Uploading supportive documents is optional
It does not replace the need to complete and answer questions in the UCAS application.
Uploading documents to your application
If you're applying for university or college to start your studies in the 2027 cycle, or are applying in the 2026 cycle after 30 June, find out more about uploading documents to your application.
What's on this page?
- Uploading documents to your application
- How does it work?
- What documents can I upload to support my application?
- Document upload dos and don'ts
- Personal details section
- Diversity and inclusion section
- Education section: Qualification certificates and transcripts
- Education section: English Language
- Nationality section
- Mature students
- Uploading documents to your application: FAQs
Uploading documents to your application
UCAS is introducing a document upload service designed to support inclusive admissions by allowing you to upload supporting information directly to your application.
Uploading documents to your application will help ensure universities and colleges have all the information they need to support the decision-making process and will also enable you to:
Upload relevant documents as part of your application journey.
Be better prepared and confident you have supplied everything you need.
Please note that UCAS and the school, college or centre you may be linked with are not able to access or view your documents, so please review your uploaded documents before you submit your application to UCAS.
Once your application has been submitted to UCAS, you are unable to add or amend the documents attached. You can amend uploaded documents if your application is returned by your linked school, college, or centre - they will only be able to see your documents' file names.
How does it work?
Upload documents when asked within the application
The option to upload documents is available in specific parts of the UCAS application, based on how you answer certain questions. You should only upload the documents listed in the relevant section.
Security scans are applied automatically
Every document you upload is security scanned by UCAS for UCAS' systems. This includes scanning for viruses, checking the file size and file type, and making sure the document isn’t password protected. If a document fails these checks, it won’t be uploaded. Therefore you will need to send documents directly to your choices when requested.
Documents are stored securely
UCAS securely stores your uploaded documents and makes them available to your chosen universities and colleges when they need them. Documents may not be accessed at the same time as your application is sent – this depends on each university or college’s admissions process.
Avoid uploading extra documents
If a university or college needs additional information, they will contact you directly with clear instructions on what to provide and how to send it.
Things to know before uploading documents to your application
Enter all relevant information on your UCAS application
You must enter all relevant information on your UCAS application.
Post submission changes are not permitted
You can amend uploads until your application is submitted to UCAS.
You can amend documents if your application is returned
If your application is returned by your school/college/centre, you can amend uploaded documents.
You can upload five documents at a time
There is also a maximum of 30 documents per application.
Files sizes must be 5MB or less
Uploaded document file sizes are restricted to 5MB.
What documents can I upload to support my application?
When you complete your UCAS application you will have the option to upload official documents to support certain sections of your application, depending on whether you are a UK or international applicant.
Please see a list of the relevant application sections along with examples of the types of supporting documents you can upload below. The dos and don'ts section also has more handy tips and advice.
| Application section | Official and relevant documents could include: | Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Details section: Change of name |
| UK/international |
| Diversity and Inclusion section: Care experience |
| UK only |
| Education section: Qualifications |
| UK (mature) |
| Education section: Qualifications and English language |
| International only |
| Nationality section: Passport and visa |
| International only |
*applicants who are still in full-time education and have not taken any gap years away from school/college
Documents you upload will be used only for admissions purposes by universities and colleges in the UK. UCAS will not share them with any third-party organisations outside of this context.
You must enter all information in your UCAS application
Uploading supporting documents is optional and does not replace the need to complete and answer questions in the UCAS application.
It is up to you to decide if you would like to upload documents to your application. If you decide not to upload supporting documents, it won't disadvantage your application. However, uploading supporting documents may save time when universities and colleges are processing applications if they need additional information.
Document upload dos and don'ts
Remember it is your responsibility to upload relevant and accurate documents. UCAS, schools, colleges, and centres will not be able to check or verify your documents. Confused? Read the dos and don'ts below to help you:
Please DO upload
- Official and relevant documents to support your application
- Clear, readable photos of documents (taken on a plain background with good lighting and no shadows or blurring)
- Documents with security markings such as passports must be uploaded as photos, not scanned
- Documents that are in your own name only and don't belong to someone else (e.g. a parent, guardian, or spouse)
- Documents in accepted formats
- Documents that are named appropriately, e.g. your name and the name of the document (letters and numbers only)
- Upload each document in the correct section, e.g. upload your passport in the Nationality section only
Please DON'T upload
- Personal photos such as you on holiday or at a prom, wedding photos, or photos of your pet
- Inappropriate, illegal, or violent images including drug use or images of body parts. Uploading inappropriate documents could lead to your chosen universities and colleges not considering or withdrawing your application to them
- Irrelevant documents including badges or certificates awarded at an early age, or certificates of achievements in other activities, for example extra-curricular activities
- Password protected documents. These will fail UCAS security checks and will not be uploaded
- A screenshot from Apple iPhones - the file type (HEIC) is not permitted
- Documents that are not in your name (i.e. parents, guardians, or spouses). Universities or colleges may request additional documents directly. UCAS does not collect documents belonging to someone other than the named applicant
- Don't upload all your documents in one place or attach multiple unrelated files in a single upload
Personal details section
Discover what documents to upload for change of name information in the Personal details section.
Personal details section
When to upload information of proof of name change?
When filling out your UCAS application, make sure you enter your first name and middle name(s) exactly as they're stated on official documents, such as your passport, birth certificate, or driving licence. If your qualifications were awarded in a different name to that used on your UCAS application, please upload proof of your previous name to help universities and colleges verify any qualification results you may have.
If you have changed your name in the past but your qualification certificates will be in the same name as you have registered on your UCAS application, you do not need to add information of your previous name.
Documents you upload will be used only for admissions purposes by universities and colleges in the UK. UCAS will not share them with any third-party organisations outside of this context.
What can I use as proof of my name change?
Diversity and inclusion section
Discover what documents to upload in the Diversity and inclusion section if you have shared care experience. Please note this is for UK students only.
Care experience (UK students only): Diversity and inclusion section
Why might I upload supporting information of being in care?
If you have shared care experience you can upload supporting information in the diversity and inclusion section of the application. This will help universities and colleges assess what support you might be eligible for during your studies.
The information you give about your care experience is treated sensitively and only shared with admissions staff and those who are responsible for arranging your support (e.g. the student support team). Knowing about your circumstances may also help admissions staff consider your achievements more fully. This is called contextual admissions – read more about contextual admissions here.
What documents can I use as supporting information that I have been in care?
Please only upload official and relevant documents. These could include:
A signed letter from a professional third party (e.g. teacher, doctor, charity, care worker, personal adviser, social worker) confirming your circumstances
A letter/email from the local authority or school confirming your name, date of birth and dates you were cared for by the local authority
Please note the documents we collect for admissions purposes may not be the same documents required by the Student Loans Company.
Documents you upload will be used only for admissions and support purposes by universities and colleges in the UK. UCAS will not share them with any third-party organisations outside of this context.
Further information can be found on our page for care experienced applicants.
I cannot provide information of being care-experienced, what should I do?
You can still share a care background in your UCAS application. Go to the 'diversity and inclusion' section and select ‘yes’ from the drop down box. You will also be asked to share how long you have spent in care (approximately).
The university or college may get in touch to tell you more about how they can support you, but we recommend you contact them to discuss your needs directly. Not all universities and colleges offer the same type of support, so research your options before you make your application to ensure they offer what you need.
You are always in control – if you decide you don’t want support, you can choose not to accept it, but if you change your mind later on, or if your circumstances change, it’s ready for you.
If you’d like to know more about sharing information about your care experience in the application, read our FAQs page and our blog article Three reasons to tick the box.
What support can care-experienced students get in higher education?
There is a wide variety of support available for care experienced students in higher education – some of which is managed by your local authority, and some by the university or college.
It’s important to remember that this support is there to help you overcome any challenges you may face, to ensure you are able to settle in well to university life, and to give you the best chance to do well in your studies. All students are in full control of the support they are offered and if you don’t want to use it, you don’t have to – it’s entirely your call.
Further information can be found on our page for care experienced applicants.
Education section: Qualification certificates and transcripts
Discover what qualification certificates and transcripts to upload in the Education section.
If you need further guidance on how to complete the Education section of your application, see the "Filling in your application" webpage.
Qualification certificates: Education section
What documents can I use as proof of my qualifications?
Please only upload official and relevant documents, these could include:
Official and achieved qualification certificates (these must be entered on your UCAS application as well as pending qualifications)
Official Translated qualification certificates (these do not need to be entered on your UCAS application)
Official Qualification Transcripts* (e.g. High School, SAT, ACT) (these do not need to be entered on your UCAS application)
Please note that you will not be disadvantaged if you do not upload your transcript with your UCAS application; however, universities and colleges may contact you separately to request this information after you have submitted your application to UCAS. Uploading it once now on UCAS may save you time having to share this with all of your chosen universities and colleges later.
Learn more about how UCAS receives results from exam boards here.
I am a UK student still in formal education. Why don’t I need to upload any certificates?
For most UK qualifications that you will be receiving results for this Summer, we receive verified results from your Awarding Organisation and make these available to your university choices. Please see this link for more information. Therefore, there’s no need to upload certificates separately. However, if there is a particular qualification document that you would like to upload then there is no restriction on uploading that document.
What does UCAS mean by ‘formal education’?
Typically, we mean those applicants who are still in full-time education and have not taken any gap years away from school/college.
International Baccalaureate
If you are an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate, you can help the admissions process by asking the person in your school who is responsible for IB students to request that your results are sent to UCAS directly. When we've received these, we share them with your chosen universities and colleges.
I already have all my certificates and am planning to upload them with my UCAS application. Do I still need to complete the Education section?
Yes, it's very important that you complete all information on the UCAS application because we send this information directly to your chosen universities or colleges.
If I am retaking an exam, do I add the previous result certificate?
No, there is no need to upload the original certificate as supporting information if you are resitting a qualification.
Please include details of any previous results within the Education section of the application; you should enter it twice, once with the original result and again with ‘pending’ status for the re-sit.
I’ve not yet received my certificate, is this a problem?
No, this is not a problem. We understand that not all qualification certificates will be made available before you submit your application, and therefore you can submit your application without these documents. A university or college will contact you for anything else that is required. If you have a copy of your transcript for any qualifications that are currently in progress, you can upload this.
Transcripts: Education section
What is a transcript?
Why should I upload a transcript?
Please speak with your school or college who will advise you on whether they will support completing a transcript. Uploading a full academic transcript is useful, especially for university and college applications, because it gives admissions teams a complete and accurate view of your educational background. This is particularly important for international applicants, as subjects, courses content, and grading systems can vary significantly between countries. Providing a transcript ensures that your qualifications and academic readiness are assessed fairly.
Who should upload a transcript?
International students studying a non-UK course
Transcripts from any applicant at a UK university/college who is asking to transfer to a different university or college
Please note:
If your certificates or transcripts are not in English, we recommend you upload an officially translated copy alongside the original.
What should be included in the official transcript?
Please speak to your school or college on whether they will support completing a transcript on your behalf for you to upload.
A transcript should include essential information, such as:
- Full name of the student
- Student identification number (if applicable)
- Name of the institution issuing the transcript
- Dates of attendance (start and end dates)
- Programme of study (e.g., Advanced Placement (AP), High school diploma, IB Diploma, BA History etc.)
- Level of study (e.g., undergraduate, postgraduate, secondary education)
Academic details listing the courses or modules taken, including:
- Grades or marks received for each course
- Credit hours or units (if applicable)
- Cumulative GPA or overall grade (if used by the institution)
- Degree or qualification awarded (including classification, if relevant)
It must be authenticated by the institution, including:
- Official stamp or seal of the institution (only final and complete transcripts need an official stamp or signature of registrar)
- Signature of registrar or authorised official (only final and complete transcripts need an official stamp or signature of registrar)
- Date of issue
Please note:
- UCAS cannot accept password-protected documents. If your official transcript is password-protected, we recommend sending it directly to the universities or colleges when requested.
I am an IB student. Should I upload a transcript?
If you are studying the International Baccalaureate (IB), it may be useful to upload a transcript; please speak with your adviser in your school, college or centre. Providing a transcript helps ensure universities and colleges have a complete and accurate view of your academic performance. It can also help clarify any differences in grading or course structure. Learn more about IB certificates and how you can help with the results process in the qualification certificates section above.
Do I need to add my transcript and certificate?
Yes, if you have both a certificate and a transcript for your qualification, please upload both. This is particularly helpful if your transcript includes details not shown on the certificate such as module breakdown and grades.
If you don't have a copy of both your transcript and your certificate and only have one of these documents, please upload what you do have available.
Also, remember to list all your qualifications - both completed and in progress - in the education section of your application. You do not need to list transcripts separately.
Education section: English Language
Discover what English Language certificates to upload in the Education section.
English Language Tests: Education section
What documents can I upload as proof of my English Language?
The following documents can be uploaded as proof of English Language:
- Official qualification certificates
- Official translated qualification certificates
- Official qualification transcript (e.g. High School, SAT, ACT)
- English Language certificates (e.g. TOEFL, IELTs English Language Certificate, Person PTE, LanguageCert, PSI, Trinity College Dublin)
I don’t have a TOEFL or IELTs English Language certificate, what do I do?
If you have other English Language certificates, for example Pearson PTE, LanguageCert, PSI and Trinity College Dublin, please add them as a qualification in the education section, and if your certificate has been awarded, upload a copy as supporting information.
If you have not taken one yet, please see our guidance on English Language Tests (ELTs).
Documents you upload will be used only for admissions purposes by universities and colleges in the UK. UCAS will not share them with any third-party organisations outside of this context.
Nationality section
Discover what documents to upload as proof of your passport or immigration status in the Nationality section. Please note this is for international students only. Further information about student visas, immigration, and English Language Tests is available here.
Passport, visa and immigration (international students only): Nationality section
What documents can I use as proof of my passport or immigration status?
An official and current visa or immigration status document with your name on it
A copy of the photo page of your official and in-date passport with your name on it
Please ensure:
all documents with security markings such as passports must be uploaded as photos not scanned
all documents are in date at the point of application
Only upload documents that are in your own name. Do not submit documents belonging to someone else (e.g., a parent, guardian, or spouse)
Please check that the names you have provided in the Personal Details section match what’s on your passport.
If you have more than one passport, give the details of the passport you intend to use to enter the UK for the purpose of studying your course and upload a copy of this passport.
I don’t have a current visa, is this a problem?
No, most international students will not have a current UK visa at the point in making their application to university in the UK – this is a step that comes later in the admissions process. If you do have a current UK visa – for example a dependant visa, BNO, Foundation Year etc, then this is the area for you to upload this here.
I don’t have a current passport, is this a problem?
No, it is understood that for many reasons some applicants may not have applied for a passport at the stage of making a UK university application, or a passport may expire during the admissions process. In which case don’t worry, universities and colleges will contact you directly later on in the process to collect this information once you have it.
Please find further information here about student visas, immigration, and English language tests.
Documents you upload will be used only for admissions purposes by universities and colleges in the UK. UCAS will not share them with any third-party organisations outside of this context.
Mature students
Discover what supporting documents and information mature students should upload.
Mature students
How does UCAS identify a 'mature applicant'?
The term ‘mature student’ is usually used when referring to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education, and typically this will mean students who are over 21 years of age. Please see further information.
I am a gap year student or been away from formal education for a couple of years, should I upload my certificates?
Yes, if you have the certificates already, it would be useful to upload them with your application. If you do not upload them, universities and colleges may ask you to send them directly to them once they have received your application.
I’m a mature applicant and returning to in formal education, should I upload supporting evidence?
Yes, we would encourage applicants to upload information to assist universities and colleges making better informed admissions decisions.
This could include transcripts from any applicant at a UK university/college who is asking to transfer institution.
Uploading documents to your application: FAQs
Do I need to upload documents to my application?
It may help universities and colleges make a decision about your application if you upload supporting documentation to your application. However, it is optional to do so.
How do I know if my documents have been successfully uploaded to my application?
A green tick will be displayed. If there are any issues, we will share a message on screen.
I’ve sent my application to my school, college, or centre but forgot to upload any documents OR have uploaded the wrong document. What can I do?
Speak with your teacher or counsellor at your school, college, or centre and ask them to return the application to you. You can then add/remove documents as necessary and re-send the application.
My documents have been rejected, what does this mean?
The file you uploaded has failed a security scan and it has not been added to your application. Please upload a different file or you may continue without this file.
I’ve uploaded my documents but I’m not able to submit my application
All documents uploaded to your application will be scanned for any potential viruses, the scan must be completed before you will be able to submit your application which may take several minutes to complete. If you do not wish to wait for the scan to be completed, you can remove any documents pending a scan, and submit your application without the document(s).
Can I amend or add further documents to my application once it has been sent to UCAS?
No. Once your application has been sent to UCAS, you won't be able to add any new documents to it. However, you can contact your chosen university or college and ask them if they would like to receive a copy of the document in question and then send it to them directly.
Where can I see my documents once I have submitted my application?
Sign in to your application and you will be able to see your documents and their statuses in the 'view all' section.
Do I need to add my transcript and certificate if I'm an international student?
Yes, if you have both a certificate and a transcript for your qualification, it would be helpful if you could upload both documents. This is especially important if the transcript shows additional information not on the certificate, e.g. module breakdown and grades. If you do not have a copy of both your transcript and certificate, please just include what you do have available.
Additionally, make sure to declare all your qualifications - both completed and in progress - in the Education section of your application. Transcripts do not need to be listed on the application.
If I am retaking an exam, do I add the previous result certificate?
No, there is no need to upload the original certificate as supporting evidence if you are resitting a qualification.
However, please include details of any previous results within the Education section of the application; you should enter it twice, once with the original result and again with ‘pending’ status for the re-sit.
I’ve uploaded my documents to UCAS, do I still need to upload this to my chosen university portal(s)?
If the university or college you have applied to requests that you upload documentation to their dedicated portal, please be sure to do so.
I’ve not yet received my official qualification certificate, is this a problem?
No, we understand that not all qualification certificates will be made available before you submit your application, and therefore you can submit your application without these documents. The university or college will contact you and ask you to send any specific documents to them.
I uploaded documents to a previous application, do I need to upload them again, if I apply again?
Yes, UCAS will only hold documents until the end of the application cycle you applied in. Documents will need to be uploaded to each application you submit.
What document types can I upload to my application?
The types of document that you can upload are:
pdf
jpeg
jpg
png
doc
docx
odt
Please not that UCAS does not accept screenshots from Apple iPhones.
Is there a document size restriction?
Yes, the maximum size is 5MB per individual document. If the document(s) you wish to upload is larger than this, please contact your chosen university or college choices and ask if they would like to receive a copy of the document, and send it to them directly.
How many documents can I add to my application?
You can add a maximum of 30 individual documents to your application.