Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges know that every student is different, and your potential to succeed in higher education is based on more than just grades. They understand that many factors shape the grades you are awarded. 

That’s why, as part of the admissions process, universities and colleges consider individual experiences, circumstances and backgrounds alongside academic achievements to support and accept students onto their courses. This is called contextual admissions.

On this page you can find out more about:

• what contextual admissions is
• who is eligible
• how you qualify

What do we mean by ‘contextual admissions’?

‘Contextual admissions’ is a term used to describe how your background and circumstances are taken into account to help universities understand your potential to succeed.

It recognises that some students face challenges in their education outside their control, such as growing up in care or facing financial hardship. 

Contextual admissions is used for different groups of students, and you may be eligible based on:

• individual circumstances, such as being care-experienced, estranged from your parents, being from a low-income household and being in receipt of free school meals, or having unpaid caring responsibilities
• where you live, such as living in a region with low participation in higher education
• the school you attend, including the proportion of students who are in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM), and typical attainment
• engaging with particular outreach programmes

Universities and colleges use contextual admissions in different ways, and not all of them use it. The approaches taken can include: 

• a lower offer than standard course entry requirements (implemented at either offer or acceptance stage) 
• a guaranteed or prioritised interview
• giving an application extra consideration during the decision-making process
• an offer with mandatory completion of a pre-arrival course, or offer on a course with a foundation year

In Scotland, universities will publish a minimum entry requirement for widening access students.

Who is eligible?

Every university and college is different, and the approaches they take to admissions will vary. Universities UK, the representative organisation for universities, has recently led a project with The Sutton Trust and UCAS to help make it easier for students to understand what support may be available. 

When undertaking contextual admissions, universities and colleges may look at a range of factors, including:

• your school or college – including the proportion of students who are in receipt of free school meals (FSM), and typical attainment
• household income, such as being in receipt of free school meals. Students in receipt of free school meals are eligible for UCAS’ application fee waiver 
• if you have spent time in local authority care, such as a foster home, residential children’s home or kinship care. Read more about going to university from a care background and the UCAS’ fee waiver
• if you are estranged from your parents – if your relationship has broken down leading to no contact. Read more about going to university as an estranged student
• if you have caring responsibilities – those who are unpaid carers for a family member or friend. Read more about going to university as a carer
• parental education – if your parents did not attend university
• where you live – some universities may use postcode measures to see if you live in an area where there is a high level of deprivation, or a low number of people going to university
•  if you have participated in certain outreach programmes

This is not a full list – some universities consider a range of circumstances, and others may not consider some of the above groups.

How do I find out which universities make contextual offers?

• Universities and colleges can list information about their contextual offer-making policies in the UCAS search tool. You can find this under the entry requirements section of the course pages.
• Universities and colleges will have information on their web pages about contextual admissions and wider student support – and they will always be happy to answer any questions you may have. 
• The Sutton Trust has a Contextual Admissions tool for UK universities. Not all UK universities are included in the tool, but you could use it alongside other sources of information to help with your research.
• If you are care experienced, Become’s Propel Search has an individual page for each university and college outlining the support available, including contact details for the designated member of staff/named contact.

If you're unsure, or can’t find the information you need, contact the university or college directly – they will be happy to give you more information and answer any questions. 

How will the university or college know if I am eligible for contextual admissions?

A lot of the information used for contextual admissions is shared in the UCAS application. There are several questions which allow you to share information about your circumstances, so universities can let you know about any support they offer, and consider you for contextual offers, where available.

• Extra activities – if you qualify for a contextual offer because you've attended an eligible outreach programme, you can share the details.
• Your reference – if you're happy for them to do so, your referee (e.g. your teacher) can outline any circumstances that have affected your grades, or any additional challenges you faced. This is a good way to show your achievements in context.
• Free school meals data – UCAS obtains free school meals data through various sources to support your application. Find out more in our privacy policy.

If you think you have additional information to share outside of your UCAS application, universities and colleges are also happy for you to contact them if you think it's helpful.

Questions to ask a university or college

Universities and colleges are always happy to talk to students and answer any questions – check their website for contact details or speak to them at UCAS Discovery events or open days. 

Useful questions to ask about admissions

• What individual circumstances do you consider? 
• Do you have an eligibility checker on your website?
• Are your entry requirements reduced if I am eligible? 
• Are contextual offers available for all courses or only specific ones?
• Are contextual offers automatically applied or do I need to complete any pre-entry courses?
• Do you have a web page where I can find out more about your contextual admissions policy?
• Is there any evidence I need to provide? (For example, care leavers might be asked to upload supporting documents.) 
• What further support do you offer for students who are eligible for contextual admissions?
• I am a student who is a young carer/eligible for FSM/care leaver/ from an armed forces family etc. What support is available for me? 

Receiving a contextual offer

Contextual admissions can include a contextual offer – this may be one or two grades lower than the usual entry requirements. It is important to remember that universities and colleges may also use other ways to take your background into account before making an offer. So, even if your offer is not a contextual offer, your individual circumstances may still have been considered.

Universities do not have to tell UCAS if they have made a contextual offer and you will not see this information in your UCAS Hub. Make sure you check your emails from your chosen university or college. They may contact you to explain your offer and tell you about any extra support you can get. This could include financial help, accommodation, mental health support, or study support.

If you’re unsure about an offer or what it means, it’s always best to contact the university. They are happy to talk to students and answer any questions – check the student support pages on their website for contact details.