Skip navigation

Discover

Unsure of what to do with your life or what your next steps are? Use our information on careers, apprenticeships and university to explore what routes are available and which one is right for you.

Discover

Ultimate Guides

Discover guidance, information and advice on every aspect of post-16 life, including university, apprenticeships, gap years and GCSEs.

Explore the UCAS Hub

Start researching your options with all the tools and content you need in one place.

Career Quiz

Find your ideal job matched to your personality and a list of courses previous students studied in order to get there.

UCAS events, exhibitions and open days

Find out about UCAS' different events and exhibitions, what they include, and find the ones closest to you. 

Chat to students

Message current students online and find out what life’s really like at uni.

Further education

FInd out more about Sixth Form, college, and apprenticeships.

How to find and apply to UK universities | UCAS

Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
Change your cookie settings

How to find and apply to UK universities

Searching for the right universities to apply to can be overwhelming.

We ask some first year students for their advice on how to pick a university, applying through UCAS, writing your personal statement, interview tips, and more.

Featured providers

See all
Support with the cost of living

Is the cost of living making your next steps harder? Whether you’re interested in a traditional degree or becoming an apprentice, we’re here to support you on your higher education journey.

International students

Discover everything you need to know as an international students planning to come to the UK. Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our info below can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.

International students

Degree or degree apprenticeship?

Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
Change your cookie settings

Traditional degree or an apprenticeship?

Stuck about what to do? There's plenty of options, and an undergraduate degree isn't the only choice. Watch what these students think about how to pick the right path for you.

What to do

Explore apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain the skills and experience needed to get into many careers. Find out how an apprenticeship could be the perfect route into the career you want.

Research courses

Start your journey by exploring subjects you could study, be inspired to find the perfect subject for you.

Subject guides

Undergraduate courses you could study, what they involve, and how to get onto them.

Industry guides

From marketing to construction, business, and so much more, find out what industries might be a good fit for you.

Explore employers

Explore which employers are searching for students and what type of careers are available. 

Find your perfect career

Helping you find your dream career.

Degree apprenticeships

A degree apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to gain a paid-for degree while getting industry experience and earning a salary.

Guide to student finance

Get they key facts and figures before applying for student finance.

Higher Technical Qualifications

HTQs are technical qualifications that have been developed with employers, so you’ll get the right training to succeed in the workplace. Find out more.

Jon, studying Psychology at the University of Glasgow

I think when you're picking your subjects or choosing whether to go to university or not, there's so many decisions you feel you have to make at once and you feel like you have to have your whole life planned out, but actually there's so many ways of choosing different things as you go or, if you find one door's closed, opening another.

Victoria, Apprentice in CAD design

The main benefits of doing an apprenticeship over uni is that you're...earning a decent wage, as well as getting a degree, if that's the apprenticeship route you go down. You also don't get left alone. You don't have to deal with your independency. You always have people to support you and you can have a social life as well as working.

The pros and cons of university

Thinking about your next steps and wondering whether uni is right for you? We cover the pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros and cons of university

Where to go

Explore universities and colleges

Browse the complete A-Z of universities and colleges.

Discover regions

Find city guides and region guides for the UK. 

City guides

Not sure where to study? We've got city guides to help you find a place where you'll feel at home.

Discover accommodation options

Worried about deposits? What happens in the holidays? Get clued up about your housing options with our top tips.

UCAS Discovery: The big Q&A

Meet your guides for top tips on what to see and do at a UCAS Discovery event.

UCAS Events: The Big Q&A at UCAS Discovery - What's it all about?

Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
Change your cookie settings

Explore all your options at UCAS Discovery

Wherever you’re at in your journey, UCAS Discovery will help you choose the right path for you. Attend your nearest event to meet unis, colleges, employers, and experts all in one place, and start planning your next steps.

Book your free ticket today

Start your search now

Get your UCAS Hub

Your place to discover your options and research your future.

Sign up today

Sponsored articles
UCAS Media Service