UCAS applications: your questions answered

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1. What's UCAS?

UCAS is the Universities and College Admissions Service you use when applying for undergraduate courses in the UK, as well as some postgraduate courses.

2. What's a UCAS application?

A university application through UCAS to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK. All UCAS applications are completed and submitted online.

3. What's UCAS Hub?

UCAS Hub lets you check the progress of your UCAS application once it’s been submitted and see whether you’ve received any offers.

4. What's a UCAS login?

Your UCAS login includes the details you use to log in to your UCAS account. This consists of a username and a password that you create yourself. You use your UCAS login to start your UCAS application and to also access UCAS Hub.

5. What are UCAS points?

UCAS points, or UCAS Tariff points, are the number of points a qualification is worth. Most university courses will have a minimum number of UCAS points required to be accepted onto the course. Each qualification, whether it be A-level, BTEC, Scottish Higher or International Baccalaureate will be worth a certain number of UCAS points. The higher the grade you receive, the more UCAS points your qualification is worth.

6. How do you calculate your UCAS points?

The best way to calculate your UCAS points is to use a UCAS points calculator. 

7. How many UCAS points are BTECs?

This will depend upon the type of BTEC you take, along with what your grades are. Below shows the conversion for grades of the Pearson Level 3 National Diploma:

8. How many UCAS points is a foundation course?

The points you earn in a foundation course will match that of an A-level, as they're held to the same standard. You can use the following to see how your foundation course or A-level grades translate into UCAS points:

9. How many UCAS points is an HND?

An HND level qualification will be worth a minimum of 32 UCAS points. This can vary depending on the course and may require certain subjects.

10. How many UCAS points is an HNC?

An HNC level qualification will be worth a minimum of 32 UCAS points. This can vary depending on the course and may require certain subjects.

11. What's required for a UCAS application?

A UCAS application requires you to create a UCAS login. You'll then be asked for:

• Your personal details 
• What extra support you might need at university
• The course you have chosen to apply for (including course code, institution code and start date)
• The schools you went to
• The qualifications you already have and are currently taking
• What jobs you’ve had (including what you did and length of time there)
• Your personal statement
• Your reference

12. What documents do you need for a UCAS application?

You don't need to attach any documents to your UCAS application. Your reference will be sent either directly from your teacher or tutor if you're still in school, or from your reference if you're applying independently or as a mature student.

However, it's useful to have on-hand the following documents, as you'll be required to fill in the details:

• Passport 
• Personal statement
• Academic transcripts

13. How much does a UCAS application cost?

The UCAS application cost is £27.50 for up to five courses.

14. Where can you get your UCAS application form?

You can find your UCAS application form online. This is done through registering on UCAS Apply.

15. How do you submit your UCAS application?

You submit your UCAS application through your profile on UCAS. 

16. Are there any UCAS application bursaries?

There aren't any bursaries that you can apply for in order to fund your UCAS application. However, some schools do pay for their students to submit a UCAS application. You'll need to speak with your school or college about this.

17. When's the UCAS deadline?

The UCAS application deadline for all undergraduate courses starting in 2024 that don’t have a deadline of 16 October 2023 is 6pm UK time on 31 January 2024. 

You can still apply after 31 January, however, universities judge applications that come in after the deadline on a first-come, first-served basis. This means they don't equally weigh each application as they would if submitted by the UCAS deadline.

18. What's UCAS Extra?

UCAS Extra is a free service which if you have already used up your original five-course choices, allows you to add another higher education choice. As long as you applied through UCAS, aren't holding any offers and aren't awaiting any decisions from your initial five applications, you can use UCAS Extra.

19. When is UCAS Extra?

UCAS Extra opens on 28 February 2024.

20. What's Clearing?

Clearing is the process in which university applicants who have been unsuccessful in meeting the entry requirements of their original choices are matched with universities that still have available places.

21. When's Clearing 2024?

Clearing 2024 will be open from 5 July 2024. You can apply through Clearing once you have your results back.

22. What's a university personal statement?

A university personal statement is designed to support your application to university. It's an opportunity to explain why you'd like to study a particular course, divulge the skills you have and articulate how your past experiences have developed your passion for the subject.

23. What's a UCAS personal statement?

A UCAS personal statement is the personal statement you attach to your university application.

24. How many UCAS points do you need for Oxford?

This will depend on the course you’re applying for. The lowest score you'll need is 144 UCAS points. In some cases, they may accept slightly less.

25. How many UCAS points do you need for Cambridge?

This will depend on the course. The lowest score you'll need is 152 points. In some cases, they may accept slightly less.

26. Can you get UCAS points for general studies?

Yes, you can earn UCAS points from general studies but many universities won’t accept it when applying for a course. Ensure that you check this before starting your application.

27. Is UCAS for UK residents only?

No, UCAS is for any student planning to study at the undergraduate level within the UK.

28. How do you apply for UCAS independently?

Create a UCAS account online to register. You'll then have the option to select an independent application. You'll need to provide the details of your reference yourself.

29. How do you apply for UCAS as a mature student?

You still go through the UCAS application process as though you're a student coming out of secondary school or college. When filling out your application, you'll have to provide the details of your reference yourself.

30. What does reference mean in a UCAS application?

This is someone who can verify your academic ability, work ethic and character. If you're a student in school or college applying through UCAS, a reference will be written for you by your teacher or tutor once you have paid your application fee. 

Your school will send the reference to UCAS directly for you. Do reach out to the teacher or tutor writing your reference in order to check that it has been sent.

You'll need to submit this information yourself if you're a mature or independent student. Ask your reference before doing so and check you have their correct details. Your chosen reference will receive an email from UCAS, asking for them to complete a reference with relevant guidelines attached. 

31. Can you send your UCAS application without a reference?

No, all UCAS applications must be accompanied by an academic or work reference.

32. What if your friends are receiving offers but you haven't heard from any universities yet?

Don't panic. You'll hear from the universities you've applied to in good time. Some students simply receive theirs before others. If you are still concerned, contact UCAS directly or the university you're awaiting an offer from.

NEXT:

How to write a winning personal statement

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