Those not in education, employment or training struggle more than others to find information about their potential study options, and financial concerns loom particularly large for this group
In the final part of our three-part series on young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), 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 13% of NEET respondents indicated that they planned to pursue full or part-time study, with a further 22% indicating that they will explore job and further study options. Of these, two-fifths (38%) were interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree while 14% were planning to pursue an undergraduate degree, and a third were still undecided.
| NEET | NEET (18-24) | |
|---|---|---|
| A or AS levels/T Levels/Scottish Highers/BTEC or equivalent | 1% | 0% |
| Undergraduate degree (such as a BA or BSc) | 14% | 31% |
| Postgraduate Masters degree, (such as a MA or MSc) | 28% | 31% |
| Postgraduate research degree (such as a PhD or Mphil) | 6% | 4% |
| Other postgraduate degree (such as a PGCert or PGCE) | 4% | 2% |
| Professional qualification (such as a ACCA or CIPD) | 2% | 0% |
| Short course or adult education (such as an ESOL or City & Guilds) | 7% | 2% |
| Not decided yet | 34% | 22% |
| None of the above | 4% | 7% |
When focusing on NEETs aged 18 to 24, we find they are twice as likely as the overall NEET group to have been planning on pursuing an undergraduate degree, and just as likely to say that they were planning to pursue a postgraduate degree. They were also significantly less likely to say that they planned to do a short course or professional qualification (2% vs 9%).
The data also reveals that many NEET respondents are proactive in their preparation. A significant majority (85%) had already begun researching courses, with younger NEETs (aged 18 to 24) being especially engaged in this process.
,NEET,NEET (18-24) In-depth information about course content,35,25 Courses that match my skills and qualifications,35,21 Visa information,13,7 How to fund my course,52,46 How the course will be delivered, e.g. online, campus-based,22,14 Which course will help me progress in my career,41,39 Other,2,4 I haven't struggled to find information,21,36
Early Careers Survey (2025)
However, despite this enthusiasm, many faced challenges in accessing the information they needed. Those aged 18 to 24 were less likely to say that they struggled to find information. Funding emerged as a particularly difficult area, with NEET respondents 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 60% saying the same about the potential to earn a higher salary than they could otherwise.
Moreover, 55% of respondents said a lack of available jobs had a moderate to large influence on their decision to return to study, while half 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 better career prospects, a lack of available jobs, and the desire to retrain for a different career were large influences on their decision. For instance, 39% of NEET respondents said that they wanted to continue their studies because of a lack available jobs, compared with 22% of those in education, employment or training who also plan to continue their studies.
Given their struggles finding employment opportunities, with NEET respondents being nearly twice as likely to say that getting a job was their biggest challenge 2024,1 it is understandable that a perceived lack of jobs opportunities had a much larger influence on their decision to continue their studies when compared to their peers.
NEET respondents report broader and more intense range of concerns
,NEET,Others Whether it will lead to the career I want,48,46 Will I be good enough at the subject,41,45 Will I enjoy the course,32,37 Cost of tuition fees,60,51 Cost of living,54,47 Juggling other commitments (such as family and work) around studying,44,45 Completing the application,16,15 Will I meet the entry requirements,30,37 I don't know what career I want,35,26 Managing my mental wellbeing,39,33 Managing my health condition or disability,28,13 I haven't studied for a long time,26,9 Amount of debt after graduation,36,38 Other,4,1 I have no concerns,5,4
Early Careers Survey (2025)
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 60% citing tuition fees and 54% citing the cost of living as major concerns - both significantly higher than among other respondents (51% and 47%, 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 (39% vs. 33%), and health conditions or disabilities (28% vs. 13%).
Notably, they were nearly three times as likely to express concern about having been out of education for a long time (26% vs. 9%), underscoring the confidence gap many face. Furthermore, while both groups shared anxieties about academic readiness and career alignment, NEETs were more likely to be uncertain about their career direction (35% vs. 26%) 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 (2025)
When asked about their preferred mode of study, NEET respondents were significantly more likely than their peers to express a preference for remote learning, and notably 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 NEETs and those in education, employment, or training prioritised course content, subject availability, and institutional reputation. However, NEET respondents placed greater emphasis on practical considerations such as the quality of digital services and affordability, with low tuition fees emerging as a particularly important factor.
University websites the most popular source of information
When it comes to researching specific institutions, NEET respondents relied heavily on digital resources, with 92% visiting university websites and 73% using search engines like Google.
Traditional tools such as prospectuses were also quite popular, with 45% indicating that they used them to look for information about specific institutions.
Interestingly, over a third (36%) 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.
,18-24,25+ Instagram,66,43 YouTube,46,53 LinkedIn,28,64 Snapchat,6,3 TikTok,46,24 X,8,10 Reddit,21,15 Pinterest,5,8 Facebook,17,46 Threads,2,5 BeReal,1,1 Discord,0,3 Bluesky,1,5 Other,9,10
Early Careers Survey (2025)
When asked which social media platforms they used, NEET respondents most frequently cited Instagram and LinkedIn, followed by YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. In contrast, platforms such as Snapchat, Threads, and X were used by very few.
However, NEETs aged 18 to 24 reported slightly different information seeking habits than those 25 or older. For instance, they were much more likely to use platforms like Instagram and TikTok, while being far less likely to use LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube.
This generational divide aligns with broader trends in platform demographics, with research suggesting that Facebook and LinkedIn users tend to be of an older age profile compared to Instagram and TikTok users.2,3 This shows how important it is for universities to tailor their social media campaigns to specific audiences according to the platform they are using to promote courses.
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
Notes:
- Navigating uncertainty: understanding the career challenges faced by 'NEETs', Luminate, 2025.
- Social Media Demographics to Inform Your 2025 Strategy, Sprout Social, 2025.
- Global LinkedIn user age distribution 2025, Statista, 2025.
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