UCAS

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
AbbreviationUCAS
Formation27 July 1993 (1993-07-27)
TypePrivate limited company
PurposeEducational support services
Location
Chief Executive
Dr Jo Saxton
Main organ
UCAS Board
Budget£33 million (2011)
Websiteucas.com

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS /ˈjkæs/ YOO-kass) is a charity[1] and private limited company based in Cheltenham, England, which provides educational support services.[2] Formed on 27 July 1993 by the merger of the former university admissions system, Universities Central Council on Admissions and the former polytechnics admissions system, Polytechnics Central Admissions System, the company's main role is to operate the application process for British universities and colleges. The company is funded by fees charged to applicants and universities as well as advertising income.

Services provided by UCAS include several online application portals, several search tools and free information and advice directed at various audiences, including students considering higher education, students with pending applications to higher education institutes, parents and legal guardians of applicants, school and further education college staff involved in helping students apply and providers of higher education (universities and HE colleges).

UCAS is most known for its undergraduate application service (the main UCAS scheme), however it also provides information, advice and guidance and search tools for apprenticeships,[3] teacher training,[4] and postgraduate courses,[5] and operates the admissions service for UK conservatoires:

  • UCAS Conservatoires - application and search service for performing arts at UK conservatoires.
  1. ^ "Charity Commission". www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  2. ^ "THE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES ADMISSIONS SERVICE overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Apprenticeships | Learn About Apprenticeships And Find The Right One For You". www.ucas.com. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  4. ^ "UCAS Teacher Training - How To Become A Teacher In The UK". www.ucas.com. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  5. ^ "UCAS Postgraduate - take your education to the next level". www.ucas.com. Retrieved 25 June 2025.

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