Frequently asked questions about admissions tests, university applications, and UCAS

This article answers the most commonly asked questions about UCAS, university applications, and admissions tests.

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the centralised service that students in the UK use to apply to university. We work closely with UCAS in passing on the results of the test or assessment a candidate has taken.

Please note:  Whilst we at Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing work with certain admissions departments and UCAS, we are separate organisations. For specific queries about UCAS applications, please contact UCAS. 

What is a UCAS ID and do I need it when registering for a test?

When you register with UCAS for the first time, you are assigned a UCAS ID. This is a unique reference, to help UK universities easily locate and match aspects of your university application, including the results of any admissions tests required.

Although there is nothing stopping you from taking an admissions test without a UCAS ID, we would recommend that you provide your centre with your UCAS ID as soon as you have it. The exams officer at the centre can then add the ID to your test registration.

If the UCAS ID number is not added, Admissions Testing will still be able to match your details with the UCAS entry data files and entry files provided by the universities.

I was given a new UCAS ID when I started a second application this year. Which ID should I use when registering for an admissions test?

Although you will see a new UCAS ID when you start your second application process, once this has been submitted it will revert back to your original ID. Therefore please use the original, first UCAS ID, when registering for an admissions test.

What are the timeframes of taking an admissions test and starting a course?

You usually need to take your admissions test in October the year before you want to start a course.

For example, a candidate who wants to start their course in the autumn of 2024 needs to submit their UCAS application by 16 October and take their test on 18 October 2023.

Can I apply to both Cambridge and Oxford?

Usually you can only apply to one course at either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. 

There are exceptions though – if you'll be a graduate at the start of the course, and you're applying for graduate medicine (course code A101) at the University of Cambridge, you could then also apply to medicine (course code A100) at Cambridge, as well as graduate medicine (course code A101) at the University of Oxford.