year?
- Develop your personal and employability skills
- Get experience of working in a job area that interests you
- Meet people from different cultures
- Confirm what sort of job or career you are interested in before you choose your next step
For some people, having their A Level grades “in the bag” before applying to university can help them decide what and where to apply to – especially if it is a very competitive course, or they did better than expected.
Gap years and university
If you want to go to university after your gap year, there are two ways to do it:
Apply now and defer your place
You apply in your final year at school or college, get a place, and ask for it to be deferred for a year. You request this when you apply. You still need to meet the conditions of your offer this year.
Apply during your gap year
You apply once you have your results. You can make a more tailored application, and you get an extra year to be more certain about your choices. Check what support your school or college offers once you have left.
Tips for planning a gap year
- Balance the fun with useful skills. If you want your gap year to help your future, make sure you are developing skills as well as enjoying yourself.
- Keep a note of what you do and learn. You can then sell what you have learnt in your applications for jobs and courses.
- Think about the cost. There are companies which will help you plan your gap year, but be warned – it all costs money!
- Check the university’s policy on deferred entry for each of your choices. Some courses will not consider it. Usually you can only defer by one year.
- Explain your plans. Many universities expect you to say in your personal statement why you want to defer, and prefer the year to be spent in a constructive way.
- Be sure about the course. Once you have accepted a deferred place you are committed to that course.
- Going abroad? Check whether you need a visa for the countries you want to visit or work in.