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UCAS applications

If you want to take a full time course leading to a degree, a Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education, or a Higher National Diploma or Certificate at a university, or other institution of higher education in the UK, you apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

You apply online, through the Apply system on the UCAS website at www.ucas.com/students/apply. The site has masses of information and guidance on how to use the system, including a number of video guides on applying at http://ucas.tv/.

Apply 2012 is live from June 2011. UCAS Course Search 2012 is now live. 

Here are some important dates to watch out for, along with a brief outline of the application process. 

When to apply

  • For most courses apply between 1 September 2011 and 15 January 2012. Applications received between 16 January and 30 June 2012 will be regarded as late applications and will only be considered by universities and colleges if they still have vacancies after considering applications received on time.
  • Applications for Art and Design courses are also made through UCAS. The deadline for these courses will be either 15 January 2012 or 24 March 2012, depending on the course. The deadline for each course is shown in the course details, on the UCAS website. 
  • Applications which include Oxford or Cambridge Universities among the choices must reach UCAS between 1 September and 15 October 2011.
  • Applications which include courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Science must also reach UCAS between 1 September and 15 October 2011.
  • New applications received by UCAS after 30 June 2012 are entered directly into the Clearing system.
  • The closing date for applications through the Clearing system is 21 September 2012.

For the best chance of getting the place you want, get your application ready in good time. Your school or college needs time to add a reference before sending it off, so get your part done with time to spare.

'The UCAS Guide to Getting into University and College' may be available in your school, college or centre library. It is certainly worth reading before you apply.

If you want to take a year out  

If you intend to take a gap year and start your course in 2013, check that the university or college will accept a 'deferred entry' application. You must tick the Defer box in the Courses section of the application form. You must still meet the entry requirements by the start of September 2012, as if you were starting your studies in 2012.

Using Apply

  • You can use Apply anywhere with internet access.
  • You do not have to complete the form all at once - you can work on it and resave it as often as you need.

There are several sections to complete. Save as you go! The main sections are:

  • Registration: register to use the system - your school, college or centre will give you a "buzzword" before you register, this links your application to the centre and allows staff to add your reference to it
  • Personal details: your name and address will already be entered - indicate if you have any special needs; nominate someone to act for you if you will be away during the application period
  • Additional information: for example your ethnic origin and national identity, mainly for statistical purposes
  • Choices: list up to five course choices, in no order of preference (or four of any one of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science courses - plus one other subject)
  • Education: details of schools you have attended since you were 11, where you are now studying and what qualifications you have - do not send certificates
  • Employment: information on any full time or part time jobs you have had
  • Personal statement: your chance to explain why you should get a place on the course - the UCAS website gives a lot of guidance on the content of this
  • Reference: from one of your teachers, to back up your application
  • Declaration: that you’ve completed the form accurately and honestly
  • Pay/Send: your application fee - for 2012 entry, £11 for a single course, £22 for 2-5 choices.

A new section on Finance will be added for entry in 2012.  You will be asked if you plan to apply for student finance, if you would like a reminder about when to apply and if you are prepared to let UCAS share this information with the student finance companies.

What happens next?

  • Your school or college sends off your application.
  • When UCAS gets your application, it sends you a welcome letter that lists your choices. Use your personal ID, user name and password to see your application on Track, the system that allows you to track its progress. 
  • UCAS gives each institution you have applied to access to your application form - they do not know where else you have applied.
  • Each institution then decides whether to offer you a place. They may ask you to gain certain exam results (a conditional offer).
  • Provided your application is in by 15 January 2012, you should hear from all of the institutions from March onwards and by early May 2012 at the latest.
  • When you have heard from all your institutions, choose two offers to hold until you get your exam results. Choose the one you would like best as your firm offer, and another as insurance, backup in case you are not accepted by your firm choice. If you are given, and accept, an unconditional offer, you cannot hold any other offers.
  • Use Track to reply to offers. Make sure you meet the deadlines shown on the UCAS website.

UCAS Extra 

If you have no offers, you can apply for other courses through this service, which operates from the end of February until the end of June. You apply for one course at a time, through Track.

Clearing

If you still have no offers, or do not get the required exam results, you can apply for other courses through Clearing, after the exam results come out in August. Courses with vacancies are listed on the UCAS website. There are also lists in some newspapers.

You need a Clearing Number to apply - you will find it through Track. You can watch a video on 'How to use Clearing' on the UCAS TV site at: http://ucas.tv/

  • Look through the courses, find one that interests you and contact the university or college yourself (or have your nominated person do so) to ask if they will accept you.
  • The admissions tutor you speak to will tell you what to do next.

Try to be at home during August, when your exam results come out! The end of Clearing is the end of September. If you get a place through Clearing, UCAS will send you an official letter confirming it.