Wrong Results? Options for UK Students

The UK is home to many of the world's top universities - check out the QS World University Rankings if you don't believe us. But there are top universities in other parts of the world, all of which welcome international students. In the Northern Hemisphere, the academic year runs from September through to July, but down under in Australia and New Zealand, the academic year is from March to November. That means you still have time to enrol at a university for 2011. The only catch about studying abroad is the rules and regulations you have to meet, mainly concerned with visas and finance - so you need to be organized. 

Missing out on your place at a top university this year may be a blessing in disguise. You could take a gap year instead. All you need is a round-the-world ticket, a few pennies in your bank and you're set. You can do voluntary or paid work along the way to fund your travels, and in the meantime you'll be rewarded with an insight into new cultures, new language and a whole new world. It's also a great addition to your CV. As long as your gap year isn't one long year of partying - and you do actually do something constructive along the way - employers will be keen to find out about the skills you picked up, and you may even return bilingual!

In the current situation, not only could you find yourself without the A-level grades you need to make it into your university of choice, but you could well find yourself without a place through Clearing, simply because there aren't enough places available. But that doesn't mean you can't reapply next year. So if you're in this situation, use the time to research top universities - both at home and abroad - here on TopUniversities.com. There's also the World University Tour, where you'll be able to meet universities and their admissions officers from all around the globe.

If you're desperate to study but you just haven't made it into a university lecture hall, then look at alternative study options. This could mean distance learning or through a community college. You could enrol in computer courses, language courses, or you may even find a trade to qualify in. It doesn't have to replace university, it can just be a stepping stone towards it, and when you do finally make it into your undergraduate degree, you'll have some additional skills to bring to your studies as well as some real life experience. No education goes to waste, just put it on your CV and you'll be more attractive to employers in the long run.

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