Before you apply
Consider all the options available to you before you begin your application. Find out what places are really like, attend events, research industries, and make sure you're clear on what you want to do before you proceed.
Information and advice pages
Before you apply
Consider all the options available to you before you begin your application. Find out what places are really like, attend events, research industries, and make sure you're clear on what you want to do before you proceed.
Bespoke Data Consultancy
UCAS is the most recognised and trusted brand in higher education. We harness our expertise and data to help you transform recruitment.
Biology 2026 personal statement guide
Biology admissions tutors say it’s all about genuine passion, enthusiasm, and curiosity. The key to writing a successful biology personal statement is to show you understand what you're applying for, along with some evidence of your enthusiasm, and commitment to the subject.
Biomedical sciences 2026 personal statement guide
Write a healthy personal statement about your passion for biomedical sciences, your existing knowledge of the subject, and why you wish to study it.
Brand & Spend
Kicking off with a bang! The Brand & Spend chapter is always a big deal, diving into what really drives student decision making when it comes to parting with their cash. This year, there’s been a lot more movement than usual, and we’ve even seen some of the trends, if not quite bucked, bruised.
Budgeting
Most students find themselves on a tight budget, so managing your money is really important to cover everything you need. Learn how to budget properly and save money at university.
Build lifelong connections with Gen-Z
UCAS offers a unique and trusted media ecosystem designed and built around the student application journey.
Building and construction 2026 personal statement guide
The built environment encompasses lots of courses and professions, so outline your reasons for wanting to study the particular building and construction course you’re applying for, and what fascinates you about buildings and how they’re made.
Business and management studies 2026 personal statement guide
Admissions tutors explain the importance of reflecting on your business or management interests and demonstrating your motivation, skills, and enthusiasm in your personal statement.
Business Partner Code of Conduct
UCAS is committed to operating ethically, demonstrating integrity and acting responsibly to its customers and wider stakeholders.
Career goals: Doctor
Long hours, intense studying, and the small case of confronting illness and death each day. No wonder medicine has a competitive and demanding reputation.
Career goals: Nurse
Nurse Ewout talks switching paths to enter nursing, the different opportunities it can afford you, the profession's changing image, and more.
Career goals: Pilot
Rosanna shares the highs and lows of being a commercial pilot, her route to qualifying, plus some words of encouragement for young girls who want to reach for the sky.
Career Goals: Playwright/Theatre director
How do you turn a passion for words into a career? London playwright and theatre director Lynette did just that, after finding inspiration from one author while studying English at university.
Career support at university
University is a critical time for developing your future career. As an international student in the UK, you can access a wealth of support from your university and their dedicated careers teams. You’ll be able to get help on everything from improving your job application process, finding work experience while you’re studying, or getting a graduate role in your chosen industry.
Careers advice and guidance activities to support students with SEND
Expert advice and best practice suggestions on how to support your students with SEND in their career development.
Careers planner for 16 – 18s
Sixth form is full of big and exciting future decisions for Year 12 and 13 students. Use our free careers planner to help set them on a path to a bigger, brighter future.
Careers support with UCAS
Every year over a million students and young people connect with UCAS to explore their future options. We're focusing on the far-reaching choices they can make now – and how we help employers and potential applicants to find each other.