Applying to University: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Applying to an undergraduate programme in the UK typically means submitting an application to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, or UCAS. Through UCAS, you have the ability to apply to multiple programmes at once.

Read on to learn more about the UCAS process and to give yourself a clearer picture of what you need to do—and when.

UCAS application requirements

First, take a look at the materials you’ll typically need to complete and pull together in order to apply to universities in the UK through UCAS.

• Application: The UCAs application includes mandatory questions about personal, identity, and financial details.

• Education history: You’ll need to add all of your relevant qualifications beginning with secondary education, even if you haven’t received the grades for them yet. This helps your chosen universities to identify if you’ve met the basic requirements. This also includes any courses you may have started but never finished. Usually, universities will look at your A levels as well as your General Certificate of Education (GCSE) results.

• Academic results: You’ll need to submit your results and any relevant exams you’ve taken.

• Employment history: You will list any paid jobs you’ve done whilst in school.

• Chosen courses: You can choose up to five courses to apply to. The universities won’t see where else you’ve applied until after you’ve responded to an offer.

• Personal statement: You must submit a personal statement that’s between 1,000 and 4,000 characters. This should include some details about your skills and experience as well as why you feel the university is a good fit for you.

• Reference: You’ll need a reference, or a letter from a teacher, professional, or adviser who can speak to your academic abilities.

Some universities will look at UCAS Tariff points as part of their requirements. In this system, your grades and qualifications translate to a numerical score. The higher your grades, the better your score. You may calculate your Tariff points using the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

The UCAS application process: Step by step

UCAS has set deadlines each year for when applications open and when you can submit. It’s important to check the UCAS website for specific dates concerning your desired courses, as some, like medicine or dentistry, have earlier submission dates.

1. Know your application deadlines.

At the very beginning of your UCAS application process, you can start compiling a list of where you want to go, including dream, target, and safety universities.

Dream universities are those you’d attend if money or qualifications weren’t a factor, target universities are those where you’d fit in well as a student, and safety universities are those you’re confident you’d gain admission to. Then, look at the UCAS website for specific deadlines based on the universities and degree types you’re applying for.

2. Register with UCAS.

You’ll need to register on the UCAS website before gaining access to your application. Confirm the academic year you’d like to start and the fact that you’re interested in undergraduate study.

3. Fill out your UCAS application.

Fill out the UCAS application, including all mandatory questions. Make sure you answer everything as accurately as possible.

4. Write your personal statement.

Write your personal statement, which is 1,000 to 4,000 characters, and highlight why you are a good candidate to study at your desired universities.

5. Submit your reference and pay your fee.

Once you’ve received and submitted your reference, you’ll be able to send in your application along with the applicable fee. For 2025, the fee is £28.50.

6. Track your application.

Once you submit your application, you can use your UCAS portal to track its status. Your username and password give you access to your UCAS hub, where you’ll find any offers or requests for an interview. You’ll also receive emails with any updates. It’s possible for results to take months, so don’t worry if you don’t see any updates shortly after you apply.

7. Respond to offers.

Once a university has made its decision, it may make one of four types of offers. These include:

• Conditional: this offer means you still need to meet entry requirements, often your A-level results

• Unconditional: you’ve received a place with possibly a few minor requirements

• Unsuccessful: you have been declined a place

• Withdrawn: either you or the university withdrew the course choice

Once you’ve gathered all your offers, you have the opportunity to choose one or decline them for other options.

Choosing the right course to apply for is an important step. Make sure to take the time to study each option, including what the entry requirements are, what the class schedule and structure look like, and if the content contains subject matter that feels relevant to your future career.

Start exploring your options

Applying to a university in the UK through UCAS can be straightforward with proper preparation. Get started on your application process by finding universities you’re interested in and courses you want to study.

If you’d like to study for your degree online, you’ll find plenty of high-quality programmes to choose from, including several on Coursera. Browse through online bachelor’s degrees to find programmes in in-demand areas like computer science, marketing, and general business.