UCAS Guide for Gap Year Students
2026 Entry�www.ucas.com
Important deadlines
Due to the processes involved in preparing and attaching a reference the MHCHS deadline dates for completing your UCAS application form online and returning information to me are as follows:
Friday 10th October for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Wednesday 17th December for all other courses.
Applying to university during your gap year…
Your UCAS reference…
REMINDER: Important deadlines
Due to the processes involved in preparing and attaching a reference the MHCHS deadline dates for completing your UCAS application form online and returning information to me are as follows:
Friday 10th October for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Wednesday 17th December for all other courses.
Applying through �UCAS
For courses starting in 2026
Updated: March 2025
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Registering for an account
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Registering for an account�
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Registering for an account�
Complete the short form. Make sure the password is memorable.
We recommend you use a personal email address so you always have access to updates.
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Registering for an account
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We’ll email you a code to verify your email address, so we know we’ve got the right details.
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Registering for an account
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Once you’ve registered, you’re ready to get started.
We’ll ask you a few questions like where you live so we can tailor the information you see.
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Registering for an account
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We’ll ask you a few questions about yourself; your level of study is Undergraduate if you’re still at school/college.
You can choose to get information on apprenticeships, conservatoires, finding a job or gap years.
We also want to know when you’re interested in starting a course, so that we show you relevant courses in your search results. You can change this at any time, and you can use the Hub before you are looking to apply.
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Registering for an account
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Do not register to school at this stage. You must state that you no longer attend school.
You will be able to request a reference from us once you start your application.
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Registering for an account
To Do:
Registering for an account
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Choose if you want to get tailored information about uni, college and apprenticeship options.
Select the subjects, locations or industries that you are interested in – you can change these at any time in your preferences.
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Looking for an apprenticeship
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If you’re interested in apprenticeship opportunities, we can match you to potential employers if you sign up to smart alerts.
You’ll get these directly to your inbox. It’s totally optional.
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Smart alerts
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There are a few questions to answer to make sure the information you’re sent is useful.
You can update this at any time in your ‘Preferences’.
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Your email
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It’s important your contact details are kept up to date throughout your application.
We recommend using a personal email address as your primary email, rather than a school/college one, so that you have access to it throughout your application journey.
To update your email address, go to ‘Edit your account’ from drop-down, where you can change your email.
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Starting your application
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Starting your application
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Choose the year you want to start your studies, level of study (it's Undergraduate if you are still at school/college) and type of application you wish to make.
Make sure you choose 2026 if you want to start next year, including if you want to defer entry.
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You must click on “NO”
Application overview
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Application overview
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Your ‘Application status’ helps track your progress.
The percentage complete updates each time you mark a section as complete.
You don’t need to complete the application straight away; log in and out at any time until you're finished.
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Application overview
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The application form is responsive to make it easier to complete.
Once you’ve completed ‘Where you live’ if your permanent residence is in the UK, you’ll also see the ‘Diversity and inclusion’ and ‘Extra activities’ sections to complete.
All sections must be marked as ‘Complete’ to send to your school or college that you may be linked to for review. You must complete all mandatory questions to mark a section as complete (they have a *).
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Application overview
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The list on the left of each section will show which sections are completed (with a tick), which are in progress (with a half-moon), and which have yet to be started (no icon).
Click on the throughout for help text to provide advice about what to put.
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Personal details
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Personal details
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Your name should already show, but you'll need to add your title and complete the other mandatory fields (marked with a *).
Once you’ve completed a section you must remember to mark the section as complete and save it at the bottom of each page.
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Personal details
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Make sure your name and date of birth is entered as it appears on any official documents (e.g. passport, birth certificate).
Use preferred name to let us know what we should call you in our communications.
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Nationality details
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Nationality details
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Your nationality is associated with the country that would issue you a passport for international travel. If you don't have a passport, it is usually the country in which you were born.
This is not your ethnicity. Ethnicity refers to your cultural identity and ancestry. UK resident applicants are asked about ethnicity in the diversity and inclusion section.
Additional questions may appear based on the information you provide.
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Nationality details
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You can add two nationalities, list the nationality of the passport you’ll be using to travel to study first. Include any UK or Irish nationality.
This helps universities determine your fee status and assist with visa applications. Relevant fields will appear based on your answers.
Select to see our help text with advice about this.
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Nationality details
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Remember, everything with a red asterisk must be answered.
Don’t forget to read our help text. Just select to bring up advice on how to complete the questions.
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Nationality details
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If you select that you have pre-settled status you will be asked for an expiry date.
If you select that you will need a visa, you’ll also be asked for your passport details.
If you have a passport, we ask you for your passport number, valid from and expiry dates; and place of issue.
Select to see our help text with advice about this.
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Where you live
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Where you live
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You must add three years of residency history between 1 September 2023 and 1 September 2026.
Your current address should be added first, once this has been added it can only be edited not deleted.
Then add your previous addresses until September 2023.
Select to see our help text with advice about to help with this section.
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Where you live
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Use the look up for UK addresses.
BFPO addresses can be added using the address type.
For each address tell us why you’re living there; for example you may have two permanent homes.
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Where you live
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International applicants can add a non-UK address by using the address type drop down.
All addresses must be written using the English alphabet.
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Where you live
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Until the required duration of address history is reached, you’ll see the ‘Add previous address’ option.
Gaps in the address history will be flagged for you to fill in so that a full history is provided.
Overlapping addresses are allowed.
Select to see our help text with advice about this.
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Where you live
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Once you’ve added addresses to cover the required date range, you’ll need to confirm your home address.
This can be selected from the list of addresses you entered, or a new one can be added.
You need to select your area of permanent residence and residential category.
Remember to use our help text . .
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Contact details
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CONTACT DETAILS
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Your email will be used by both UCAS and your university and college choices.
If you're using a school or college email address, make sure you can always access it, so you don’t miss anything important.
We would advise using a personal email address, which can be updated in the Hub preferences.
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CONTACT DETAILS
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If you want someone else to be able to act, or speak on your behalf e.g. a parent, relative, or guardian you need to enter their details. This is called nominated access.
If you are using an agent; you can choose to enter their details.
You'll only see the fields to add the nominated contact details if you answer Yes to the question.
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Supporting information
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Supporting information
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All questions are mandatory (*), but you have the option of
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Finance and funding
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Finance and funding
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You will only be asked further questions in finance and funding if you select UK, ChI, IoM or EU Student Finance Services.
We'll ask you for your current local authority under ‘Student support arrangements’.
Select to see our help text with advice about this.
For more information head to: ucas.com/finance
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Diversity and inclusion��
You’ll only see these questions if you have a UK home address.
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Diversity and inclusion
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You’ll only see these questions if you have a UK home address.
There are two mandatory fields(*), but you have the option to respond with I prefer not to say.
This information is only shared with universities or colleges once you have secured a place, it does not influence any decision making. It’s used to ensure applications are treated fairly.
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Diversity and inclusion
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Growing up in care means you are entitled to a range of practical support; for example, during your application, financial assistance, year-round accommodation, or help with managing your health and wellbeing.
When you give this information, you are letting the university or college know that you may need additional support during your studies. They may get in touch to tell you more about the benefits and options available, if you want it.
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Diversity and inclusion
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You can select I prefer not to say for the parental education question.
For the occupational background, you must type at least 3 letters into the response field, and then select an option from the menu that appears below it.
If you prefer not to give this information, please enter ‘I prefer not to say’.
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More about you
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More about you
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You can share any individual needs or circumstances, such as a disability or health condition.
Sharing this information helps the university connect you to the right support – they may send you more information or contact you to discuss what would help you succeed. See our support on individual needs for more advice.
If you don't have any conditions to report, you select "No disability" to mark the section as complete.
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More about you
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You might feel uncertain about sharing personal circumstances, be reassured it’s never used to decide whether to offer you a place, but it might be used to make you an offer that looks at your achievements in context.
These questions are intended to connect you to the right support for your needs.
Select to see our help text with advice about this.
You will only see these questions if you have a UK home address.
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More about you
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UCAS Free Schools meal Application Fee Waiver
You must answer, ‘Yes’ to this question in ‘More about you’ to identify you are eligible for the free school meals application fee waiver.
Read our guidance to check if you’re eligible to have your application fee waived.
Your school or college will need to agree to your eligibility when reviewing your application and may require you to evidence this.
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Education
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Education
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You must enter all your qualifications from secondary education onwards – whether you have the result (even any that were ungraded) or you’re still awaiting exams and results.
First you need to add details of where you’ve studied, or are studying, then add qualifications.
Start by clicking Add place of education.
You’ll be asked for a ‘Unique Learner Number’ – if you don’t have one leave the question blank.
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Education
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Unique Learner Number (ULN)
Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland ONLY – This 10-digit is usually printed on your qualification certificates or results slip. Inputting this number can help us to check the information you submit, but if you don't have one or don't know yours, please leave this blank.
English language tests can be entered here too, if you have any other English language tests they can be added as a qualification.
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Education
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If you are linked to a school/college, when you click on ‘Add place of education’, you’ll be asked to add it.
If you can’t find the name you can type this in and add it.
If you’ve attended another school or college, type the name of where you studied. Once you find your centre, click on the name and the Exam centre number will automatically populate.
Add when you started and finished; if you’re still studying add the month, you’re due to finish.
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Education
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Tell us how you studied at each place of education.
For type of study did you attend full time, part time or exam only.
For study mode did you attend a centre in person or if you studied a course completely remotely, select online.
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Education
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There are warning messages to help you.
For example, you can't say you attended two or more places for full-time study during the same date range.
Red text are warnings, it means something is wrong and the section can’t be completed until you change it.
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Education
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Dual enrolments:
If you’re enrolled at two different educational institutions e.g. two part-time, or you’re taking additional courses with another educational institution, indicate this by selecting part time study and inputting the relevant date.
You should enter qualifications against the relevant institution awarding them.
Blue text warnings indicate we need you to double check the details you have entered.
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Education
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Once you’ve added where you studied you need to ‘Add qualification’.
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Education
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If you are linked to your school or college then select ‘All qualifications’ and the shortlisted qualifications provided will appear to help you choose the correct qualifications.
If you are not sure of the qualification you are taking, please check with your school/college or adviser.
If there’s no shortlist, select the qualification category then use the search to narrow this down. If you are searching for a qualification, make sure you use the full qualification title. For more help and advice head to ucas.com.
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Education
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International qualifications are grouped together and are listed by name and country.
You can also type the country you're looking for to quickly bring up relevant qualifications in the full search.
Don’t worry if yours isn’t there – type ‘Other’ into the search box and select the relevant option.
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Education
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It’s important the awarding organisation is entered accurately – speak to your teacher or adviser if you’re not sure what this is.
If you haven't finished the qualification or had your result, then choose Pending* in the Grade field.
When adding qualifications you’ll sometimes have the option of adding modules. Not all universities need you to, but some do, always check the course entry requirements to see if modules are mentioned. If they are, be sure to include them on your UCAS application.
* If presented with a free text box then the result must be left blank.
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Education
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The education section is an important part of your application. It shows your qualifications and helps universities and colleges decide if you meet their requirements.
Double check all details are correct, especially qualification titles, levels, and awarding organisations.
If you’re not sure which version of a qualification you’re taking, ask your school or college, or exams officer for help.
You must enter at least one qualification or employment record before marking the sections as complete. Warnings will guide you on the next steps.
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Employment
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Employment
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Include details of any paid employment relevant to the courses or subjects you're applying for.
Any unpaid or voluntary work relevant to the courses or subjects you're applying for shouldn’t be included in this section – you may wish mention that in your personal statement.
If you don’t have any paid work experience, leave this section blank, and mark it as complete.
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Extra Activities �
You’ll only see this section if you have a UK home address.
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Extra activities
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Please add any activity you have taken part in to prepare for higher education.
These include national or regional schemes, university-run programmes, summer schools, taster courses, and booster courses.
Open days are not relevant to this question.
If you haven’t attended any such activity, please leave this section blank and mark it as complete
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Extra activities
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If this section is relevant to you, you need to include:
If the type of activity you attended is not listed, please select ‘Other’.
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Extra activities
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The activity provider is the organiser of the activity. It may be a university or college, or a national, regional, or local organisation.
If the activity provider isn’t listed, please select “Other”. If you’re unsure of the answer, contact whoever organised the activity to find out, and, if you’re still unsure, select ‘Don't know’. ��
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Extra activities
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Add the official title of the activity. If you’re unsure of the answer, contact whoever organised the activity to find out.
You can add a maximum of 2 activities.
You can use your personal statement to include more details about these and other activities you took part in; reflecting on the skills learned, and how this prepared you for higher education. �
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Personal statement
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Personal statement
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You can save and edit this as many times as you need to.
If it's over the character count you can’t 'Complete' it until it meets the count.
If you try to navigate away without saving your work. We'll remind you with a pop-up warning.
You can expand each question box by dragging the bottom right-hand corner.
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Personal statement
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Remember we'll carry out checks to verify your personal statement is your own work.
If it looks like it’s been copied from other sources, we’ll tell the universities and colleges you applied to, and they’ll decide what to do next.
We'll also contact you by email to tell you this has happened.
Check out ucas.com for all the support in writing your personal statement.
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Adding a choice
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Adding a choice
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Start typing the name of the university or college, select from the options displayed.
Do the same for the course you have selected.
Locations and start dates are displayed according to the course details.
Universities and colleges will display the points of entry available in the UCAS course search, check this if you’re not sure.
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Adding a choice
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Some courses may require you to disclose your criminal conviction status.
We'll only show this question if the course choice requires it.
Only tick this box if you have any convictions; otherwise leave it blank.
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Adding a choice
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There is a maximum of five choices and choice restrictions may apply. A maximum of four courses from medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science, and either the University of Oxford OR the University of Cambridge.
Once all choices are added you must mark the section as complete to be able to submit.
Choices do not need to be added in any preference order. Universities / colleges can only see where else you’ve applied once they’ve made their offer and you’ve decided whether to accept them as your firm or insurance choice.
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Adding a choice
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Some courses have extra admissions tests and assessments.
We'll show these in blue text on the choice card.
This should not be a surprise to you, as you should have seen details of this when researching the course.
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Adding a choice
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Click anywhere on a choice card to expand it or collapse it.
Any choice combinations that are not permitted will be flagged with red text on the right of each relevant card.
For example, these screens show error messages for students trying to apply to University of Cambridge and University of Oxford.
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IMPORTANT
Requesting a reference from MHCHS…
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Click on this link and follow the instructions carefully.
The BUZZWORD is AimingHigher2026
Do not fill these boxes in!
Submitting the application
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Submitting the application
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All parts of the application must be complete and showing 'Ready to Send' before being able to review and submit to your school, college or centre.
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Submitting the application
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View the full application; download as a pdf (in the top right) to help you check it.
Make sure you double check your personal statement, qualifications and choices.
At the bottom of the application, click Accept and proceed (or return to application if you want to make more changes).
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Submitting the application
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By accepting the terms and conditions you are confirming you have read and understood the terms and conditions, and that the information you have provided is true, complete and accurate.
You can collapse these by clicking the .
Either Accept and proceed, or you can ‘Return to application’.
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Pay and Submit
The payment options students see depend on the application fee payment option you select as a Registered Centre.
Make sure to update these slides to match your chosen payment option before sharing them with students.
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Pay BY CARD
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If you are paying for your application yourself, select ‘Pay by card’ and enter your card details. UCAS will then allow you to submit your application.
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UCAS Application Complete :)
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Tracking your application
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Tracking your application
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Your status will update as changes happen; go to your application for the details.
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Tracking your application
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It’s important your contact details are kept up to date throughout your application.
We recommend using a personal email address as your primary email, rather than a school/college one, so that you have access to it throughout your application journey.
To update your email address, go to ‘Edit your account’ from drop-down, where you can change your email.
Contact UCAS if you have any problems changing this.
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Tracking your application
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You’ll be taken to your application status, which displays the key information relevant to your application.
It will update to reflect your status and clearly state any actions you need to take, particularly when you will need to reply to any offers.
All deadlines are in UK time – make sure you keep this in mind and don't miss any.
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your updates
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Tracking your application
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Your application details are displayed below your choices.
All are read-only except for ’Contact’ details. Here you can edit your phone numbers and postal address.
It's possible to make some other changes once it’s been sent to UCAS. Check on ucas.com to see what’s possible.
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Substituting a choice
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You can substitute a choice within 14 days of submitting your UCAS application.
Select the option from the actions box and fill out the substitution form.
To change courses at the same university or college, contact them directly first, before you do anything.
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Substituting a choice
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If you substitute a choice, the original university or college won’t consider your application.
You can’t swap back or substitute the same choice more than once.
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Withdraw your choice
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You can withdraw a choice at any time, if you no longer want to be considered by that university or college.
You cannot replace a choice that is withdrawn.
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Your offers
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The details of your offers will be shown including any conditions.
The full text of the offer can be seen by clicking ’View full offer’.
Your inactive choices (withdrawn, declined, unsuccessful) are in an accordion section below the active choices.
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interviews
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If a university or college has notified UCAS of an interview the invitation details will be shown alongside a button to enable you to respond.
There are three options you can select from to respond to the invitation.
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Confirm your choices
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Once all decisions have been received, you will make your replies and confirm your choices.
You can accept one offer as your firm choice.
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Confirm your choices
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If you choose a conditional offer as your firm choice, you have the option to add an optional insurance choice.
If you choose an unconditional offer as your firm choice, you cannot have an insurance choice.
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Confirm your choices
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Remaining offers are automatically declined when the 'Firm' and 'Insurance' are selected.
You must remember to ‘Save’ your choices.
Before making any decisions, encourage look at our advice on making informed choices – www.ucas.com/undergraduate/after-you-apply/making-right-decision
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Your choices
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The application status updates to show you have replied to your offer(s) and that you are waiting for the university or college to confirm your place when your results are available.
You are able to view the full text at any time by clicking ‘View full offer’.
Your application status on the Hub will also update.
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withdraw your application
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There is a link to ’Withdraw the whole application’.
If you withdraw, you will not be able to apply again during the academic year, and you will not be eligible for Clearing.
Do not use this if you wish to add another choice or apply somewhere else.
Follow the onscreen warnings or speak to your adviser to ensure you are taking the right action.
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UCAS Extra
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Extra
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If you've used all five choices and have no offers, you can add one more choice through Extra from late February.
Before doing so, check with the university or college to confirm they have vacancies.
For more advice head to the UCAS website.
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Extra
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Before using Extra, check with the university or college to confirm course vacancies. If you don’t get an offer, you can still use Clearing from July.
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FINAL REMINDER: Important deadlines
Due to the processes involved in preparing and attaching a reference the MHCHS deadline dates for completing your UCAS application form online and returning information to me are as follows:
Friday 10th October for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Wednesday 17th December for all other courses.