UCAS - Six steps for applicants

Six steps for applicants

We have introduced six steps to explain the applicant journey to potential higher education students. Below is an overview of the six main steps: if you want more information, the links at the end of each paragraph will take you to the students' section.

Step 1: Choosing courses

Applicants should think carefully about the course they'd like to do at university or college. There are thousands of courses available at hundreds of universities and colleges, and each one suits some people better than others. Applicants should choose their courses for the right reasons and do plenty of research before deciding where to go.
Go to Step 1: Choosing courses

Step 2: Applying

Applicants should apply for courses using our online application system, Apply. We explain each section of the application and there's help text in Apply to answer their questions. They send their completed application to us online and we send it to the universities and colleges they have chosen. The date they need to send their application to us depends on their choices, so they should check the application deadlines as soon as they can.
Go to Step 2: Applying

Step 3: Offers

Universities and colleges will decide whether to offer a place or not. Applicants can check if they're accepted on our online tracking system, Track, which shows their choices and any decisions made by the universities and colleges. If they're accepted, they need to reply to their offers. If they change their mind or aren't accepted, there are other options to help them find a course.
Go to Step 3: Offers

Step 4: Results

If applicants are waiting for results, they should be prepared for what happens next, and they should check Track to see if they're accepted on their chosen course. We receive some exam results and send them to the universities and colleges. For others, applicants need to send them direct. Their next steps depend on if they're accepted or not.
Go to Step 4: Results

Step 5: Next steps

If an applicant is accepted, they will receive a letter from us that explains what happens next. If they receive different grades than expected or change their mind, there are other options available. They should check Track and look for course vacancies on our website to find an alternative place.
Go to Step 5: Next steps

Step 6: Starting university or college

Applicants need to make sure they have everything ready, such as accommodation, finances, travel arrangements, books and equipment required for the course. They should see what the students' union at their university or college has prepared for new students and find out what support is available while they're studying.
Go to Step 6: Starting university or college