UCAS - Six steps to applying

Six steps to applying

There are six main steps to follow and we explain each one on this site. Below is an overview: click on the links at the end of each paragraph to find out more.

Step 1: Choosing courses

Think carefully about the course you'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. Choose your courses for the right reasons and do plenty of research before deciding where to go.
Go to Step 1: Choosing courses

Step 2: Applying

You 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 your questions. You send your completed application to us online (or to your school or college if applying through them) and we send it to the universities and colleges you choose. The date you need to send your application to us depends on your choices, so check the application deadlines as soon as you can.
Go to Step 2: Applying

Step 3: Offers

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

Step 4: Results

If you're waiting for results, be prepared for what happens next. Check Track to see if you're accepted on your chosen course. We receive some exam results and send them to the universities and colleges. For others, you send them yourself. Your next steps depend on if you're accepted or not.
Go to Step 4: Results

Step 5: Next steps

If you are accepted, you will receive a letter from us that explains what happens next. If you receive different grades than expected or change your mind, there are other options available. 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

Make sure you have everything ready, such as accommodation, finances, travel arrangements, books and equipment required for the course. See what the students' union at your university or college has prepared for new students and find out what support is available while you're studying.
Go to Step 6: Starting university or college

What else?

There's more help and advice depending on your circumstance - see the rest of the where to start section to find out more. If you would like to speak to someone about your application, contact our Customer Contact Centre who can help you with any questions.