What you need to know, in brief.
- A criminal record in itself won’t stop you from going to university. Admission will usually depend on the university you are applying to and the type of course you are applying for.
- If you are applying through UCAS you will only be asked to disclose your criminal record if you are applying for courses leading to a profession or occupation exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (for example teacher, nurse, social worker).
- The Student Loans Company can cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses for anybody studying in higher education. You will not be asked to disclose details of your criminal record.
- As well as numeracy and literacy classes, prison education departments will usually offer a selection of NVQ’s.
Information & Advice Articles
Will my criminal record stop me from going to university?
Depending on the course you want to study, you may have to disclose your criminal record. The university may invite you to a separate interview to assess any risk they feel you may present.
What funding is available for education and training?
The Government offer several funding option for education and training as do many charities.
Is there any support specifically for people with a criminal record?
Generally there is no training specifically for people with a criminal record. People in prison may have access to specific training and education programmes linked to the prison they are in.
Personal stories
Hear directly from people with convictions about their experiences living as a law-abiding person with criminal convictions
- A long criminal record doesn’t have to stop you succeeding – My experience of working with young and vulnerable adults
- Barriers to education – see the person, not the offence
- I was rejected from university because of my record, now I’m campaigning for fair treatment
- University study is possible – but you’ll have to fight for it
Latest news, advice, stories & more from Unlock
View all news and updates
What challenges to people with criminal records face when applying to University? A review of Unlock’s helpline
Unlock's policy officer (projects) Ellie Grudgings explores what our helpline data tells us about barriers facing prospective students
What challenges to people with criminal records face when applying to University? A review of Unlock’s helpline
Unlock's policy officer (projects) Ellie Grudgings explores what our helpline data tells us about barriers facing prospective students
Introducing the Fair Study Toolkit
Unlock publishes new toolkit for Universities
Call for participants: university applications
Share your experiences of applying to University with a criminal record
Call for evidence: university admissions
Tell us about your experiences applying to university with a criminal record
Do you need help & support with an issue you’re facing?
We provide support and advice for people in England and Wales who need guidance with either their own, or someone else’s, criminal record.
Please use the search box to start typing your issue. If you cannot find an answer to your problem then you’ll be given options to contact us directly.
Popular advice
- International Child Protection Certificate (for working overseas)
- Youth rehabilitation order (under 18)
- Travelling to the US – Will I get a visa?
- Travelling to the UK
- Savings accounts and credit union accounts in prison
- Information: Relationships, children and dealing with social services
- Information contained on UK passports
- What will be disclosed on a basic DBS check?
