Applying to university

Explore what you need to know about deadlines, selecting courses and universities, applications, personal statements, admissions tests, and funding.

All applications for higher education courses are made centrally through UCAS.

Key UCAS dates and deadlines

What you need to know about dates and deadlines:

• There are key dates throughout the year, for example when applications open and the deadline by which they must be submitted
• Deadlines for applying for medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or for Oxford or Cambridge are earlier than the majority of other courses
• Music applications to UCAS Conservatoires have different deadlines
• It is important that you check with the individual universities for the application deadline

Key dates timeline

Find more information on dates and deadlines for uni applications on UCAS.

Choosing the right course

When choosing a subject and course it is important to consider:

• What the job prospects are after you finish
• Whether this course will lead you toward your career goals
• What type of course would best suit you, full-time, part-time, distance learning, or a sandwich degree

Start with the UCAS search tool to search for courses and do more research using individual university websites.

For more help on deciding you might also like:

• How to choose the right subject or course
• How to make good career decisions

Selecting universities

You will be studying and living at the university you choose for 3 or more years, so it is important you think through your decision and consider these questions to help you decide:

• Do you want to be far from home or close?
• Would you prefer a campus-based university or a city-based university?
• What other facilities are important to you, for example, university sports clubs?
• How expensive will it be to live in the town or city?
• What are the transport links like?

You can do plenty of research on university websites but it is never as good as visiting the university on an open day. Use opendays.com to check when universities are holding their open days and go and see for yourself.

We can help you prepare and make the most of your University open days.

Useful links for researching courses and universities

Explore courses and universities on the following websites:

• UCAS
• The Student Room Uni Guide
• University Compare
• Guardian University Guide
• Discover uni
• University Ready - The Open University

Strengthening your application

Find work experience or volunteer work

Universities want to see that you are committed to the course, subject or career area. Work experience or volunteering is not only a great way to try out your career ideas, but can help develop the skills you will need and demonstrate your passion for the subject.

Find out how you could volunteer or get work experience.

Take part in super-curricular activities

Another way to show your commitment and passion for the subject or course is by undertaking ‘super-curricular activities’, that is extra activities that relate specifically to the subject. Examples might be visiting museums if your subject is history, or entering writing competitions if your subject is English.

Get ideas in The 34 Best Super-Curricular Activities for Applicants to Top Universities on Oxford Royale Academy.

Writing your personal statement

Write your statement to demonstrate your suitability and interest in the courses you are applying for. Remember you can only submit one personal statement on the UCAS application.

Get help:

• Visit How to write a UCAS undergraduate personal statement on UCAS
• Check the UCAS guidance on using AI when writing your personal statement. Using AI tools can harm your chances of receiving an offer
• Examples of personal statements are on The Student Room and University Compare but remember not to copy
• Ask teachers, friends and family to proofread your statement

You will answer three questions on the following:

• Why you want to study the subject or course?
• How your qualifications and studies have helped you prepare for the course?
• How you've been preparing outside of education, for example work experience and why these experiences are useful?

Preparing for admissions tests

Depending on the course and university, you may be required to take an aptitude or admissions test or submit a portfolio of your work. Some examples are:

• Most courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science will require you to take an aptitude test such as University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
• Oxford and Cambridge have course specific admissions tests and assessments
• Law courses may require completion of LNAT – Law National Aptitude Test
• Many arts and creative courses such as Photography or Architecture require you to submit a portfolio of your work

Check the university website or UCAS for which tests or other submissions are required for your course and the deadlines for taking the test or submitting work.

Practice using online sample tests. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare any portfolios or other submissions required.

Check deadlines for tests and work submissions. Remember these are often before the UCAS application deadline.

Explore more about admissions tests:

• Admissions Tests (UCAS)
• LNAT – Law National Aptitude Test
• Practise Tests UCAT
• University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

Getting suitable references

Remember you need a reference from your school or college. Find out more on References for UCAS undergraduate applications on UCAS.

Preparing for interviews and auditions

You may be invited to an interview or audition. This will vary depending on the subject and the university, some examples include:

• Most medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses will invite you for interview
• Other vocational courses such as nursing may require an interview
• Oxford and Cambridge will invite you for interview
• Performing arts courses usually require an audition

Check the admissions details for the university and course you are thinking about. Look at undergraduate interview invitations on UCAS.

Funding your studies

Research funding for university early and make a note of the deadlines for funding applications. Find out more on the Student Finance Wales website.

More information

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