In April (bulletins 321 and 322) we explained about the updates and improvements UCAS is making for the 2016 admissions cycle, to support our higher education provider (HEP) customers in complying with advice issued by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about consumer protection legislation.
As the CMA advice is applicable with immediate effect, we have received a number enquiries about arrangements for the rest of the 2015 cycle and wanted to clarify these.
- Provision of information to prospective students: in line with CMA advice, higher education providers are required to provide prospective students with material pre-contract about a course, including its structure and fees, and their terms and conditions before the student makes a decision on an offer. This applies to offers made to students through Adjustment and during Clearing.
- 14 day ‘cooling off’ period: applicants have the right to change their minds about conditional offer choices and unconditional offers (including those made during the cycle, or during Adjustment and Clearing) up to 14 days after making their replies. However, in line with current guidance and practice, they will need to seek the permission of the relevant HEP after seven days. To comply with consumer protection legislation, there is an expectation that providers should grant permission during the whole of the 14 day period.
Please note, students holding conditional offers (both firm and insurance), who are placed during Confirmation (i.e. they have received their results and are confirmed to have met the entry requirements) do not have a 14 day cooling off period.
If you have any queries about this please, contact your Relationship Manager.