UCAS
Completing a UCAS application as an independent applicant is simple. So, where do you begin?
Getting started
Before you can start your application you need to create a UCAS Hub account. When you register you’ll need to answer some basic questions about yourself. We’ll give you a username and you’ll also be asked to create a password.
Start an application in your Hub
Once you're signed in, you’ll be able to click 'Start a application'. Firstly, you'll be asked if you are applying through a school or college. If you are applying independently, you can click 'No' and you'll then be taken straight into your application, where you can start completing your details, entering your qualifications etc.
Getting started
Before you can start your application you need to create a UCAS Hub account. When you register you’ll need to answer some basic questions about yourself. We’ll give you a username and you’ll also be asked to create a password.
Start an application in your Hub
Once you're signed in, you’ll be able to click 'Start a application'. Firstly, you'll be asked if you are applying through a school or college. If you are applying independently, you can click 'No' and you'll then be taken straight into your application, where you can start completing your details, entering your qualifications etc.
Getting a reference
You need a reference before your application can be sent. This could be from a previous teacher, but can be from someone who knows you in a professional capacity, such as an employer. Your referee can’t be a family member or friend.
If you’re applying independently you'll enter your referee’s contact details in the reference section. We’ll then send them an email with instructions on what to do. If you want to do this, make sure you ask your referee if they’ll be able to provide you with a reference before you send them a request. Once they’ve completed it, we’ll email you, and the reference section will be marked as completed.
It's a good idea to give them plenty of time to complete the reference, and to keep in touch with them to make sure it's completed in time. If your chosen referee is unable to complete your reference, or you decide to ask someone else, you can request another reference by clicking ‘Ask a different person to write reference’.
Paying for your application
Once your reference is complete, you can review and submit your application. You will need to pay the applciation fee (£28.50 for 2025 entry). If you have any problem with payment, check our payment FAQs here.
Good luck with your application!
If you have any questions about applying, read our advice on completing your application. You can also get in touch with our advisers on Facebook or X and they’ll do their best to help.
You need a reference before your application can be sent. This could be from a previous teacher, but can be from someone who knows you in a professional capacity, such as an employer. Your referee can’t be a family member or friend.
If you’re applying independently you'll enter your referee’s contact details in the reference section. We’ll then send them an email with instructions on what to do. If you want to do this, make sure you ask your referee if they’ll be able to provide you with a reference before you send them a request. Once they’ve completed it, we’ll email you, and the reference section will be marked as completed.
It's a good idea to give them plenty of time to complete the reference, and to keep in touch with them to make sure it's completed in time. If your chosen referee is unable to complete your reference, or you decide to ask someone else, you can request another reference by clicking ‘Ask a different person to write reference’.
Paying for your application
Once your reference is complete, you can review and submit your application. You will need to pay the applciation fee (£28.50 for 2025 entry). If you have any problem with payment, check our payment FAQs here.
Good luck with your application!
If you have any questions about applying, read our advice on completing your application. You can also get in touch with our advisers on Facebook or X and they’ll do their best to help.