Level 7 apprenticeships: funding cuts explained

If you've been considering doing an apprenticeship, a major government funding change could reshape your plans

From January 2026, government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships, the highest level available and equivalent to a Masters degree, will no longer be available to most learners aged 22 and above. Existing apprentices will continue to receive funding until they complete their training.

This shift is part of a government strategy to redirect investment toward younger people to improve early career prospects and reduce youth unemployment. Support will also remain available for:

• care leavers under 25
• new starters under 21
• those with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Holly Slater, early careers partner at Jisc, anticipates less of an uptake for Level 7 apprenticeships from those over 24. Yet she stresses 'it's important not to lose sight of the breadth of high-quality apprenticeship routes and professional qualifications still available'.

Why is the funding changing?

Level 7 apprenticeships have grown in popularity over the past decade as alternatives to traditional university routes, with nearly 11,000 starts recorded in the first quarter of the 2024/25 academic year, according to the Department for Education.

However, government data shows that older adults make up a significant proportion of those enrolled in the most expensive Level 7 programmes. In 2023/24, just 10% of solicitor apprenticeship starts were under 19 and under 1% of advanced clinical practitioner starts were from those under 25.

Holly adds, 'while the government's focus on younger learners is understandable, this shift will inadvertently disadvantage sectors that rely on more experienced professionals pursuing advanced qualifications. It's crucial we help individuals to explore all of their options rather than abandon their development goals altogether.'

Who will be most affected?

In sectors such as accountancy and taxation, younger learners make up a significant proportion - according to a 2024 Kaplan survey, 75% of apprentices in these fields are under 25. However, many other Level 7 apprenticeships, such as those in leadership, planning, and technology, are typically pursued by mid-career professionals. These are the programmes now facing the greatest uncertainty. Apprenticeships at risk include:

• architect
• artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist
• digital and technology solutions specialist
• chartered town planner
• senior people professional.

A 2025 briefing from the UK Parliament's House of Commons Library notes that nearly half (48%) of apprenticeship starts in 2023/24 were by those aged 25 and over, underlining the importance of this funding for mature learners.

Why does this matter?

 Level 7 apprenticeships provide a tuition-free route to high-level careers, particularly for disadvantaged groups; for example, 85% of Level 7 accountancy and tax apprentices come from state schools. Cutting this support threatens to reduce opportunities and hamper social mobility.

Holly reflects on the impact, 'I do think this change could push some learners out of training altogether. University isn't the right fit for everyone. Apprenticeships have offered a flexible, accessible route, and without that option, we risk losing a percentage of the workforce from the upskilling pipeline.'

Age limits further complicate typical progression routes. School leavers starting at Level 2 to 4 often don't reach Level 7 before age 22, and university graduates usually turn 22 soon after finishing their degrees, leaving minimal time to secure an apprenticeship. Those who take gap years, placements, pursue a Masters, or attend Scottish universities are even more likely to exceed the funding age limit. Non-linear career paths, such as changing careers before entering accountancy, may also now be excluded.

Holly expresses her concern, 'my main worry is that individuals may be discouraged from pursuing apprenticeships altogether. While interest in Levels 3 to 6 might increase, this largely depends on whether those programmes fit the learner's career goals and offer a feasible progression route.'

Public sector employers such as the NHS and local councils, which depend on Level 7 apprenticeships for workforce development, may face worsening skills shortages. For example, the NHS uses these apprenticeships to train senior healthcare managers and specialist roles like informatics. In 2023/24, there were 2,040 Level 7 apprenticeship starts in the health, public services, and care sector, highlighting the significant role these programmes play. Without continued funding, these organisations could struggle to fill critical positions, potentially affecting service quality and efficiency.

'There is a real risk this change could lower confidence in the apprenticeship system, especially among those excluded by the new funding criteria,' Holly adds. 'Some sectors will undoubtedly feel the impact more than others. At Jisc, we'll continue working with our employees to discuss their development goals, whether that means guiding them toward alternative apprenticeships or commercial qualifications if Level 7 funding isn't available.'

What can you do?

If a Level 7 apprenticeship is part of your career plan, Holly advises acting soon - ideally well before January 2026. Some employers may accelerate recruitment or develop bridging programmes ahead of the funding change. She suggests engaging with prospective employers and advisers to understand how they plan to adapt, as some might continue supporting apprenticeships through private funding, sponsorships, or partnerships.

For those with non-linear career paths or gaps in their studies, Holly encourages exploring alternatives which remain funded like:

• continued professional development (CPD)
• Level 6 apprenticeships
• professional qualifications

Many industries also offer structured in-house development or sponsored courses as effective routes to senior roles.

'Start by speaking with your organisation's learning and development team to explore alternative options,' Holly advises. 'While Level 7 apprenticeships may no longer be accessible through government funding, other routes - such as commercial qualifications or lower-level apprenticeships - may still align with your goals. Don't let this change derail your personal development. There are still many valuable opportunities out there to grow your skills and advance your career.'

Find out more

• Explore our guidance on degree apprenticeships.
• Discover how to fund postgraduate study.
• Read The Topic to stay up-to-date on news, insights and opinions.