Applying to university

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

You will be spending 3 or more years studying and living at the university you choose. Funding your studies will also be a big financial commitment. So, it's important to do your research and start preparing for your application early.

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
• You can check key dates, application deadlines and find more information on UCAS Key dates
• 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 are also different. You can find out more on UCAS when to apply for Conservatoire courses
• It is important that you check with the individual universities for the application deadline

Key dates timeline

Choosing the right course

Making sure you choose a course that is right for you is the most important part of your application. There are a lot of decisions to think through:

• What subject?
• Which course? Find out more on how to choose the right subject or course
• Full-time, part-time or distance learning?
• What about a Sandwich degree course?
• What are the job prospects?
• Which course is needed for your career idea?
• What are the entry requirements?

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

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 clubs and university facilities are important to you, for example, university sports clubs?
• How expensive will it be to live in the town or city?

Some universities may offer a mixture of open days 'online' and 'in person'.

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
• The Complete University Guide
• Opendays.com
• 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 academic enrichment activities or ‘super-curricular activities’. These will be over and above your normal coursework. You could:

• Read around the subject, and be up to date with the latest issues in the field
• Join academic societies and attend additional lectures
• Subscribe to a relevant journal or magazine
• Maybe even set up your own subject specific club in your school or college

These activities will not only show your commitment and drive, but that you have an inquiring mind and a passion for learning.

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

Writing your personal statement

Your personal statement is your chance to make your application stand out. Your personal statement is as important as the qualifications and grades you get. Start preparing and drafting your statement early. It may take many drafts before you are happy with it:

• Visit the UCAS website for information on how to write a UCAS undergraduate personal statement
• Research subject specific examples of personal statements. There are some on The Student Room and University Compare but remember not to copy
• 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
• Ask teachers, friends and family to proofread your statement

From 2026 entry onwards, the UCAS Personal Statement is changing. Instead of completing one longer 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?

Find out more about the new personal statement on the UCAS website.

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.

Practise 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 invite 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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