The application window
The application window for new customers runs from 1 September to 1 June for each admissions cycle. If you have an enquiry about joining, please contact provideronboarding@ucas.ac.uk
The onboarding process
On average, it takes 12 weeks to join UCAS, from the point of application to set up on systems.
On receipt of your application, there’s an initial review of the information received against our eligibility criteria.
For OfS registered providers
Providers who are listed on the Office for Students register will have their application fast tracked through the initial review which is a cross-referenced assessment of UCAS’ onboarding principles and the OfS registration conditions. Providers will be asked to provide financial information to demonstrate they have sufficient legal and financial status to demonstrate the ability to support the delivery of full-time undergraduate programmes to students.
For providers who are not OfS registered
Providers based outside England, and English providers who have not obtained OfS registration or are in the process of doing so, will be asked to supply evidence to satisfy all elements of the criteria listed.
UCAS fees
Application fee
There is a £1,000 non-refundable application fee payable when we receive your application. This is deducted from the balance of your joining fee if your application is successful.
Joining fee
There is a one-off fee to join UCAS as a customer. This is assessed during the consideration of your application and is based on the predicted number of applicants placed with you in your first admissions cycle as a customer.
The joining fees range from £7,000 to £25,000, plus VAT.
If your application is successful, you will be invoiced for the full amount (minus the application fee paid). Full access to systems and training will be given once the joining fees are paid.
Capitation fee
Customers of UCAS pay an annual capitation fee for our support and services.
The fee is charged per cycle, regardless of when a provider joins UCAS. Fees are charged based on the number of applicants ‘placed’ with a provider by the close of each admissions cycle. The fees are charged per applicant, with a minimum fee applicable where providers have fewer than 100 placed applicants.
The capitation fee is invoiced twice a year – 60% in August, and the remaining 40% in February.
Fees for the 2024 UCAS Undergraduate admissions cycle are:
Per applicant: £33.80 (including VAT)
Minimum charge: £3,600 (including VAT)
Fees for the 2025 UCAS Undergraduate admissions cycle are:
Per applicant: £35.25 (including VAT)
Minimum charge: £3,755 (including VAT)