UCAS in one minute
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) runs applications to undergraduate courses in the UK. Instead of applying to each university separately, you fill in one application with up to five course choices, a personal statement and a reference. Universities reply through your UCAS Hub account.
How the UCAS application works, step by step
- 1
Research courses
Compare subjects, entry requirements and universities. Work out your UCAS points with our calculator.
- 2
Register and apply
Create a UCAS Hub account, choose up to five courses, add your qualifications and a personal statement, and get a reference from your school or college.
- 3
Meet the deadline
Mid-October for Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and vet courses; January for equal consideration on most others.
- 4
Get decisions
Universities send offers through UCAS. Choose a firm and an insurance choice.
- 5
Results day and Clearing
Your place is confirmed, or you use Clearing to find another course. This is also a good moment to look at apprenticeships.
Exact deadlines and the application fee change each year. Check UCAS dates and deadlines.
Know your UCAS points
Add your A Level, BTEC or T Level grades and see your tariff total in seconds.
Open the UCAS points calculatorThe new UCAS personal statement
From 2026 entry, the free-form essay was replaced by three questions: why you want to study the course, how your studies have prepared you, and what you've done outside education, such as work experience, volunteering or responsibilities. Evidence matters, so start collecting it early. The free UK Skills Passport™ keeps your certificates, experience and references in one place.
What UCAS doesn't show you
UCAS is built around university and college courses. Most apprenticeships, school leaver programmes and entry-level jobs are applied for directly with employers, so they're easy to miss. You can keep a UCAS application open and apply for these at the same time.
| Route | How you apply | Tuition fees |
|---|---|---|
| University degree | UCAS | Yes, usually funded by a student loan |
| Degree apprenticeship | Employer, sometimes also UCAS | None for the apprentice; you're paid a wage |
| Apprenticeship (Levels 2–4) | Employer or Find an apprenticeship | None; you're paid a wage |
| School leaver programme | Employer | Usually none; paid |
UCAS questions
What is UCAS?
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the UK charity that runs applications to undergraduate university and college courses. You apply once, choosing up to five courses, and universities reply through your UCAS account.
How do I log in to UCAS?
Go to ucas.com and sign in to the UCAS Hub with the email you registered. Shine is not part of UCAS and never asks for your UCAS login.
When is the UCAS deadline?
Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses close in mid-October. Most other courses have an 'equal consideration' deadline in January. Check ucas.com for this year's exact dates.
How much does UCAS cost?
There is a single application fee each cycle, covering up to five choices. Check ucas.com for the current amount; some schools and colleges pay it or help with it.
How many choices can I make on UCAS?
Up to five courses. For medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, a maximum of four of those can be in that subject.
What happens after I apply?
Universities reply with offers (conditional or unconditional) or unsuccessful decisions. You choose a firm and an insurance choice. On results day your place is confirmed, or you can use Clearing to find another course.
Do apprenticeships go through UCAS?
Most apprenticeships are applied for directly with the employer or through the government's Find an apprenticeship service. Some degree apprenticeships are listed on UCAS too. You can apply for both at the same time.
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