Find out how parents and carers can help with university applications, from deadlines to decisions and practical advice.
If your child is applying to university there is a lot of information to take in about how the process works and, as a parent, you might feel a little out of the loop. We鈥檝e put together all the essential information you need to give you a good understanding of the process, key timings and ways you can support your child with the application.
How do they make their application?
Applications are made on the . They will need to register in the , confirming the year they want to start university and 鈥榰ndergraduate鈥� level of study. From the hub dashboard, they click on the 鈥榊our application鈥� tile to start their application.
Most students will apply through their school or college. At the start of the application, your child will be asked if they are doing this and, if they are, they will link their application to their school by entering the 鈥榖uzzword鈥� given to them by the school.
Once linked, the school/college will be responsible for supporting your child through the process including reviewing the application, approving it, adding a reference, and submitting it on time.
What is involved when applying?
Their application does not need to be completed all at once. There is a lot
to fill in, so they shouldn't leave it to the last minute to make a start.
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They can apply for up to five courses (at the same or different
universities) and there is a small fee (拢28.95 for 2026 entry).
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Your child will need to write a strong personal statement as part of their
application. They can get help with this from their school or college who
will also submit an academic reference for them.
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The application form will require details including how their studies will
be paid for, your local authority, education, any paid work experience,
and extra activities.
If there are any extenuating circumstances that
might impact your child鈥檚 studies, they can let the university know in the
鈥楳ore about you鈥� section so extra support can be arranged. This might
include things such as mental health conditions, long-term illness, caring
responsibilities etc.
Your child can give you nominated access so that you can discuss the
application with UCAS on their behalf if necessary.
Have early discussions with your child about what they would like to do after
school/college and help them explore all the options. Visit universities to
give you, and them, a feel for student life 鈥� do they want to be near or far
from home? A big city or a small town?
Practical support:
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Research courses - what careers can they lead to? Do they include a work
placement?
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Support them with their personal statement 鈥� you know them well, help them
to highlight their suitability for the course.
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Give them any information they鈥檒l need for the UCAS and student finance
applications.
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Discuss the cost of being a university student and whether you can support
them or if they might need to get a part-time job.
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Keep them calm around results day and remind them that there are always
options open to them, even if they don鈥檛 get the results they were hoping
for.
Ultimately, while the school/college will help with the processing of the
application, your child is responsible for their application. As a parent,
you can help by encouraging them to start it early and complete it in stages,
so it鈥檚 not too overwhelming; offer ideas and suggestions; proofreading; and
keeping them on track with deadlines.