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UCAS terms explained

We use quite a few terms in the application process. We’ve explained them all here, if you need to check what any mean.

UCAS Undergraduate releases

UCAS Undergraduate statistical releases provide core numbers on applications at scheduled points in the current application cycle.

What is UCAS?

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

2018 End of Cycle Report

The UCAS End of Cycle Report 2018 is the first national overview of demand for, and acceptances to, undergraduate UK higher education (HE) for the 2018 admissions cycle.

Accessibility

Find out about UCAS' commitment to web accessibility.

Alternative payment option

If you are unable to make online payment of the UCAS application fee, we can accept payment by bank transfer instead.

Amendments to the Tariff consultation

In July 2021 UCAS launched a consultation into a number of proposals relating to the information we make available about qualifications and their use in progression to higher education. The scope of this consultation included the current Tariff (but not the methodology behind the calculation of Tariff points) and Qualification Information Profiles.

Business Partner Code of Conduct

UCAS is committed to operating ethically, demonstrating integrity and acting responsibly to its customers and wider stakeholders.

Discovery exhibitor zone

The Exhibitor Zone contains everything you need when exhibiting at UCAS Discovery events - including the latest updates, handy guides, event-specific information pages, marketing assets and more.

HE provider good practice briefing for estranged students

This good practice briefing is written for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new flag to identify estranged students in the UCAS application for 2023 entry. We have worked with Stand Alone to outline the common challenges for these students, share examples of good practice being done around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.

HE provider good practice briefing for students from UK Armed Forces Families (Service children)

This briefing is for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new UCAS flag to identify students from UK Armed Forces families, from 2023 entry. We have worked with the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance and the Ministry of Defence to outline the common challenges for these students, share good practice around the UK, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.

HE provider good practice briefing for students in receipt of free school meals (FSM)

This briefing is for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new UCAS flag to identify applicants who have been in receipt of free school meals (FSM). Here, we outline the common challenges for these students, share examples of good practice around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.