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Full-time courses: how to apply

For the vast majority of full-time undergraduate courses, you’ll need to apply online through the UCAS website. See 'A guide to higher education admissions through UCAS’ to find out how this works.

If you don’t have access to the internet at home, school or college, try visiting your nearest UK online centre.

• A guide to higher education admissions through UCAS

• Find your nearest UK online centre Opens new window

If you’re applying to a music conservatoire

Admissions to all UK music conservatoires, except The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music, are dealt with by the Conservatoires UK Admissions Service (CUKAS).

• CUKAS: Conservatoires UK Admissions Service Opens new window

• Key dates for CUKAS applications Opens new window

Postgraduate courses

The application procedures are different for postgraduate courses, including Initial Teacher Training. See ‘Finding a postgraduate place’ for more information.

• Finding a postgraduate place

• How and when to apply for Initial Teacher Training Opens new window

Full-time courses: when to apply

To be considered ‘on time’, you’ll need to meet the relevant deadline. For most full-time courses, this falls on the 15 January before you’re looking to start (so about nine months prior to courses starting in September).

For certain courses and institutions, the deadline can be earlier or later.

See ‘Completing your UCAS application’ for more details on deadlines.

• Completing your UCAS application

Part-time courses: how to apply

For part-time courses, apply direct to the university or college. You can search for part-time courses online through Cross & Stitch.

• Find a course with Cross & Stitch Opens new window

Preparing to apply

To make sure you get the most out of your higher education course, it’s best to start researching your options well in advance.

Start thinking about it at least a year prior to the application deadline. You can find tips on what to consider in ‘Where to go, what to study’.

If you’re applying through UCAS, it’s a good idea to register for their ‘Apply’ service as soon as possible. This will give you plenty of time to work on your application - especially the ‘personal statement’ section.

• Where to go, what to study

• Completing your UCAS application

Before you apply

If you’re planning to take a year out, be sure to contact your colleges and universities and check that they will accept an application for deferred entry.

If you have the time, getting some work experience relevant to your course may help to make your application more impressive.

• Voluntary work placements (young people section)

More useful links

• Planning a gap year (young people section)