Applying to a UK University with UCAS

UCAS Application Support

All you need to know about applying to
study in the UK through UCAS and SI-UK.

Your UCAS Application

UCAS Application Help for International Students

Almost all students wishing to study for an undergraduate degree in the UK need to apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

Students can select five universities per application and must also supply a personal statement. Once you have submitted your UCAS application, universities will consider your offer before informing you of their response.

As an official UCAS centre, SI-UK will provide you with free, independent advice on how to submit a high-quality UCAS application. It is vital you understand the UCAS application process fully and choose the right institutions to apply to. SI-UK will:

  • Introduce schools and courses
  • Help you decide on five UK universities and courses to apply to
  • Review your UCAS application and provide advice on your application content
  • Review and edit your personal statement
  • Add a reference to UCAS and send your application
  • Fully track your application once in the UCAS database

Speak to an SI-UK consultant about your application today.

Link your application with SI-UK

SI-UK can link your UCAS application by entering the buzzword ‘UKApplication16’ when applying for September 2024. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Register on the UCAS website to be provided with a username and password.
  2. Click ‘Link your application to your school, college or organization’ and enter the 2023 / 2024 buzzword ‘UKApplication16’ when asked ‘How are you applying?’
  3. When asked ‘Which centre’, enter ‘Study International’. When asked ‘Is this correct?’, click ‘Yes’.
  4. When requested, verify your email address and ensure your details are correct.
  5. Check the email you received from UCAS and enter the code you are given. Click ‘Verify email’.
  6. Once verified, begin filling in your application.

UCAS Deadlines

There are many different UCAS application deadlines depending on what course and level you wish to study. For North American students applying to the majority of courses, applications must be submitted by June 30th at 1 pm ET. It is advised that you submit your application (‘UKApplication16’ for 2024) earlier in the year for a better chance of receiving offers. 

Receiving Decisions

Decisions from universities show up on your UCAS dashboard. Students will receive one of 4 decisions, these are: 

1. Unconditional - An offer from the university that does not require any further documentation. The university will move forward with the next steps of the process following acceptance of their offer.  

2. Conditional  - An offer from a university that is conditional on a variety of factors, these could be: 

  • Academic performance in your final year
  • Provision of proof of graduation 
  • Receipt from a tuition deposit
  • Proof of travel/immigration documentation

3. Unsuccessful - The student does not meet the requirements of the university's admission process. 

4. Withdrawn - The application is withdrawn at the request of the student. This is usually because they are no longer interested in being considered by a university or would rather accept another offer. 

UCAS Extra

If you received no offers from your five UCAS choices or changed your mind about which courses and institutions you wish to apply to, UCAS Extra allows you to add another choice to your application. UCAS Extra opens each February and lasts until July. If you still do not have an offer after the July deadline, you are eligible to enter UCAS Clearing. Enter the UCAS buzzword ‘UKApplication16’ for 2024 when submitting this application.

UCAS Clearing

UCAS clearing is how UK universities fill vacancies on degrees which begin in September, the start of the new academic year. Clearing begins each year in July and lasts until September.

UCAS clearing is for students who are unable to secure an offer from a UK university for three main reasons:

  • They applied after the June 30th deadline
  • Exam results fell short of conditional offer requirements
  • No offers were received, or no offers were accepted

SI-UK is able to provide support, contacting admissions directly to inquire regarding student eligibility. Speak to an SI-UK consultant who will be able to provide you with program and university options, as well as guide you through the application process. Make sure you are adding the buzzword ‘UKApplication16’ when submitting your application. 

SI-UK's service is fast, reliable and efficient. My consultant improved my chances of getting into a top university.
Carla T.
International Business Economics at City University

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