Post-16 Options: T Levels

26th February 2026 by CareerWave

What are T Levels?

  • T Levels are Level 3 technical qualifications taught over 2 years, and equivalent to 3 A-Levels.
  • They offer students a mix of academic and technical learning (including a minimum of 45 days work experience).
  • They focus on the knowledge and skills to get a head start into the workplace.
  • T Levels were designed by businesses and are now widely seen as an alternative to A-levels and other vocational options.

How are T-Levels different to other technical options?

  • There is a compulsory requirement of a minimum of 45 days of work experience.
  • There is a strong academic part to a T Level that is not seen in other technical qualifications.
  • As a result of the this academic content, the GCSE grade requirements will likely be a little higher than other vocational qualifications (e.g., grade 5s and above, rather than 4s and above needed for Level 3 vocational qualifications). On some T-levels you might need a grade 6 in a specific subject (e.g., a 6 in maths for an engineering related T Level).

Will T Levels replace other Level 3 technical qualifications?

For now, T Levels will exist alongside other existing technical course options including Level 3 Diplomas (BTECs, Cambridge Nationals, CACHEs, UALs). There are changes coming with regard to technical education. Click here to find out more.

Will I still be able to get to University if I take a T Level?

Yes, T Levels are accepted by lots of Universities. However, some Universities will still see A-levels as better preparation for very academic degrees. We always recommend that you check what the entry requirements are at each University because each Uni sets their own requirements.

What can I do a T-Level in?

Currently, the following T Levels are available (although you will need to check what is on offer in your local sixth forms and colleges):

  • 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
  • Health
  • Legal Services
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Management and Administration
  • Marketing
  • Media, Broadcast and Production
  • Science

Where can I find out more about each subject?

The government has created a T Levels website that tells you about the qualification, more information about each subject and where you can currently study a T-Level.

Search by postcode for currently available T-Levels in your area.

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