What's UCAS? What's a UCAS application? When's the UCAS application deadline? Here's all you need to know about applying to uni through UCAS.
Updated: 15 Jan 2026
UCAS is the Universities and College Admissions Service you use when applying for undergraduate courses in the UK, as well as some postgraduate courses.
A university application through UCAS to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK. All UCAS applications are completed and submitted online.
UCAS Hub lets you check the progress of your UCAS application once it’s been submitted and see whether you’ve received any offers.
Your UCAS login includes the details you use to log in to your UCAS account. This consists of a username and a password that you create yourself. You use your UCAS login to start your UCAS application and to also access UCAS Hub.
UCAS points, or UCAS Tariff points, are the number of points a qualification is worth. Most university courses will have a minimum number of UCAS points required to be accepted onto the course. Each qualification, whether it be A-level, BTEC, Scottish Higher or International Baccalaureate will be worth a certain number of UCAS points. The higher the grade you receive, the more UCAS points your qualification is worth.
The best way to calculate your UCAS points is to use a UCAS points calculator.
This will depend upon the type of BTEC you take, along with what your grades are. Below shows the conversion for grades of the Pearson Level 3 National Diploma:
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma | BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma | BTEC Level 3 Diploma | BTEC Level 3 Diploma |
Grade Profile | UCAS Points | Grade Profile | UCAS Points |
D*D*D* | 168 | D*D* | 112 |
D*D*D | 160 | D*D | 104 |
D*DD | 152 | DD | 96 |
DDD | 144 | DM | 80 |
DDM | 128 | MM | 64 |
DMM | 112 | MP | 48 |
MMM | 96 | PP | 32 |
MMP | 80 |
|
|
MPP | 64 |
|
|
PPP | 48 |
|
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The points you earn in a foundation course will match that of an A-level, as they're held to the same standard. You can use the following to see how your foundation course or A-level grades translate into UCAS points:
Access Diploma | Access Diploma | A-levels | A-levels |
% Grade Pass | UCAS Points | Grade | UCAS Points |
75 | 168 | A* | 56 |
|
| A | 48 |
70 | 136-120 | B | 40 |
65 | 112-104 | C | 32 |
60 | 96-88 | D | 24 |
|
| E | 16 |
An HND level qualification will be worth a minimum of 32 UCAS points. This can vary depending on the course and may require certain subjects.
An HNC level qualification will be worth a minimum of 32 UCAS points. This can vary depending on the course and may require certain subjects.
A UCAS application requires you to create a UCAS login. You'll then be asked for:
Your personal details
What extra support you might need at university
The course you have chosen to apply for (including course code, institution code and start date)
The schools you went to
The qualifications you already have and are currently taking
What jobs you’ve had (including what you did and length of time there)
Your personal statement
Your reference
You don't need to attach any documents to your UCAS application. Your reference will be sent either directly from your teacher or tutor if you're still in school, or from your reference if you're applying independently or as a mature student.
However, it's useful to have on-hand the following documents, as you'll be required to fill in the details:
Passport
Personal statement
Academic transcripts
The UCAS application cost is £28.95 for up to five courses for students looking to begin university in 2026.
You can find your UCAS application form online. This is done through registering on UCAS Apply.
You submit your UCAS application through your profile on UCAS.
There aren't any bursaries that you can apply for in order to fund your UCAS application. However, some schools do pay for their students to submit a UCAS application. You'll need to speak with your school or college about this.
From September 2024, UCAS will be waiving the application fee for students who have been getting free school meals.
The UCAS application deadline for all undergraduate courses starting in 2026 that don’t have a deadline of 15 October 2025 is 6pm UK time on 14 January 2026.
You can still apply after 14 January, however, universities judge applications that come in after the deadline on a first-come, first-served basis. This means they don't equally weigh each application as they would if submitted by the UCAS deadline.
UCAS Extra is a free service which if you have already used up your original five-course choices, allows you to add another higher education choice. As long as you applied through UCAS, aren't holding any offers and aren't awaiting any decisions from your initial five applications, you can use UCAS Extra.
For 2026 entry, UCAS Extra opens on 26 February 2026 and closes on 1 July 2026.
Clearing is the process in which university applicants who have been unsuccessful in meeting the entry requirements of their original choices are matched with universities that still have available places.
Clearing 2026 will be open from 2 July 2026. You can apply through Clearing once you have your results back.
A university personal statement is designed to support your application to university. It's an opportunity to explain why you'd like to study a particular course, divulge the skills you have and articulate how your past experiences have developed your passion for the subject.
A UCAS personal statement is the personal statement you attach to your university application.
This will depend on the course you’re applying for. The lowest score you'll need is 144 UCAS points. In some cases, they may accept slightly less.
This will depend on the course. The lowest score you'll need is 152 points. In some cases, they may accept slightly less.
Yes, you can earn UCAS points from general studies but many universities won’t accept it when applying for a course. Ensure that you check this before starting your application.
No, UCAS is for any student planning to study at the undergraduate level within the UK.
Create a UCAS account online to register. You'll then have the option to select an independent application. You'll need to provide the details of your reference yourself.
You still go through the UCAS application process as though you're a student coming out of secondary school or college. When filling out your application, you'll have to provide the details of your reference yourself.
This is someone who can verify your academic ability, work ethic and character. If you're a student in school or college applying through UCAS, a reference will be written for you by your teacher or tutor once you have paid your application fee.
Your school will send the reference to UCAS directly for you. Do reach out to the teacher or tutor writing your reference in order to check that it has been sent.
You'll need to submit this information yourself if you're a mature or independent student. Ask your reference before doing so and check you have their correct details. Your chosen reference will receive an email from UCAS, asking for them to complete a reference with relevant guidelines attached.
No, all UCAS applications must be accompanied by an academic or work reference.
Don't panic. You'll hear from the universities you've applied to in good time. Some students simply receive theirs before others. If you are still concerned, contact UCAS directly or the university you're awaiting an offer from.