UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The organisation that runs the central application system for undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.
- Stands for
- Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
- Used in
- All four UK nations (details may differ)
- Topic
- Higher education
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
Classfern Pro: report writer, Ask Fern, forum and jobs – no ads. What's in Pro Join Classfern Pro
Learn how – Glossary: watch the 1-minute video · print (PDF)
Related terms
- UCAS tariff All four UK nations (details may differ)
- A points system that converts post-16 qualifications and grades into UCAS points so different qualifications can be compared for university entry, for example an A* at A level is 56 points.
- Personal statement All four UK nations (details may differ)
- The part of a UCAS application in which applicants explain why they want to study the course; from 2026 entry it is structured as answers to three questions.
- Clearing All four UK nations (details may differ)
- The UCAS process in which applicants without a confirmed university place can find courses with vacancies, mainly after results day.
- Predicted grades All four UK nations (details may differ)
- Grades a teacher expects a student to achieve, used especially in UCAS university applications.
More terms: Higher education
Russell Group · Scholarship · Tuition fees · UCAT · Unconditional offer · Undergraduate
More terms starting with U · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class
Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.