UCAS Undergraduate: advice for parents and guardians

Get updates and all the information you need, along with timely explanations of the application process.

1. Start research early – there are a lot of higher education options to choose from!
2. Register in the UCAS Hub and browse through courses – so they can work out what they would enjoy or be interested in.
3. Know the deadlines – for some courses, the application deadline is almost a year in advance of when the course starts.
4. Go to UCAS events and course provider open days – speak to us and higher education staff to get answers to their questions.
5. Check entry requirements – make sure they can get the grades they need to get a place on a course.
6. Redraft their personal statement – get plenty of feedback and refine it until they’re happy.
7. Understand student finance – so they can make the best arrangements to fund their studies. 
8. Be prepared for results day – make sure they’re prepared for all the possible outcomes.
9. Understand how Extra and Clearing work – different ways to apply for more courses.
10. Visit our Facebook and Twitter regularly to get advice and ask questions.

Most courses start in September, and some require applications to be submitted almost a year in advance – unless they’re for part-time courses.

There are a few different stages to the application process – and deadlines vary depending on the course – so the earlier the application is started, the better.

We’ve created an online Clearing guide just for parents, to share what you can expect and ensure you’re able to give informed support throughout the process.

Clearing guide for parents

• Parent, Guardian, and Carer Guide – everything you need to guide and support a young person with their options and decision-making, and through the UCAS application process:.
  • Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide 2023 (3.65 MB)
  • Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide 2024 (4.59 MB)
• Revision tips and how to manage exam stress: a guide for parents and guardians – we help you support the young people in your life, with revision tips and how to manage stress.
• Our parent guide to Confirmation and Clearing.
• Check the latest definitions of all the terms used in higher education.

Do you have limited internet access?

You can download and print our , to see what’s required for the application process – including help text. But, we do not accept paper applications. Students will still need to register and complete their application online in the UCAS Hub. 

Choosing the right course at the right university is an important decision, involving a significant investment of time and money.

Did you know that students have specific rights under consumer law? Universities have obligations to provide the information students need to make informed decisions, as well as obligations to treat them fairly during their studies.

Find out more.