What is UCAS? How to Apply for Multiple Universities in UK

If you’re wondering what UCAS is, you’re not alone, and you’ve landed in just the right place. UCAS is your gateway to apply to multiple undergraduate degrees in the UK through a single, streamlined system.

What is UCAS?

UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, the centralised system for undergraduate applications to UK universities and colleges. With UCAS, you fill in one application, submit a single personal statement, and make up to five choices; all in one place. It’s like hitting five birds with one stone!

UCAS Timelines

Keeping on top of the UCAS timelines is vital. Here are the major dates to be aware of:

• 2–3 September: You can start your UCAS application, complete with all sections and your reference.
• 15 October (18:00 UK time): Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science.
• 25 January (18:00 UK time): Equal consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Apply by this date to ensure your application is fully reviewed.
• 26 February: UCAS Extra opens if you’ve used all five choices but don’t have an offer.
• 30 June (18:00 UK time): Final UCAS application deadline. Applications after this go straight into Clearing.
• Early July: UCAS Clearing opens for late applicants seeking a place.
• 20–24 September: Final deadlines. Clearing and applications typically shut down around this time.

How to Apply to Multiple Universities in the UK with One UCAS Application

Step 1: Register with UCAS

The very first thing you need to do is create an account on the UCAS Hub (free to use). This will be your personal dashboard where you manage your UCAS application from start to finish. Registering early gives you access to tools like the course search, application checklist, and even a tariff calculator to see how your qualifications line up. Think of it as setting up your base camp before starting your climb.

Step 2: Research and Choose (Up to Five Choices!)

With UCAS application, you’re allowed up to five course or university choices, so pick uk university wisely. You can apply for different courses at the same university or across different universities. No limit on regions, just your personal interests and confidence levels.

Step 3: Craft a Strong Personal Statement

You only write one personal statement, which is seen by all universities you apply to. Make it versatile but specific. Show your passion, reflect on your experiences, and tailor it enough to resonate across choices.

Step 4: Prepare and Submit

Complete your personal details, education history, employment (if relevant), reference, and course choices. Once it’s done, submit by the deadline; ideally, well before, to allow time for your referee to add their part.

Step 5: Track Offers and Reply

Using UCAS Track, you’ll see options: reject, unconditional, or conditional offers. Choose a first choice and a reserve choice to secure your place if grades fluctuate.

Step 6: Use Extra or Clearing if Needed

• If you’re offerless after your five choices, Extra kicks in from late Feb to early July, apply one at a time to new courses.
• If your application is after the UCAS deadline or you didn’t make the cut, Clearing runs from early July to late September. Bustling but helpful, and thousands find places this way each year.

Why UCAS Helps?

1. Saves time and stress: No juggling multiple applications, emails, or forms.
2. Keeps you in control: One personal statement, one track, five choices. Simple.
3. Built-in safety nets: Your reserve could save the day if your first choice falls through.
4. Late? No panic: Extra and Clearing give you options even if things don’t go as expected.
5. Data-backed: In 2025, over 90% of British 18-year-olds received at least one offer, and applications have never been higher.

We wish you the best of luck!