UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admission Service) is a joint admissions system for universities in the United Kingdom. This system is suitable for British or overseas students to apply for admission to British colleges and universities. Applicants can make up to 5 applications (subjects/institutions). UCAS starts accepting applications in September each year. Students must submit online applications by the end of June of the following year at the latest. Please note, some disciplines/universities require students to submit applications before January.
UCAS
UCAS main application stage
From September to the end of June of the following year
At this stage, students can make up to 5 applications
Before starting the application process, students must prepare various documents, such as personal statements, school recommendation letters, etc.
After rigorously reviewing the admission application, the university will issue a conditional or unconditional admission notice to the student through UCAS; if the application is unsuccessful, universities will also issue an unsuccessful application notice to the applicants.
Applicants usually start to receive admission notices in May, and students need to make a decision to accept or decline their offer before the end of July.
UCAS Clearing stage
After the UCAS main application phase is over, UCAS will enter the Clearing.
At this stage, students can only apply for one subject of a university through UCAS.
Students must first check the university’s website or call the university’s Clearing hotline to confirm that there are still vacancies in the subject of their choice before applying for the subject on the UCAS website.
To apply for UCAS, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- Academic Qualification and Certificate
- International English Test Results (IELTS / TOFEL / PTE Certificate)
- Personal Statement
- School/Work Recommendation Letter (Reference Letter)
- A copy of the passport
- Art Portfolio (Applicable to students enrolling in art-related subjects)
UCAS 2021-2022
18 May 2021
UCAS Undergraduate application opens for 2022 entry.
7 September 2021
Applicants can pay and send their applications to UCAS, and unis and colleges can start making decisions on applications.
15 October 2021
Applications for Oxford, Cambridge and most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science should arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time). The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to us.
26 January 2022
Applications for the majority of undergraduate courses should arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on the equal consideration date (check course details in our search tool for the correct deadline). The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to us.
25 February 2022
Extra starts for eligible applicants.
30 June 2022
If an application is sent to us by 18:00 (UK time) on this day, we’ll send it to the chosen universities or colleges. Applications received after this date will automatically be entered into Clearing.
