Should I take a gap year?

What is a gap year?

A gap year is a break - typically lasting from a few months to a year - taken between college and university, or after graduating. During this time, you might travel, volunteer, complete internships or work, all while gaining skills to support your future career.

The purpose of a gap year is to build life experience, explore your interests and broaden your perspective before continuing with study or moving into employment.

Discover gap year opportunities.

What can you do on a gap year?

There's no single way to structure a gap year - it should reflect your goals. Common options include:

• au pair programmes, living abroad while working with children
• a mix of activities, such as working for six months before travelling
• internships, especially for career-relevant experience
• summer camps in the USA working with children
• structured gap year programmes combining travel, work and volunteering
• travelling, either independently or alongside part-time work
• volunteering in charitable, environmental or community roles
• teaching English abroad, particularly if you're interested in international work
• working full time to build savings and develop transferable skills.

For more suggestions, see our gap year ideas.

How can I fund a gap year?

Funding a gap year takes planning, but there are several ways to make it affordable. You could:

• fundraise if you're volunteering with a charity or organised project
• look into scholarships, grants or funded schemes that support gap year activities
• save in advance by taking on part-time, temporary or summer work
• take on summer jobs abroad, such as roles at summer camps, ski resorts or holiday destinations
• work while travelling, for example in hospitality, retail or other seasonal roles.

By combining different approaches, many students are able to fund some or all of their gap year.

Is a gap year right for me?

This is one of the most important questions to consider. Before making a decision, ask yourself:

• Are you motivated and organised enough to use your time productively?
• Are you taking time out for positive reasons, rather than to avoid making decisions?
• Can you afford it, or put a realistic plan in place to fund it?
• Do you have clear goals for what you want to achieve during your gap year?
• Would going straight into university or work better support your long-term goals?

Taking time to reflect on these questions can help you decide whether a gap year is the right choice for you.

There's no right or wrong choice when it comes to taking a gap year. The best option depends on your goals, circumstances and preferred way of learning.

If a full year out doesn't feel right, there are plenty of shorter or more structured options to consider:

• a placement year as part of your degree
• degree apprenticeships, combining work and learning
• part-time work alongside study
• short-term volunteering opportunities
• study abroad options through your course.

These alternatives can offer many of the same benefits as a gap year, with more structure or a shorter time commitment.

Should I defer my university application to take a gap year?

If you're thinking about deferring your university place, it's important to discuss your plans with the admissions office as early as possible. Each university decides whether to approve deferral requests and will consider your reasons and what you intend to do during your gap year.

To improve your chances, show that your gap year will be purposeful. Explain how your plans will help you develop relevant skills or work experience, particularly those linked to your chosen course. For subjects such as maths or physics, you may also need to demonstrate how you'll keep your knowledge up to date.

Before deciding, take time to consider the practical implications such as:

• student finance - understand how a gap year may affect funding and application timelines
• UCAS deferral - check your university's policy before confirming your choice.

Read more about getting into university.

Can I take a gap year during university?

Taking time out during your degree is possible, but it's not always the most straightforward option. In some cases, it can interrupt your studies and make it more challenging to return and pick up where you left off.

Universities and employers may also expect you to explain your reasons clearly. Taking time away isn't necessarily viewed negatively, but it's important to show how the experience added value and supported your development.

If you're considering this option, think carefully about how you'll maintain your academic progress and stay connected to your course while you're away.

Consider alternative options - instead of taking a full year out, you might explore more structured or shorter opportunities, such as:

• a 'mini gap year' during the summer - travel, volunteer, or work abroad during university holidays while staying on track with your degree
• study abroad opportunities offered as part of your course
• placements or internships that contribute directly to your degree.

Look into funded programmes - such as the Turing Scheme - that offer opportunities to study or complete internships abroad, typically lasting from a few weeks up to a year, depending on the programme.

Choosing a structured option can help you gain similar benefits to a gap year while maintaining momentum in your studies.

To find out what else is on offer, search work experience and volunteering opportunities abroad.

Should I take a year out after I've graduated?

Taking a gap year after graduating can help you build your CV and develop skills that employers value. However, it's important to weigh up the benefits against the potential challenges before deciding.

• Consider your finances - if you have student debt or ongoing living costs, funding a gap year may be difficult. In some cases, moving straight into work could provide financial stability and help you start repaying what you owe.
• Plan around graduate recruitment - many graduate schemes have fixed application timelines, often opening well in advance of start dates. If you're considering this route, make sure your gap year plans fit around these deadlines so you don't miss opportunities.
• Think about your return - coming back from time out can feel uncertain, particularly if you don't have a job or further study lined up. Having a clear plan for your next steps before you leave can help you feel more confident and prepared.

How do employers view gap years?

With many people applying for the same roles, a gap year can help you stand out - if you can clearly demonstrate what you've gained from the experience. Employers are more likely to value your gap year if you can show:

• personal growth and initiative, including independence, adaptability and motivation
• relevant experience that supports your career goals
• specific skills you've developed, such as communication, teamwork or problem solving.

Simply taking time out isn't enough - it's how you use your gap year, and how you explain it, that makes the difference. Being able to reflect on your experiences and link them to the role you're applying for is key.

Discover how to answer common interview questions.

How do I explain a gap year to potential employers?

When discussing a gap year in applications or interviews, it's important to be positive and confident. Position your gap year as a deliberate choice that helped you gain valuable experience and develop as a candidate.

Focus on what you learned and how it applies to the role. Highlight the skills, knowledge and experience you gained, and link them directly to the job requirements.

For example, if you volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary, you might explain how you:

• demonstrated initiative and adaptability in a new environment
• developed communication skills by engaging with people from different backgrounds
• gained specialist knowledge through independent research and hands-on experience.

Reflecting on your experiences in this way shows employers that your gap year was more than time out - it was an investment in your personal and professional development.

Find out more

• Explore working abroad opportunities
• Learn how to plan your gap year.
• Discover where you could go on a working holiday visa.