How to make an application for higher education

All applications for full-time higher education courses are made using our online application system, Apply, which is available 24 hours a day. You fill in the application online when it suits you and it does not need to be completed all at once.

If you are applying through a school, college or centre, you will be given a buzzword by your tutor or careers adviser. When you enter this buzzword during the registration process, it links your application to your school so that your tutor can write your reference.

Once you have completed your application, you can send it to your referee, if you're applying through a school, college or centre, or send it to us.

Further information about the application service is available in the Starting your application section.

Before you can submit your application to UCAS, you will be asked to pay either £5 (for one choice) or £15 (for two to five choices). More information on paying for your application is available here. If you having trouble paying for your application, please contact Customer Services at +44 (0)871 468 0468 for information on alternative methods of payment.

Application flowcharts

You may find it useful to view the application cycle and the important dates as a flowchart. Click on a link below to access the relevant flowchart as a pdf document.

Application flowchart for all courses (Route A) except Route B applications
Deadline dates for the 2008 entry application process, except for Route B art and design courses (what is Route B?).

Applications for Route B art and design
Deadline dates for the 2008 entry application process for Route B art and design courses.

Applications made through Route A and Route B
Deadline dates for the 2008 entry application process for applicants who apply through both routes.