In the final part of our three-part series on young people not in education, employment or training, we turn our attention to those who plan to pursue further study as their next step
Drawing on insights from the Early Careers Survey, we examine their motivations, concerns, and the support they may need.
Some 16% of NEET respondents indicated that they planned to pursue full or part-time study, with a further 16% indicating that they will explore job and further study options. Of these, two-fifths (41%) were interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree while 16% were planning to pursue an undergraduate degree, and a quarter were still undecided.
| NEET | Non-NEET | |
|---|---|---|
| A or AS levels/T Levels/Scottish Highers/BTEC or equivalent | 2% | 3% |
| HND/HNC/Foundation degree/DipHE or equivalent | 2% | 2% |
| Undergraduate degree (such as a BA or BSc) | 16% | 18% |
| Postgraduate Masters degree, (such as a MA or MSc) | 25% | 30% |
| Postgraduate research degree (such as a PhD or Mphil) | 11% | 10% |
| Other postgraduate degree (such as a PGCert or PGCE) | 5% | 4% |
| Professional qualification (such as a ACCA or CIPD) | 4% | 5% |
| Short course or adult education (such as an ESOL or City & Guilds) | 7% | 2% |
| Not decided yet | 25% | 21% |
| None of the above | 4% | 6% |
Most NEET respondents were proactive in their preparation, with significant majority (86%) reporting that they had already begun researching courses, with those aged 18 to 24 (92%) being especially engaged in this process.
,NEET,Non-NEET In-depth information about course content,37,28 Courses that match my skills and qualifications,30,25 Visa information,19,12 How to fund my course,46,45 How the course will be delivered (e.g. online or campus based),21,19 Which course will help me progress in my career,34,33 Accommodation information,14,15 Other (please specify),3,1 I have not struggled to find information,21,25
Early Careers Survey (2026)
However, despite this enthusiasm, many faced challenges in accessing the information they needed. Funding emerged as a particularly difficult area, with NEET respondents slightly more likely than those in education, employment or training to report struggling to find clear guidance on how to finance their studies. NEETs were also more likely to report that they struggled to find information on how courses will be delivered, visa information, and information on courses that match their skills and qualifications.
Passion for subject is the key driver for continuing studies
When deciding to continue their studies, NEET respondents were most strongly influenced by their passion for the subject they plan to pursue. This was followed by more career-focused motivations, with 81% suggesting that better career prospects had a moderate to large impact on their decision, and 68% saying the same about the potential to earn a higher salary than they could otherwise.
Moreover, two thirds (62%) of respondents said a lack of available jobs had a moderate to large influence on their decision to return to study, while 57% were strongly motivated by a desire to retrain for a different career, highlighting the practical considerations influencing their choices to continue their studies.
Interestingly, NEETs were much more likely than others to say that a lack of available jobs and the desire to retrain for a different career were large influences on their decision. For instance, 57% of NEET respondents said that they wanted to continue their studies to retrain for a different career, compared with 40% of those in education, employment or training who also plan to continue their studies.
NEET respondents report broader and more intense range of concerns
,NEET,Short-term NEET (<1 year),Long-term NEET (?1 year),Non-NEET Whether it will lead to the career I want,43,44,41,39 Will I be good enough at the subject,35,37,31,36 Will I enjoy the course,31,37,21,30 Cost of tuition fees,69,69,69,55 Cost of living,56,56,56,50 Juggling other commitments around studying,36,31,39,44 Will I meet the entry requirements,33,28,37,27 I do not know what career I want,26,28,21,23 Managing my mental wellbeing,36,36,33,29 Managing my health condition or disability,25,23,27,15 Writing essays,17,13,19,18 Amount of debt after graduation,30,29,31,38 Whether AI will reduce demand for my skills,22,17,27,19 Other (please specify),3,4,3,2 I have no concerns,2,1,3,4
Early Careers Survey (2026)
Despite their strong motivations, NEET respondents reported a broader and more intense range of concerns about returning to education than other groups. Financial barriers loomed largest, with 69% citing tuition fees and 56% citing the cost of living as major concerns - both higher than among other respondents (55% and 50%, respectively).
Perhaps unsurprising given their higher likelihood to report that their day-to-day activities were limited by a disability of health condition, NEETs were also more likely to worry about managing their mental wellbeing (36% vs. 29%), and health conditions or disabilities (25% vs. 15%).
Notably, while both groups shared anxieties about academic readiness and career alignment, NEETs were more likely to be uncertain about their career direction and whether they will meet entry requirements.
These findings highlight the need for tailored support that addresses both practical and psychological barriers, ensuring that NEETs can transition into education with confidence and clarity.
Content of courses is key for NEETs planning to continue studies
,NEET,Others Online,23,7 In person/face-to-face,41,55 Hybrid (a mix of online and in-person learning),34,36 Do not know,3,3
Early Careers Survey (2026)
NEET respondents were more likely than their peers to express a preference for remote or hybrid learning, and less likely to opt for in-person study. This trend may be linked to the higher proportion of NEETs reporting a disability or health condition, which can make remote options more accessible and manageable.
When choosing where to study, both NEET respondents and those in education, employment or training ranked course content, subject availability and access to funding among their top priorities. However, NEETs were more likely to prioritise practical and financial considerations, including affordability and the quality of digital services. The importance of funding was particularly pronounced, with more than three-quarters (77%) identifying it as a 'very important' factor, compared with 66% of those in education, employment or training.
University websites the most popular source of information
When it comes to researching specific institutions, NEET respondents relied heavily on digital resources, with 88% visiting university websites and 64% using search engines like Google.
Traditional tools such as prospectuses were also quite popular, with 44% indicating that they used them to look for information about specific institutions.
Interestingly, over a third (35%) have attended open days - either online or in-person - highlighting a willingness to engage directly with institutions. Moreover, a third said that they sought out information using social media and forums.
,Percentage Instagram,54 YouTube,67 LinkedIn,42 Snapchat,4 TikTok,38 X,8 Reddit,13 Pinterest,13 Facebook,33 Threads,4 BeReal,4 Discord,0 Bluesky,4 Lemon8,4 Noplace,0 Mastodon,4 Other (please specify),13
Early Careers Survey (2026)
When asked which social media platforms they used, NEET respondents most frequently cited YouTube and Instagram, followed by LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook. In contrast, platforms such as Snapchat, Threads, and X were used by very few.
Overall, the findings reveal a complex but hopeful picture of NEET respondents who are considering further study. While many are driven by a strong passion for their chosen subject and a desire to improve their career prospects, they also face a unique set of challenges - ranging from financial barriers and health-related concerns to a lack of confidence after time away from education.
Despite these hurdles, NEETs demonstrate a high level of engagement in researching their options and a clear preference for flexible, accessible learning environments. To support their transition back into education, it is essential that institutions provide tailored guidance, inclusive learning formats, and targeted outreach.
Also in this series:
- Navigating uncertainty: understanding the career challenges faced by NEETs
- What the data tells us about NEETs seeking employment
Written by
Was this page useful?
Thank you for your feedback