UCAS
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central body that manages applications for higher education in the UK. It is the primary platform for students, both domestic and international, applying to universities across the country. UCAS streamlines the application process, offering a simple and organized system to help students apply to multiple universities in one go.
UCAS Application Support for International Students
Although UCAS is user-friendly, the application process can still be daunting, especially for international students. To ease the process, our team at Infodale Education provides free support, assisting students with every step from course selection to document preparation, ensuring all applications are submitted correctly and on time.
A key update to be aware of is that starting from September 2025, UCAS will change the personal statement format. Instead of writing a 4,000-word essay, applicants will need to respond to three structured questions.
What You Need to Apply through UCAS
Before applying through UCAS, make sure you meet the necessary eligibility requirements:
- Completion or ongoing completion of secondary education
- Meeting the entry requirements of your chosen courses and universities
- Evidence of English language proficiency (if required by the universities)
- A valid passport or ID (for international students)
How to Apply to UK Universities via UCAS
The process of applying through UCAS is as follows:
- Research: Identify the courses and universities that align with your academic and career aspirations.
- Register: Create your UCAS account and begin your application.
- Fill Out the Application: Input your personal details, academic history, and course selections.
- Write a Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your achievements, motivations, and reasons for applying.
- Submit References: Provide academic references from teachers or counselors.
- Pay the Application Fee: Complete the payment for your application.
- Submit: Review your application thoroughly and submit it before the deadline.
UCAS Registration Fees
The UCAS application fees are:
- Single Choice: £22
- Multiple Choices: £26.50 (up to five choices)
Documents Checklist
Ensure you have the following documents ready for your application:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English language proficiency test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- Personal statement
- Passport or ID
- Reference letters
UCAS Extra
UCAS Extra is for applicants who have used their five choices and did not receive any offers. It allows students to apply for additional courses between late February and early July if their initial applications were unsuccessful.
Clearing
Clearing is a process that occurs after A-level results are released, allowing students who missed out on their preferred course or wish to switch programs to apply for available spots. Although it can be a helpful opportunity, it’s not guaranteed that your desired course or university will have vacancies, so it should not be relied upon.
Tracking Your Application with Infodale Education
Infodale Education offers a streamlined way to track your UCAS application. After submission, you can:
- Monitor the progress of your application
- Receive updates and notifications about university decisions
- Get guidance and advice from experts on responding to any offers
Our team of advisors is ready to guide you throughout the process, ensuring that your application stands the best chance of success.