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UCAS 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Sage Heaton

October 2, 2024

With the school year in full swing, it is time for many students to start their journey navigating UCAS. For those interested in studying in the UK, this name may sound familiar, and for good reason. UCAS is the central application platform (hence its name – Universities and Colleges Admission Service) designed to streamline the process for prospective students. If you are hoping to study in the UK, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with UCAS and the key components of the application process.

To help you through the application process, we’ve written a guide to explain the steps you need to take to ensure a timely and effective application.

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What is UCAS? Why do I need to use it?

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UCAS is a charity that was founded to simplify the application process for UK universities. Instead of sending in individual applications to each university, students are able to submit a single application that will be sent to all the programmes and schools that they would like to apply to.

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The caveat with UCAS, especially in comparison to the Common App or other similar systems, is that students are restricted to a total of five courses each year in their UCAS application. While this may sound strange, it is really in your best interest! A limited number of applications means that only those who truly want to study at a school will be applying, and it is less likely that you will be declined admission based on another student’s application who doesn’t necessarily want to study in that programme.

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What are the steps for applying with UCAS?

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While it can seem a bit daunting at first, UCAS really isn’t too complicated. UCAS does their best to ensure that you complete all the components of your application. The different components of the application are as follows:

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Create a UCAS account

In order to proceed with your application, you will first need to create a UCAS account. Creating an account also means it is easier for you to keep track of your applications, as well as view and accept offers as they come in.

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Research and select courses

Before you begin your application, have a general idea of the different programmes you would like to apply to. This is essential when it comes to step number 3, as each course will likely have different requirements and expectations. Elements to consider include course content, entry requirements, university location, and reviews from current or past students.

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Personal statement

One of the most intimidating parts of the UCAS application process, the personal statement is a key part of your application. The personal statement is your chance to outline your academic achievements, interest in the course you are applying for, and what makes you stand out from other applicants. With a total of 4000 characters (including spaces!), every sentence counts.

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It is also important to remember that you only have one personal statement per application, This means that you need to take all of the courses you are applying to into consideration while writing. It also means that it is smart to ensure that you are focusing on one main area when applying – including why you are a strong candidate for law and fine art could be a difficult task to achieve!

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Gather a reference (or two!)

While you are working on your personal statement, reach out to someone in your life, generally a teacher, advisor or tutor, who can write a reference on your behalf. They need to be able to discuss your academic abilities, as well as vouch for you as a candidate, so be sure to let them know the course(s) you are applying to. UCAS has also revamped their reference structure, and now requests that referees follow a structured approach, outlined on the UCAS website.

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Predicted grades

Most applicants will be applying to UCAS before they’ve completed their schooling, be that A Levels, IB, or other international equivalents. Due to this, UCAS requires schools to submit your predicted grades in place of final results. Predicted results are based on your past achievements and are used to see if you would meet the school’s requirements.

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When accepted based on predicted results, it is expected that you will actually achieve these (or similar) results, so don’t stop revising!

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Begin to fill in the application

This step (or really, multiple steps) requires you to fill out your educational history, employment history, and personal information.

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Pay the application fee

In order to submit your application, you are required to pay an application fee to process your application. For the 2024 application year for 2025 entry, the amount is £28.50 to apply to multiple courses.

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Provide proof of finances

Students will be asked to submit bank statements or other evidence of their finances to prove how they will fund their education.

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Submit your application!

After ensuring that all your details are correct, it is time to submit your application! Be sure to check the deadline for your specific course, as some schools (specifically Oxford and Cambridge), and courses, have earlier deadlines to accommodate additional testing and interviews.

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Important facts to consider when applying

Before starting your application, students should be aware of the following facts about studying in the UK, or studying specific courses:

Universities generally require students to have A Levels, GCSE, or equivalent education from international institutions. For students who don’t have this, there is the option to complete additional accreditation to prove that you have the appropriate skills to complete the course.
Some schools have additional steps in their application outside of UCAS, including interviews or course-specific admissions testing. This is especially true for Oxbridge and courses such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary sciences
For students interested in studying music or the arts, a portfolio will likely be requested. Be sure to check portfolio requirements of each course before submitting.

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