Frequently asked questions

1. What data is available from UCAS?
Most UCAS data are collected from the application form completed by each applicant. Not all information provided on the form is captured electronically and analysed. For full details of the data available see UCAS data.

2. When is UCAS data available?
Final data relating to any annual entry cycle is normally available in January. Other information is available throughout the year. See data calendar.

3. Do I have to pay for UCAS data?
The information on the website (including downloadable files) is available free of charge. Some additional information is also provided to member institutions under the capitation fee (see data products). Custom built data can be provided on request and this is charged at a cost recovery rate. For more information see charging policy.

4. Can I get more detailed data than is available on your website?
If you are unable to find the data you need, please contact the Analytical Services team on 01242 544896 or e-mail stats@ucas.ac.uk and we will be happy to advise you.

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5. Can I access information on my competitors?
While detailed data on individual universities and colleges is not available (for confidentiality reasons) we are able to help you define your competitors and provide aggregate analysis on groups of six or more. For more information please contact the Analytical Services team on 01242 544896 or e-mail stats@ucas.ac.uk and we will be happy to assist you.

6. Can I get more information on individual universities or colleges?
Due to the confidentiality constraints under which UCAS operate only a limited amount of information is available; generally that data which is available is posted on our website. Thereafter the lowest available level of data at institutional level is limited to aggregate information for six or more selected institutions.

7. Can I get data on higher education entry prior to the formation of UCAS (in 1994)?
Before UCAS, the Universities Central Council on Admissions (UCCA) and the Polytechnics Central Admissions Service (PCAS) administered university and polytechnic admissions. No electronic data is available, but UCAS hold some paper records going back to 1960. These should be available in any good public library.

8. Which universities and colleges are UCAS members?
All UK universities (excluding the OU), most colleges of higher education, and some colleges of further education are UCAS members. Membership changes from year to year. For full details of universities and colleges receiving applications through UCAS each year, see HE institution.

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9. Where can I find league tables of universities and colleges?
UCAS does not produce league tables but some newspapers do, including the Guardian, The Times and The Times Higher Education Supplement.

10. Does UCAS have data on part-time or postgraduate students?
UCAS only deals with applications to full-time undergraduate courses. However, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has data that includes part-time and postgraduate courses.

11. Does UCAS have data on undergraduate populations?
No. UCAS data relates to the annual number of applications and acceptances to its member institutions. Each year UCAS reports numbers relating to those applicants who applied or those who were accepted. UCAS does not check if accepting applicants actually enrol on the course to which they were accepted. Details of all student populations can be provided by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

12. How many universities are there in the UK?
There are currently 325 institutions in the UCAS scheme including universities, colleges of higher education and further education colleges that offer HE courses. An up-to-date count of universities only is available from Universities UK.

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13. Can I get data on applications to Art & Design courses through Route A and Route B?
If you are a member institution, these are included in your Management Statistics that are sent to your UCAS correspondent. Otherwise, please contact the Analytical Services team on 01242 544896 or e-mail stats@ucas.ac.uk and we will be pleased to send you copy.

14. Can I access information on the number of courses available in Clearing?
While we do not know how many courses are available in Clearing, we can provide information on the numbers accepted to our member universities and colleges in Clearing. You can access this information via our on-line statistical enquiry service.

15. Where can I find data on people applying in the current application cycle?
UCAS regularly issue press releases regarding the current application cycle. These can be found in our news releases section.

16. Does UCAS have information on graduates and/or dropout rates?
UCAS does not have information on graduates or dropout rates. This can be obtained from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

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17. Does UCAS have information on higher education in other countries?
UCAS only processes applications to higher education in the UK. The British Council is usually the central point of contact for overseas higher education.

18. How can I make subject comparisons over time taking account of the new subject-coding scheme (JACS)?
At the moment, direct comparisons may not always be possible. Full information on changes to the subject coding structure are available here.

19. Can UCAS tell me how many people take a gap year?
While we do not know how many people take a gap year, we do have information on the numbers who apply to defer their higher education application to the following year:

20. Is data available on teacher training (GTTR) courses?
GTTR data is collected separately to UCAS data. For the latest GTTR data, click here.