What a gap year actually is
A gap year is a period of time – usually 3 to 12 months – taken between finishing school or college and starting university, an apprenticeship, or full-time work. It’s a chance to do something different before your next step.
The phrase “gap year” often conjures images of backpacking through Southeast Asia, but the reality is much broader than that. A gap year can involve structured programmes, volunteering projects, paid work experience, language courses abroad, or simply earning money at home to fund the next stage of your life.
There is no single correct way to do a gap year. Some people spend the entire time travelling. Others split it between working and volunteering. Some stay in the UK; others go abroad. The important thing is that you use the time with some sense of purpose, rather than drifting through 12 months without a plan.
Gap years are most common after A-Levels or equivalent qualifications, but you can also take one after GCSEs (less common and requires more planning), after university, or at any point during a career change. If you’re considering a more structured route, T-Levels offer a 2-year programme with built-in industry experience. This guide focuses mainly on the post-18 gap year, since that’s when most people consider one.
Types of gap year
Gap years come in many forms. Here are the main types, along with what each one involves and who it suits best.
Travel. The classic gap year option. Backpacking, road trips, or extended stays in other countries. You gain independence, cultural awareness, and a broader perspective. The downside is cost – travel gap years are usually the most expensive option, and you need to budget carefully.
Working abroad. Teaching English, working in hospitality, or picking up seasonal jobs in countries like Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Working holiday visas make this possible for 18–30 year olds. You earn money while getting international experience, though the work itself may not be directly relevant to your career.
Volunteering. Conservation projects, community development, teaching in developing countries, or charity work in the UK. Volunteering looks good on your CV and gives you a sense of purpose, but be cautious of “voluntourism” programmes that charge high fees without delivering genuine benefit to communities.
Internships and work experience. Spending your gap year gaining experience in the field you want to enter. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to study a vocational subject at university or apply for competitive graduate schemes later. Some internships are paid; many are not. If you’re not sure which sector to explore, our careers guide can help you identify your options.
Structured programmes. Organisations like Year in Industry, International Citizen Service (ICS), and Camp America run formal gap year programmes with built-in support, training, and structure. These are ideal if you want the security of an organised programme rather than planning everything yourself. Year in Industry placements are paid and give you a full year of professional experience. If you prefer a shorter, skills-focused programme, Skills Bootcamps offer 12–16 weeks of intensive training with a guaranteed job interview.
Combination. Most gap years end up being a mix. You might work for four months to save money, travel for three, and volunteer for two. There’s no rule that says you have to pick one thing and stick with it for the full year.
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Average travel gap year cost
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Gap year pros and cons
A gap year is not automatically a good idea for everyone. Here are the genuine advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an honest assessment.
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal development | You grow in independence, confidence, and resilience | Can be isolating if you travel alone without a support network |
| Experience | Travel, work, and volunteering build real-world skills | Some employers and courses view a gap year as time wasted if you can't show what you gained |
| Perspective | Gives you time to figure out what you actually want to do | Can make it harder to return to study if you get used to earning or travelling |
| Wellbeing | A break from academic pressure can improve your mental health | Lack of structure can lead to boredom or loss of motivation |
| Career | Relevant work experience strengthens university and job applications | You start your career or degree a year later than peers who go straight in |
| Cost | Working gap years can build savings for university | Travel and programme fees can cost £5,000–£15,000 or more |
| Safety | Structured programmes offer support and risk management | Independent travel carries risks, especially in unfamiliar countries |
The key question is not “should I take a gap year?” but “what will I do with it?” A well-planned gap year with clear goals is almost always positive. A year spent without direction or purpose is harder to justify. If you’re still weighing up all your options, our alternatives to university guide compares every route side by side.
Planning a gap year
A gap year takes more planning than most people realise. If you’re serious about taking one, start preparing at least 6 to 12 months in advance. Here’s what to think about.
When to start planning. If you’re in Year 13 and want a gap year after A-Levels, start planning in Year 12. Structured programmes like Year in Industry have application deadlines months in advance. Visa applications for working holidays take time too.
Budgeting. Work out what your gap year will cost and where the money will come from. A travelling gap year typically costs between £5,000 and £15,000 depending on destinations and duration. Factor in flights, insurance, accommodation, food, activities, and an emergency fund. If you’re working during your gap year, budget based on realistic earnings.
Safety. Research your destinations thoroughly. Check the FCDO travel advice for every country you plan to visit. Register with the embassy if you’re staying somewhere long-term. Tell your family your itinerary. Have a plan for emergencies.
Insurance. Travel insurance is not optional. Standard holiday insurance will not cover a gap year. You need a specialist backpacker or long-stay policy that covers medical emergencies, repatriation, lost belongings, and trip cancellation. Expect to pay £200–£500 for a year-long policy.
Deferring offers. If you’ve applied to university through UCAS, you can request a deferred entry when you apply. Most universities are happy to hold your place for a year if you ask at the right time. More on this below.
Telling your school or employer. If you’re still at school, talk to your teachers and careers adviser early. They can help with references and planning. If you’re leaving a job, give proper notice and leave on good terms – you may want a reference later.
Gap year and university
Taking a gap year before university is common, and most universities view it positively – as long as you can show you did something worthwhile with the time. Here’s how the process works.
Deferring a UCAS offer. You have two options. First, you can apply in Year 13 as normal and request deferred entry for the following year. You tick the “deferred entry” box on your UCAS application. Second, you can apply during your gap year through the normal UCAS cycle. Both approaches work, but applying before your gap year means you have a confirmed place to come back to.
How universities view gap years. The majority of UK universities are supportive. Admissions tutors know that students who take a productive gap year often arrive more mature, more motivated, and more certain about their course choice. Some courses, like medicine and veterinary science, actively encourage relevant work experience during a gap year.
When deferral might not work. A small number of highly competitive courses – particularly at Oxford and Cambridge for some subjects – may prefer you to apply during your gap year rather than defer. Some courses with limited places may not offer deferral at all. Always check the specific course and university policy before assuming you can defer.
Applying during your gap year. If you decide to apply while you’re already on your gap year, the process is the same as applying from school. The UCAS deadline is 29 January (15 October for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine/dentistry/veterinary courses). You’ll need to arrange your own reference if you’re no longer at school.
Gap year and apprenticeships
Can you take a gap year before starting an apprenticeship? Yes, but the timing requires more thought than deferring a university place.
Unlike universities, most employers offering apprenticeships do not hold places open for a year. Apprenticeship vacancies are filled as they come up, so you cannot apply in Year 13 and ask to start a year later. Instead, you would take your gap year and then apply for apprenticeships towards the end of it.
This means there’s an element of uncertainty. You won’t have a confirmed apprenticeship waiting for you when you get back. However, if you use your gap year to gain relevant experience, you’ll be a stronger candidate when you do apply.
Large employers with annual apprenticeship intakes (such as the Civil Service, NHS, and major engineering firms) typically advertise between November and March for September starts. Plan your gap year so you’re available to apply and attend assessment centres during these windows.
Funding a gap year
Money is the biggest barrier to taking a gap year. But a gap year does not have to be expensive, and there are several ways to fund one.
Working before you go. The most common approach. Many people work for 3–6 months after finishing school to build up savings before heading off. A part-time job during Year 13 helps too. If you’re earning the National Living Wage at 18 (currently £10.00 per hour), working full-time for four months gives you around £6,000 before tax.
Working during your gap year. If you’re abroad, working holiday visas let you take paid jobs in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In the UK, you can work throughout your gap year and save for later travel or education.
Funded structured programmes. Some gap year programmes are fully or partially funded. Year in Industry placements are paid (you’re employed for the year). International Citizen Service (ICS) was government-funded, though its future depends on current policy. Camp America covers flights and provides pocket money in exchange for working at a summer camp.
Scholarships and bursaries. A small number of gap year scholarships exist, including the John Hall Pre-University Award, the Philip Green Memorial Trust, and awards from organisations like the Royal Geographical Society. Competition is fierce, but they’re worth looking into if you have a specific project in mind.
Key facts about gap years
Average costs
- Travelling gap year (backpacking): £5,000–£15,000 depending on destinations
- Working holiday abroad: £2,000–£4,000 upfront (you earn while there)
- Structured volunteering programme: £1,500–£5,000 depending on the organisation
- UK-based working gap year: minimal cost (you’re earning)
- Travel insurance: £200–£500 per year
UCAS deferral process
To defer your university place, tick the “deferred entry” box on your UCAS application, or contact the university directly after receiving your offer. Most universities are happy to defer for one year. You cannot usually defer for more than one year. If your firm choice does not allow deferral, you can decline and reapply during your gap year.
Travel insurance essentials
Standard holiday insurance will not cover a gap year. You need a specialist policy that includes: medical emergency cover (minimum £2 million), repatriation, personal liability, lost or stolen belongings, and trip cancellation. If you plan to do adventure activities like scuba diving or skiing, check these are included or add them as extras.
Gap years: frequently asked questions
Planning your gap year?
James Adams
Career and Education Founder
James Adams is a Career and Education Founder who also runs Tech Educators, an award-winning digital training provider based in Norfolk. He has direct experience delivering Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships, and corporate training, and holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) from the University of East Anglia. He created Leaving School to give young people honest, independent guidance on every route available after school.