What is UCAS?

UCAS, short for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is the organisation responsible for handling applications to higher education courses in the UK. It was created for a very practical reason: to simplify a complicated process. 

Instead of filling out several applications and sending them to universities one by one, UCAS allows you to submit a single application with up to five course choices. It saves time and makes the process equally fair and structured for everyone. 

But UCAS doesn’t just collect applications. It also provides course search tools, updates on deadlines and guidance that help students figure out what direction they want to take — whether they’re finishing Year 12, returning to study after a break or exploring a new career path. 

Almost anyone planning to study in the UK can apply through UCAS, including: 

• Students completing A levels, BTECs or similar qualifications. 

• International students aiming to study in the UK. 

• Mature students getting back into education. 

It’s designed to be flexible and accessible, regardless of your background or stage in life.

1. Start with research: Look into different courses and universities. The UCAS course search tool is incredibly helpful here and gives you a clear sense of your options. 

2. Create your UCAS account: This is where everything begins. Once you register, you can start working through your online application. 

3. Fill in your application details: This includes your personal information, academic history and the courses you want to apply for. 

4. Write your statement of purpose: Think of this as your space to speak directly to universities, explain what motivates you and why the course is a good fit. 

5. Submit your application: After reviewing everything one last time, you’ll pay the application fee and submit. 

6. Track your progress: UCAS Track lets you see updates from universities as soon as they’re released. 

7. Choose your offers: Once you receive decisions, you’ll need to pick a firm choice (your first-choice university) and an insurance option. 

If you’d rather not figure out every step out alone, an IDP counsellor can guide you through the process and keep everything on track. 

Deadlines depend on the course and university, but the key dates are: 

• 15 October: For applications to the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and most courses in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry. 

• 15 January: Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. 

• 30 June: Final deadline for late applications before Clearing begins. 

Missing a deadline isn’t the end of the road. UCAS Clearing gives you another opportunity later in the year. 

UCAS makes the admissions process fair, centralised and easier to manage. It ensures that students apply in the same format and helps universities compare applications consistently. Beyond that, UCAS offers practical tools for researching courses, managing offers and even planning your budget, making it more than just an application portal. 

UCAS points (also called Tariff points) convert grades into a clear and consistent number. For example: 

• A* at A level = 56 points 

• A = 48 points 

Universities use these points when setting entry requirements. If you want to check your own points, the UCAS Tariff Calculator is the best place to start. 

Ready to apply? 

Start your UCAS application today with IDP Turkey!