What Is UCAS?

If you are applying to university or college this year you will almost certainly have to apply through UCAS. The University and College Admissions Service is the UK central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to higher education. UCAS also provides useful information on all aspects of higher education in the UK, allowing student to make an informed study choice.

Apply with UCAS
Apply with UCAS allows students to apply online to full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges throughout the UK. Students are first asked to register with UCAS to generate a username and password to secure the online application. Once registered, students are then able to complete the application form which will require background information about their education, employment, their university choices plus a personal statement and reference from a course tutor, career adviser or professional.

The personal statement is extremely important when applying as it helps universities and colleges to know more about you as a person. Ideally this will also be reflected within your reference so choose your referee wisely.

You then need to pay for your application using a debit or credit card. Once UCAS receives payment, from either yourself online or through your referee i.e. your school, your application will then be processed. This means a copy of your UCAS application will be sent to each of the universities or colleges listed within your 5 choices. You will also receive a welcome letter from UCAS to confirm that your application has been successfully received and processed.

It is important to note that you can only send UCAS one application in each year’s application cycle. If you send a second application it will be cancelled and you will also not receive a refund. It is therefore extremely important that you gain all the right information before completing your application form.

UCAS Information
To apply to a university or college throughout the UK and for all application form guidelines, contact UCAS at: www.ucas.ac.uk