Conservatives Plan to Cut University Places: What Students Need to Know in 2026

In February 2026, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch proposed cutting university places by 100,000 and redirecting the funding to apprenticeships. The proposal has generated a lot of attention — but it is not current law, and it does not affect university applications for 2026 or 2027.

This guide explains what was actually proposed, what is genuinely changing in student finance for 2026/27, and what adults thinking about university should focus on right now.

This article is for general information only and does not replace official guidance from Student Finance England, universities, or Gov.uk.

At a glance:

• Kemi Badenoch announced a plan to cut 100,000 university places and double apprenticeships
• The proposal would redirect £3.6 billion from universities into apprenticeship funding
• This is Opposition policy — Labour governs and has not adopted it
• University places for 2026 and 2027 entry are not affected
• Some student finance amounts do change for 2026/27 under current government policy — separate from this proposal
• Adults without A-levels can still apply through foundation year routes under current rules

What Did the Conservatives Propose?

On 23 February 2026, Kemi Badenoch announced her party’s plan to cut university entrants by 100,000 per year and double apprenticeship starts — with an emphasis on 18–21 year olds.

The proposed £3.6 billion saving would be redirected from universities into apprenticeship funding. Badenoch also proposed capping Plan 2 student loan interest at RPI only, removing the income-linked top-up that currently takes maximum rates to RPI + 3% (around 6.2% for higher earners).

Her argument: too many young people take on significant debt from degrees that do not meaningfully improve their employment outcomes compared to an apprenticeship.

The announcement was made during a visit to apprentices at the Virgin Media O2 headquarters in London. Badenoch drew on her own experience completing an engineering apprenticeship before university.

Will the Conservatives Cut University Places in 2026?

No — not in 2026 or 2027. This is an Opposition proposal.

Labour is in government. For the Conservatives to cut university places, they would need to win the next general election (due by January 2029) and then pass new legislation. Neither has happened.

University places for 2026 and 2027 entry are available under current rules. Applications proceed normally.

What Is Genuinely Changing for 2026/27

Some student finance amounts do change for 2026/27 under current government policy — separately from this proposal and regardless of it:

• The Plan 2 repayment threshold rises to £29,385 from April 2026, then stays frozen until at least April 2030
• Maximum tuition fee loans increased to £9,535 for 2025/26; further adjustments are expected for 2026/27 for some course types
• Maintenance loans for 2025/26 range from around £4,767 to £13,762 depending on your household income, where you live while studying, and whether you are studying in London — actual amounts vary and are not a flat figure

For a full breakdown of current student finance amounts, see our guide on how student finance works in the UK.

Which University Courses Could Be Affected by the Proposal?

No official list of targeted courses exists. The Conservative Party has referred broadly to courses with poor graduate employment outcomes and high dropout rates, but has not confirmed specific subjects.

Treating speculation about which courses would be cut as fact is premature — this is a political proposal, not a worked policy with published implementation detail.

What About the Apprenticeship Expansion?

The other side of the proposal involves using the redirected £3.6 billion to significantly expand apprenticeships.

Department for Education data shows 142,780 people started an apprenticeship in 2025/26 up to October — a 7.7% year-on-year rise. Doubling that figure would represent a major structural shift in how young people enter the workforce.

What has not changed: Apprenticeship funding, standards, and availability for 2026 are set under the current government’s Growth and Skills Levy. The Conservative proposal does not alter any of this now.

It is also worth noting: higher and degree apprenticeships already reach up to Level 7 (postgraduate equivalent) in fields including engineering, accountancy, law, and nursing. For many careers, they are already a genuine alternative to a traditional degree — and this holds true regardless of the current political debate.

University vs Apprenticeship: How to Compare the Two Routes

The right choice depends on what you want to do, which pathway exists in your sector, and your personal situation. Neither is universally better.

For adults returning to education, both routes may be accessible — check your funding eligibility before deciding.

Can Adults Still Apply to University Without A-Levels in 2026?

Yes. Foundation year routes remain available under current rules and are not affected by the Conservative proposal.

A foundation year is a preparatory undergraduate year for people who do not have standard A-level qualifications. It is a fully funded, recognised entry route — not a shortcut — and it is particularly relevant for adults returning to education, career changers, and mature students.

There is no upper age limit on applying. Student Finance coverage for foundation year courses follows the same eligibility rules as standard degrees.

Read our guide to Student Finance and foundation year funding for a full breakdown.

What Should Students Do Right Now?

If you are applying to university for 2026 or 2027:

1. Do not delay your application based on a proposal that has not become law
2. Check your student finance eligibility early — amounts vary by household income, location, and course type
3. If you do not have A-levels, explore foundation year routes — they are funded, legitimate, and widely available
4. Browse courses by subject and city on UniStart to understand what is available near you

If you are weighing university against an apprenticeship:

1. Look at degree apprenticeships in your target field — in many sectors, they now offer a direct route to a professional qualification without tuition debt
2. Compare career trajectories for both routes in your specific area, not just general figures
3. Use our Plan 2 student loan guide to understand what repayments would look like under a university route

If you already have a Plan 2 loan:

• The proposed interest cap at RPI only is not current policy
• Current rates for 2025/26 run from 3.2% to 6.2% depending on income
• See the full breakdown in our Plan 2 repayment guide

Bottom Line: Conservatives Cut University Places — Is It Really Happening?

The proposal to cut university places has reopened a genuine debate about degree value, graduate debt, and whether apprenticeships deserve equal recognition alongside university. That debate is worth following.

But as of 2026, this is Opposition policy — not law. The university system and student finance rules for 2026 and 2027 entry are determined by the current government, not by proposals from the Opposition benches.

Some student finance amounts do change for 2026/27. Those changes are real and worth understanding. The Conservative proposal, however, is not yet in force and cannot be treated as fact when planning your education.

The most useful thing you can do right now is understand what is actually available to you — and make a decision based on that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Conservative plan to cut university places happening now? No. This is a proposal from Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, announced in February 2026. Labour governs and has not adopted this plan. University places are not being cut for 2026 or 2027 entry.

Which university courses could be cut under the proposal? No official list exists. The Conservative Party has referred broadly to courses with poor graduate employment outcomes, but has not confirmed specific subjects or sectors.

Is student finance changing in 2026/27? Yes — but not because of this proposal. Under current government policy, the Plan 2 repayment threshold rises to £29,385 from April 2026. Tuition fee loan maximums and maintenance loan amounts also adjust for 2025/26 and 2026/27. See our student finance guide for current figures.

Are apprenticeships a better option than university? It depends on your field and goals. Degree apprenticeships now reach Level 7 in many sectors, allow you to earn while learning, and carry no tuition debt. For some careers and learners, they represent a genuine alternative to a traditional degree — regardless of the current political debate.

Should I still apply to university in 2026? Yes, if university is the right route for your goals. Current rules apply for 2026 and 2027 entry. Even if this proposal eventually became law after a future election, it would not retroactively affect students already enrolled.

Can I apply to university without A-levels? Yes. Foundation year routes remain fully available and funded. UniStart lists foundation year degree courses across seven UK cities. Explore courses by city to see what is available near you.

Thinking about university or an apprenticeship in the UK? UniStart helps adults, expats, and career changers understand their options, check funding eligibility, and take the next step with confidence. Explore funded UK university courses or read our student finance guides to understand what applies to you.