education UCAS, or the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is the UK central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to full-time first degrees, HNDs and university diplomas.

The mission of UCAS is to promote a partnership between prospective students and universities and colleges, enable learners to make informed choices to achieve their full potential through higher education, and ensure universities and colleges admit students on an equal and fair basis.

Higher education applicants fill out a form which is sent to UCAS and forwarded to the colleges and universities selected.

Applicants fill out the form based on their predicted grades at A-Level, although there is pressure to change the system so students can apply based on their actual grades.

UCAS was established in August 1993 from the merger of the former Universities Central Council on Admissions (UCCA), the Polytechnics Central Admissions System (PCAS) and the Standing Conference on University Entrance (SCUE).

The body processes applications for places and is involved in research, consultancy, publication and other advisory activities to enable all parties to make the most of the admissions system.

Its aim is to become the 'one-stop shop' where anyone interested in access to higher education can obtain the necessary service or information.

UCAS is a company limited by guarantee, and a charity. Its income is derived from the fees paid by each applicant, subscriptions from participating universities and colleges based on the numbers of students they admit, and from commercial activities.