University Application Hub

This page is designed to be the “one stop” guide for UK university applications — from choosing a course, to the new (2026+) personal statement format, to tests, interviews, offers, finance, and what to do if things don’t go to plan.

If you still need more guidance, speak to an UG student.

Start here Choosing a course Personal statement Admissions tests Interviews UCAS step-by-step Offers Extra & Clearing Money FAQ

Start here: how UK university applications work

big picture

Most UK undergraduate applications go through UCAS. You build one application that includes your details, education history, a reference (usually from school/college), and your course choices — then UCAS sends it to your chosen universities.

What you’re actually competing on

Academic profile (current grades + predicted grades + required subjects).
Personal statement (now split into 3 questions for 2026+ entry).
Admissions tests (only for certain courses/unis).
Interviews / auditions / portfolios (only if your course needs them).
Context (some providers make contextual offers / extra consideration).

Quick rules people miss

You can apply to up to 5 courses at once (with a few course-specific restrictions).
Medicine / Dentistry / Vet Medicine usually limit you to 4 choices in that subject area.
Usually you can apply to Oxford OR Cambridge (not both) in the same cycle.
Some courses have different deadlines — always check the course listing.

How to use this page Start with Choosing a course, then build your evidence (super-curriculars + experience), then write your statement, then check tests/interviews, then submit on UCAS.

Deadlines & timeline (examples from UCAS)

time-sensitive

Important Deadlines change by cycle and sometimes by course. Use these as a reference, but always confirm the deadlines for your year and your courses.

UCAS publishes a full timeline each cycle. Below are example key dates (UK time, 18:00 for UCAS deadlines). If you’re reading this in a different year, treat the pattern as the key takeaway: start early → early deadline (Oxbridge/med/vet) → main equal consideration deadline → Extra → Clearing.

2026 entry pattern (example)

Date	What it means	Your action
Sep 2, 2025	Completed applications can be submitted	Have your reference ready; aim to submit early.
Oct 15, 2025	Equal consideration: Oxbridge + most Medicine/Dentistry/Vet	Finish statement + tests earlier than you think.
Jan 14, 2026	Equal consideration: most undergraduate courses	Submit before this for best chance of equal review.
Feb 26, 2026	UCAS Extra opens	If no offers, add one course at a time via Extra.
Jun 30, 2026	Last date applications are sent to unis	After this, applications go straight into Clearing.
Jul 2, 2026	Clearing opens	Be ready with a shortlist + call unis quickly.
Sep 24, 2026	Final deadline for 2026 entry applications	Absolute last chance for 2026 entry (where vacancies exist).

2027 entry pattern (example)

Date	What it means	Your action
Sep 1, 2026	Completed applications can be submitted	Start early, especially if you need tests/interviews.
Oct 15, 2026	Equal consideration: Oxbridge + most Medicine/Dentistry/Vet	Lock in choices + practice tests well in advance.
Jan 13, 2027	Equal consideration: most undergraduate courses	Submit before deadline; don’t rely on last-minute tech.
Feb 25, 2027	UCAS Extra opens	Plan backup choices you’d genuinely accept.
Jul 2, 2027	Clearing opens	Stay calm, move fast, keep notes of calls/offers.
Sep 23, 2027	Final deadline for 2027 entry applications	Only relevant if you’re applying very late.

The real strategy Your school/college deadline is often earlier than UCAS. Aim to submit weeks before the UCAS deadline so you can fix mistakes, get feedback, and avoid stress.

Choosing the right course (and then the right university)

shortlisting

Most people choose backwards (they pick a “top uni” and then force a course fit). Do it the other way: course first (what you’ll study every week), then place (where you’ll live for 3–4 years).

Pick a subject that won’t drain you

What do you enjoy doing day-to-day (even when it’s difficult)?
Which topics do you Google / watch / read about without being told?
Do you prefer essay-based, problem-solving, lab work, or practical work?
Do you want a clear job path (e.g., nursing, engineering), or exploration (e.g., humanities)?

Compare courses properly

Modules: What’s compulsory vs optional?
Assessment: Exams, coursework, practicals, group work?
Teaching style: Lectures, supervisions/tutorials, lab hours?
Accreditation: Needed for some careers (check the profession body).
Placement year / year abroad: Great for experience (but plan costs/logistics).

Where should you study?

Open days Cost of living Accommodation Campus vs city Travel home Student support

If you can, attend an open day (or online open day / virtual tour). Talk to current students, sit in on a sample lecture, and check the local area — you’re choosing a lifestyle as well as a course.

Entry requirements, contextual offers & “am I eligible?”

getting in

Entry requirements are usually a mix of grades and subjects. Some providers use contextual information to make reduced offers or add extra consideration.

How to check entry requirements fast

Look at the course listing (required grades + required subjects).
Check “typical offer” vs “minimum offer”.
Search for contextual offers and eligibility.
If you’re missing a subject, see if there’s a foundation year option.

Common myths

Myth: “The personal statement will save me.”
Reality: Grades/subjects still matter a lot.
Myth: “Super-curriculars = expensive summer schools.”
Reality: Reading + reflections + small projects can be enough.
Myth: “Contextual offers are unfair.”
Reality: They’re designed to account for barriers and opportunity gaps.

If you’re uncertain Email the admissions team with a clear message: your predicted grades, your subjects, and a single question: “Do I meet the entry requirements / am I eligible for contextual consideration?” Keep it short.

Personal statement (2026+ format): how to smash all 3 questions

new structure

For 2026 entry onwards, UCAS personal statements are split into three sections/questions. The character limit goal stays the same — it’s just structured so students can be clearer and more focused.

The 3 questions

Q1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Q2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Q3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Q1: “Why this subject?” (make it personal, not cheesy)

Start with a real reason (a moment, question, theme, problem you care about).
Show what excites you (specific topics, not “I love science”).
Include 1–2 mini examples of how you explored it (reading, video, project, lecture).
Keep it authentic — avoid quotes and clichés.

Q2: “How has school prepared you?” (skills, not just grades)

Pick your most relevant subjects and explain what they trained you to do.
Use proof: an EPQ, project, essay topic, practical, competition, presentation.
Translate into course skills (analysis, problem-solving, communication, research).
Don’t waste space listing grades — they’re already on the form.

Q3: “Outside education” (the reflection is what matters)

Work experience, volunteering, clubs, caring responsibilities, hobbies, online courses — all can work. But the key is: what did you learn and why does it matter for the course?

Use 1–2 strong experiences and go deeper, instead of listing 10 things.
Give a quick situation → what you did → what you learned → how it links to the subject.
If you faced challenges or responsibilities, focus on skills gained (resilience, organisation, empathy).

Cambridge-style advice (useful even if you’re not applying there) Top universities care most about academic potential. Make your statement mainly about academic interest: what you explored beyond school, what you found interesting, and what you learned from it.

AI / ChatGPT note AI can help you brainstorm structure and improve clarity — but your final statement must sound like you, and you must be able to explain everything you claim (especially in interviews).

A simple winning structure (copy this)

Hook (2–3 lines): the reason you care + where it started.
Academic exploration: 2–3 super-curricular examples with reflection.
Study evidence: 1–2 school examples showing relevant skills.
Outside education: 1–2 experiences + reflection + skills.
Finish: where you want to take the subject next (curiosity + direction).

Super-curriculars & experience (what to do if you have “nothing”)

build evidence

“Super-curricular” just means subject-related activity beyond your normal lessons. This is the easiest way to level up your application because you can do it from home for free.

High-impact super-curricular ideas

Read 1–2 accessible books or articles and write reflections.
Watch lectures / talks and summarise the key argument.
Build a mini project (coding, data, essay, design, experiment log).
Enter a competition (or do past papers / challenge problems).
Attend a subject taster / outreach session (online is fine).

How to reflect (the part most students skip)

What surprised you?
What did you disagree with?
What question did it raise?
How did your thinking change?
What would you explore next?

Mentura shortcut If you can’t get work experience, do “evidence instead”: a short portfolio, a project, a reading list with reflections, or a mini research log. Strong reflection can beat a weak internship.

Admissions tests: what they are, how to know if you need one, and how to prepare

high stakes

Some courses require an admissions test. These usually happen between late summer and autumn, often before interviews. The golden rule: check your course listing and the official test websites for registration windows.

Common admissions tests (examples)

Different unis use different tests. These are some of the ones students commonly see:

LNAT (Law) UCAT (Medicine/Dentistry) TMUA (Maths/Econ/CS) ESAT (Engineering/Science) MAT / PAT / TSA (Oxford tests) STEP (Maths, some courses) TARA (new for some programmes in 2026+)

Don’t memorise this list — use it as a prompt to check if your course requires a test.

How to prepare (the method that actually works)

Phase 1: Learn the format (timing, sections, question types).
Phase 2: Build skill (topic drills + weak areas).
Phase 3: Timed papers + review (this is where improvement happens).
Track mistakes: “why I got it wrong” + “what I’ll do next time”.

What universities want from tests

Evidence you can handle the thinking style of the course.
Problem solving under pressure.
For some subjects: reasoning + clarity more than perfect knowledge.
Consistency — they don’t want a “fluke” performance.

Watch out Test windows and registration deadlines can arrive before the UCAS submission deadline. Put test dates in your calendar as soon as you decide on courses.

Interviews: what to expect (and how to prepare properly)

performance

Not every course interviews. But for competitive courses and certain subjects (or some universities), interviews help them see how you think, explain ideas, and handle unfamiliar problems.

How to prepare weeks before

Re-read your personal statement and any written work.
Explore your subject beyond school (books, videos, podcasts).
Practise talking about your subject out loud.
Do a practice interview with someone who will challenge you.
For maths/science: practise problem-solving and explaining your steps.

How to prepare on the day

Remember: it’s usually a conversation, not an interrogation.
It’s okay to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
You don’t need to “guess what they want” — show your reasoning.
Wear what you’re comfortable in (unless a course specifies otherwise).

Online interview checklist

Quiet space + stable internet + charged device.
Test camera/mic beforehand.
Have pen & paper ready (especially for problem-solving subjects).
Have the university/college contact details ready in case tech fails.

If something goes wrong (illness, serious disruption) Tell the admissions office before the interview if possible. If you report issues only after, they may not be able to take it into account.

UCAS application step-by-step (so you don’t miss anything)

process

1) Build your application

Create your UCAS account (usually UCAS Hub).
Fill personal details carefully (names must match official documents).
Add education + qualifications (GCSEs/A-levels/BTEC etc).
Add employment history (if relevant).
Write your personal statement (3 questions format for 2026+).

2) Reference & predicted grades

Your application needs a reference before it can be sent.
Give your referee a short “brag sheet”: achievements, super-curriculars, responsibilities.
Meet your school/college internal deadline (often earlier than UCAS).

3) Choose courses (the smart way)

Check entry requirements and test/interview requirements for each choice.
Keep choices in a similar subject area where possible (helps your statement feel relevant).
Mix ambition + realism: include at least one choice you are confident you meet requirements for.

Independent applicants If you’re not applying through a school/college, you’ll still need a referee. Ask early — references can take time.

Decisions & offers: what they mean and what to do

after you apply

Offer types

Conditional: you must meet grades/requirements.
Unconditional: you already met the requirements (or they’re not requiring more).
Unsuccessful: no offer (it happens — focus on Plan B).

Firm & Insurance choices

Firm: your first choice (where you really want to go).
Insurance: your backup (usually lower grade requirements).
Pick an insurance you’d genuinely be happy to attend.

How to decide between offers Re-check modules, teaching style, assessment, accommodation, travel, cost of living, and student support. If possible, attend an offer-holder day.

Extra, Clearing & Plan B (if things don’t go to plan)

solutions

UCAS Extra (when you have no offers)

If you used all 5 choices and hold no offers, you may be able to use Extra.
You add one course at a time until you get an offer (or move on).
Best for students who want to secure a place before Results Day.

Clearing (vacancies + quick decisions)

Clearing is where you find courses with places still available.
Have a shortlist ready and call universities early.
Keep notes: who you spoke to, course code, what they said, next steps.

Other strong Plan B options

Foundation year (if you’re missing requirements or want extra prep).
Gap year (work + save + build experience + reapply stronger).
Degree apprenticeships (earn + learn; competition can be high).
Different course within the same career path (e.g., switch from “Economics” to “Business & Data”).

Late applications Many courses still accept applications after the main deadline if they have vacancies — but the most competitive courses (especially those with the early deadline) often do not.

Money, student finance & accommodation (the stuff that catches people out)

real life

Costs to think about

Tuition fees (varies by home status and course).
Accommodation (uni halls vs private rental).
Travel, food, books, equipment, placements.
Deposits / guarantors for private renting.

Funding sources (common)

Tuition fee loan + maintenance loan (if eligible).
Bursaries / scholarships (uni-specific).
Part-time work (balance with workload).
Hardship funds (if circumstances change).

Accommodation quick guide

First year halls can be easier socially and logistically.
Private renting may be cheaper per week but includes bills/contracts/housemates.
Ask: contract length, bills included, distance to campus, safety, laundry, WiFi, maintenance.
International students: check arrival dates and whether halls contracts fit your travel plans.

Budgeting rule that works Build a weekly budget and track it for 2 weeks. Most people overspend because they never measure it. Fixing this early makes uni life 10x easier.

International students (quick essentials)

non-UK

Many universities accept international applications later than home applications, but you still need to plan early for visas, finances, and English language requirements.

What to check early

English language requirements (tests + validity periods).
Visa requirements and timelines.
Qualification equivalence (how your grades map to UK requirements).
Accommodation availability and arrival dates.

Practical tip

Apply early to get more time for visa steps and housing.
Keep digital copies of documents (passport, grades, references).
Check whether your course includes placements and whether your visa allows it.

FAQ (searchable)

answers

Open all Close all Clear search

No. You can apply to fewer. Five is just the maximum. Only choose courses you’d genuinely accept.

Usually, no — most applicants can apply to only one of them in the same application cycle (with limited exceptions). Always check the current rules for your year.

That’s normal. Try to keep your choices in a similar subject area so your statement still makes sense. Focus on transferable academic interest and skills that apply across your choices.

You can, but keep it relevant. Top universities care most about academic potential. If you include extracurriculars, link them to skills that matter for study (discipline, teamwork, leadership) and don’t let them dominate your statement.

Not at all. Use super-curriculars (reading + reflections, mini projects, online courses, outreach sessions). Reflection and evidence of genuine academic engagement can be stronger than generic work experience.

Check the course listing and the university’s course page. If a test is required, it will usually be stated, including which test and (often) how to register.

Explaining your thinking clearly. Even if you get stuck, talk through your approach, ask clarifying questions, and show you can learn and adapt.

You may still be able to apply for many courses if there are vacancies, but you won’t get equal consideration. Highly competitive courses (especially those with early deadlines) often won’t accept late applications.

Extra can let you add another choice if you used all five and have no offers. You add one course at a time and wait for a response before adding another.

Clearing is where you find courses with places still available. It’s common and not a “failure”. Success in Clearing is about preparation and speed: shortlist, call, and keep notes.

Replace vague lines with specifics (topic, book, project, insight).
Add reflection: “what I learned / how my thinking changed”.
Cut anything that doesn’t support the course.
Read it out loud to remove waffle.