How can we help?

When you share a condition or impairment in the UCAS application, it will be shared securely with the university or college – only those who are responsible for organising your support will be able to access this information.

The university or college may contact you for further information, and to talk about the support they can offer – they can also let you know more about their support services.  We recommend contacting them before you apply to check what support they can offer, and again after you accept an offer to discuss the next steps.

For a better idea of how your information is shared after you submit your application, read this case study blog article.

UK universities and colleges have a legal responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to support students with physical or mental health conditions, learning differences, and long-term illnesses to access higher education. By sharing this information with your university or college, you are taking a positive step towards becoming an independent and successful student. Remember: all support is provided to ensure students have a fair chance to do well in their studies, regardless of their personal circumstances, health conditions or impairments.

Your information may also be used (anonymously) for monitoring purposes. This helps the university or college ensure the support they provide is appropriate and make improvements for future students.

Any information you share with UCAS is kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about who your information is shared with, read UCAS’ privacy policy or UCAS’ personal data policy.

You’re not on your own. In fact, more students than ever share a mental health condition on their UCAS application because, by accessing support, their experience of higher education can be much more positive.

Student support teams offer confidential support and advice through student support services, and many have specialist mental health advisers. These are trained professionals who will be happy to talk to you and offer advice and support with any concerns or issues you may have – both during your studies and before you arrive. They will also be able to let you know about any services and resources (this can range from counselling, mentors, and support groups) available.

It is really important to know that you are completely in control of any support – if you choose not to use it, you don’t have to. However, having it in place means it’s ready if you change your mind or your circumstances change.

For further help, visit the UMHAN website for detailed information about this subject.  

You can also get information and advice from the Student Minds website – an organisation dedicated to helping students manage their mental health.

UMHAN and Student Minds have also written blog articles about sharing a mental health condition in the UCAS application.

Some professional courses require students to meet fitness to practise requirements or competence standards. These are designed to ensure students are clear about the demands and expectations of the course and can carry out their duties safely. This is usually assessed through a questionnaire about your health, and an occupational health assessment is sometimes required.

A physical or mental health condition, learning difference or long-term illness is unlikely to affect your ability to meet these standards or requirements. Reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure all students have an equal chance of meeting them, regardless of an impairment or health condition. However, the standards or requirements themselves cannot be adjusted.

Giving information about an impairment or condition in your UCAS application will not affect the competency standards or fitness to practise requirements. Universities and colleges only use this information to ensure you receive the right level of support during your course.

Your university or college will be able to give you more details about the fitness to practise requirements on your chosen course and discuss how this will be assessed.

Read more information about ‘fitness to practise’ requirements on the Scope website.

This is entirely your decision but we recommend you do.

If you have not studied at higher education level before, you may not be fully aware of the support you will need. Letting the university or college know of your potential needs means that support can be organised quickly should you require it – even if you never need to use it. 

If you choose not to share a condition through UCAS, you can tell the university or college directly at any point. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with how and where to access help to support your mental health and wellbeing when you arrive, in case you find it useful another time.

You can also use the free text box to give more information about your circumstances, if you wish.

Telling the university or college about your circumstances is a positive step towards becoming an independent and successful student – a huge range of support is provided to students with all sorts of individual needs to ensure they have a fair chance to do well, so you are not alone. 

This is entirely your decision but we recommend you do.

If you have not studied at higher education level before, you may not be fully aware of the support you will need. Letting the university or college know of your potential needs means support can be organised quickly should you require it – even if you never need to use it. You can also use the free text box to give more information about your circumstances, if you wish.

If you choose not to share a condition through UCAS, you can tell the university or college directly at any point. Telling the university or college about your circumstances is a positive step towards becoming an independent and successful student – a huge range of support is provided to students with all sorts of individual needs to ensure they have a fair chance to do well, so you are not alone. 

We recommend you contact the university or college immediately so they can make any necessary adjustments and discuss the support with you.

If you have been receiving support (e.g. extra time or use of a laptop in examinations), you can give this information on the application using the free text box – even if you have not received a formal diagnosis. 

Please be aware, the level of support you will receive may differ significantly from that received in school or college, and your support needs may change in a new learning environment. Although this information will not guarantee the same (or equivalent support), the university or college will work with you to understand how they can remove any barriers to your learning. 

• Find out more about applying to higher education if you are a disabled student, or if you have a physical or mental health condition, learning difference or long-term illness.
• NADP is the National Association of Disability Practitioners – you can find out more about your rights and the support available.
• Lead Scotland can provide advice and information for Scottish students.    
• The National Autistic Society (NAS) can provide help and information for students with autistic spectrum conditions, including Asperger’s syndrome.  
• Student Minds is the student mental health charity. Their Know Before You Go and Transitions guides will help you make a successful start in higher education.
• UMHAN is the University Mental Health Advisers Network – students can find information about their rights and the support on their website. 
• Disability Rights UK has a lot of information and guidance for students, including a helpline. You can also read their blog. 
• Find out more about applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance.