A guide to UCAS and how to apply to university

The University and Colleges Admissions Service, better known as UCAS, is - as the name suggests - the route for students to apply to universities.

Through UCAS, students can apply to up to five universities (increased to six if they specialise in music, dance or drama), in one application. 

Each application includes the student’s exam results (which UCAS converts into ‘tariff points’ - we cover this in more detail below), their work experience and a personal statement. 

How UCAS tariff points are calculated

To help universities compare students and their different post-16 qualifications, UCAS established their tariff point system, which assigns a numeric value to every qualification type, and every grade level. Essentially, the higher the grade, the more tariff points it’s worth. For example, an A Level C grade is worth 32 points, compared to 56 for an A*.

While some courses still demand specific grades in specific subjects for entry, some universities (an estimated 70% of courses nationwide) make offers based on a student’s total number of points. So, for example an offer might be conditional on the basis of achieving 100 UCAS points, with no restrictions on what qualifications or grades make up those points. 

To help students work out how many points they’ve earned, the UCAS website includes a tariff points calculator. 

Work experience

Alongside the tariff points, UCAS applications provide a section for different work experience placements students have undertaken. These can include paid work, internships, or voluntary positions.

The work experience section is a great opportunity to showcase a student’s understanding and knowledge of different careers relevant to their chosen areas of study. It also demonstrates the student’s proactivity and reliability and, show off any transferable skills they’ve picked up in the process.

Personal statement

The personal statement is an invaluable opportunity to make an application stand out. 

This year, for the first time the Personal Statement is divided into sections, rather than free text.

The idea of the personal statement is for a student to explain why these universities, or these courses, are important to them.

The points and work experience sections are more factual, whereas the personal statement is more about the person behind the numbers and provides an opportunity to build an emotional connection and show their personality.

Some tips for making a personal statement stand out include the following.

• Use action words
• Be decisive
• Write drafts and ask for feedback
• Make it personal

Finally, because it’s meant to showcase a person’s humanity and individuality, it’s probably best to avoid relying on AI to write it.

2026 entry timescales

The UCAS early application deadline (this is for people wanting to apply to Oxford, Cambridge, or to study medicine, veterinary or dentistry), in September 2026 is Wednesday 15th October 2025.

The equal consideration deadline (which is for most other courses and universities) is then Wednesday 14th January 2026.

For students who don’t receive an offer they’re happy with, additional course options can be added from 26th February 2026, until 30th June.

Clearing opens on 2nd July, ready for the final application deadline of 24th September 2026.

UCAS application fees

The cost of applying to start university in 2026 through UCAS is £28.95.

If a student received free school meals during the last six years of their secondary education, this fee can be waived. More information on waiving UCAS application fees can be found on their website.