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What is UCAS?

UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is an independent charity and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education.

What is university like?

Wondering what it’s really like to study at university? From taster days to student experiences and sample lectures, find out how you can get a flavour of university life – and if it’s the right next step for you.

What to do

Discover what your options are, how they work, and start to plan your own future.

What to study

Find out what each type of postgraduate qualification involves, what the entry requirements are, how much it might cost, and where to find out more.

What's included in your capitation fee

Make full use of the products, services and resources that are available to you for free or as part of your capitation fee. Promote your university or college, access unrivalled data insights and streamline your systems and data returns.

When to apply

Some courses have different deadlines – many are a long time before the start of the course. Find out which deadline applies to you, and what you need to do by then.

Where to start

Discover all the ways UCAS can help you find your passions and unlock your potential. Chat to students, read our guides, explore subjects... Gather as much information as you can before you move onto the next step and start your education journey.

Why are we obsessed with the Journey to a Million applicants?

Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of UCAS, introduces our collection of essays, created in collaboration with Unite Students and Knight Frank, highlighting the challenges and opportunities the Journey to a Million higher education applicants poses both to the education sector and UK PLC.

Why choose higher education?

Going to uni is a great way to expand your knowledge, meet new people, and enjoy new experiences. Find out what it's all about, and decide if it's right for you.

Why should I choose the UK for postgraduate studies?

Over 45% of international students in the UK are here to complete a postgraduate degree, because it has some of the world’s top-ranking universities, leading the way in pioneering research and academic studies. This page explains the postgraduate options available, how to apply, and some of the benefits of studying in the UK.