The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, commonly known as UCAS, is a centralised service that everybody who wants to study in the UK has to use during the university application process.
If you want to go to university to pursue undergraduate study you’ll need to know all about UCAS.The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, commonly known as UCAS, is a centralised service that everybody who wants to study in the UK has to use during the university application process. To give you a head start we’ve put together some UCAS FAQs with information on clearing options.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.
You can register with UCAS and track your applications on the UCAS website.
Entry requirements differ depending on the institution — with requirements for each university or further education establishment visible using the UCAS search tool.
The UCAS tariff is the system’s way of allocating applicants points for their qualifications. Not all qualifications are awarded with tariff points. However, by speaking to the university or college directly you may be able to use all of your qualifications as an appropriate entry route.
You can make changes to your application choices depending on which stage of the process you’re at. Changes to information such as address, telephone number and email address can be made at any time.
You can get a reference through your school or college which is registered with UCAS or apply as an individual.
You should include why you want to apply, including your ambitions and interests. Also include what makes you suitable for the course, including relevant experience, skills or achievements gained from education or work.UCAS also has a video containing advice on how to write a personal statement.
Yes. The same process is used for applications from all countries.
No.
The UCAS deadline differs each year so check before starting your applications so you don’t miss it.
Yes. Your application will be processed by UCAS after the deadline but there are no guarantees universities will consider it equally alongside applications submitted before the deadline.
One. Duplicate applications will be detected by the system and then deleted.
Universities are increasingly using video calls to conduct interviews, especially when interviewing international and EU applicants.
No. Additional choices can be added up to June 30th using the track function as long as no other applications have received replies.
You will be sent a welcome email with a personal ID that is used to log in and track the progress of your application.
Not until you have accepted your offers or if you have no live choices.
Log them exactly how they appear on your certificates (don’t try and choose a UK equivalent).
If you receive no offers from your initial choices or you’re not holding an offer you’ll be able to add additional choices using UCAS Extra. Once you accept an offer you cannot add any more choices.
Those who have used all five choices in their application and who are you’re not holding any offers.
There is no limit but only one application can be considered at a time.
Yes. The date you must reply to is shown in track. If you fail to reply by this date the offer will be automatically declined.
Yes. If you don’t meet the conditions of their offer, you will automatically become eligible for Clearing.
Clearing is active between July and September each year.
No. The clearing process is available to anybody who has paid to use UCAS for their university application.
You can find them using the UCAS search tool from July.
Yes. You can change your mind if you don’t want your firm choice by declining your place using the UCAS track function.
If you are eligible for clearing it will be visible on the ‘your choices’ section of the UCAS track function.
Yes. The process is the same as it is in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can but must prove your English language ability to prove you can take part in lectures, tutorials, seminars and be able to complete coursework and exams.
Tuition is free if you are a British citizen who is already a Scottish resident or a resident of another EU country (except England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and are studying for your first undergraduate degree.
Once you’ve accepted an offer to move to university it’s time to think about where you want to live.Find out more about our comfortable living accommodation for students in Salford and Dundee.
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