X
SWAP Login
☰ MENU
Is SWAP for Me? > Is SWAP for Me?Is SWAP for Me?
You don't normally need any formal qualifications to apply for a SWAP access programme. Adult returners often have valuable skills and knowledge obtained through employment or personal experience and this is taken into account.
A SWAP programme could be for you if:
A SWAP programme could be for you if:
- you don't have any qualifications above SCQF level 5 (Standard Grade, Int 2, GCSE or equivalent) and have been out of full-time education for at least 3 years; OR
- you already have qualifications at SCQF level 6 or higher (Highers, A Levels, HN) and have been out of full-time education for at least 5 years;
- you are able commit to college on a full-time basis (around 18-20 hours per week);
- you aim to progress to study at university or to college to do an HNC/D.
Adults who completed a f/time level 5 (or below) course recently but who were out of f/time education for 3 years prior to that would still be eligible. The same applies to students undertaking ESOL studies (including up to level 6). SWAP would view these course as a 1st step back into learning and this would not affect your eligibility to enrol on a SWAP programme.
Students who do not meet the time out of full-time education criteria but whose secondary schooling was significantly disrupted through illness or personal circumstances, who are care experienced or who were home schooled and have no qualifications above level 4, may still be eligible and should contact the SWAP office for advice. Refugees and asylum seekers are also in this category and should contact SWAP for further guidance.
Non-eligibility factors
Students who do not meet the time out of full-time education criteria but whose secondary schooling was significantly disrupted through illness or personal circumstances, who are care experienced or who were home schooled and have no qualifications above level 4, may still be eligible and should contact the SWAP office for advice. Refugees and asylum seekers are also in this category and should contact SWAP for further guidance.
Non-eligibility factors
Adults who do not have pre-settled or settled status/indefinite leave to remain in the UK would not normally be eligible. International students are not eligible.
Students who have already successfuly completed a SWAP programme are not normally eligible.
Students who already hold a university degree are not eligible.
Students who have previously studied at university, but did not complete their degree will be considered but the SWAP Office should be contacted for confirmation of this, and it will depend on individual circumstances.
Students from the rest of the UK not currently living in Scotland must contact SWAP before applying, to discuss eligibility.
If you have any eligibility queries, please contact us for advice before you apply.
Students who have already successfuly completed a SWAP programme are not normally eligible.
Students who already hold a university degree are not eligible.
Students who have previously studied at university, but did not complete their degree will be considered but the SWAP Office should be contacted for confirmation of this, and it will depend on individual circumstances.
Students from the rest of the UK not currently living in Scotland must contact SWAP before applying, to discuss eligibility.
If you have any eligibility queries, please contact us for advice before you apply.
Will I fit in?
SWAP students come from all sorts of backgrounds and have different reasons for coming on the programme. All SWAP students are returning to education after a gap and tend to be highly motivated and keen to get on.
Many juggle studying with part-time jobs and / or caring responsibilities. Returning to education can be daunting but you will have lots of support from classmates and your college tutors.

What subjects can I study?
There are various options. Go to the SWAP East or SWAP West pages for details of current programmes.
"Having left school with a basic level of education and then spending 20 years in the police and 10 years at home, this programme allowed me to access further and now higher education … SWAP has given me the opportunity of a new career as a nearly 50 something, for which I am very grateful" (Access to Degree Studies, Forth Valley College).
"Having left school with a basic level of education and then spending 20 years in the police and 10 years at home, this programme allowed me to access further and now higher education … SWAP has given me the opportunity of a new career as a nearly 50 something, for which I am very grateful" (Access to Degree Studies, Forth Valley College).
What can I go on to do?
There are different possibilities depending on the access programme you join.
Information on the degrees available at partner universities can be found on the progression route searches on the SWAP East and SWAP West homepages.
Information on the degrees available at partner universities can be found on the progression route searches on the SWAP East and SWAP West homepages.

How much will it cost?
There are usually no tuition fees to pay and most students will also receive a college bursary. Go to the Funding section for more information.
How do I apply?
You apply directly to the college you want to study at using their online application system. Most colleges begin accepting applications from January onwards and stop once all places are filled. Popular programmes tend to fill up quickly so it’s best to apply as early as you can.
"Go for it! Every one of us has the ability to succeed. All we need is the opportunity to do so" (Robert, Former SWAP Access to Nursing Student).
KAKO (KEVIN STAPLETON)

“Stop what you’re doing right now and just sign up for SWAP. Honestly, the best random decision...
Read more stories
BEV ESAMAL

When I left school, I worked in a bank from 1991 to 2001; I left after the birth of my second child. When my...
Read more stories
ANGELA WALLACE

I had shown promise at high school but had lost my way in the latter years and did not manage to gain entry to art or...
Read more stories
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY COLLEGE

We are SWAP: “I have a personal background in caring for my disabled father since I was young and believed...
Read more stories
© 2023 Scottish Wider Access Programme
The Scottish Wider Access Programme (West) SCIO is a registered Scottish Charity, No. SC048288.
The Scottish Wider Access Programme (East Consortium) is a registered Scottish Charity, No. SC026180.
about us