Supporting your UCAS application

How do I apply?

First, you need to register to apply using the UCAS online application service. Once you've registered, you'll be able to complete your application.

There are quite a few sections to fill in, but you don't have to do it all at once.

What is the UCAS deadline?

This is the deadline to ensure that universities review your application and most people will apply by this date. However, you can still apply after the deadline as most courses will continue to accept applications.

What costs are involved when applying to university?

You will have to pay to submit your UCAS application. The application fee for 2025 entry is £28.50, which covers up to five choices. You may be eligible to apply for free. Please check the UCAS website for more details.

What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase why you wish to apply for a particular course or profession. So it's important that you relate all of your skills, experience and passion for the subject area that you're looking to study at university.

For help in writing a strong personal statement, use our personal statement writer.

What should I do if I haven't been able to get much work experience?

In your personal statement, focus on what you have done. And showcase why you're passionate about going to university and studying the subjects that you're interested in.

Who should write my reference?

The reference process will vary, depending on how you choose to apply, either through school or college, a centre that is registered with UCAS, or applying as an individual.

Ideally, your reference should be someone who knows you academically, or in the absence of that, in a work capacity, so they can comment on things such as your work ethic and suitability for higher education.

If you apply through school or college, it's likely that one of your teachers, form tutors or careers advisors will write your reference.

What will happen once I've submitted my application?

Once you submit your application, UCAS will process it, and you'll receive an email confirming that your application has been sent to your university choices. You can check on the progress of your application through UCAS Track.

Once you start to receive offers back from your universities, you'll need to decide which is your firm (first) choice and which is your insurance (second) option.

How can I find out more about studying at the University of Derby?

There are lots of ways you can find out about our courses, the support we offer and what it's like to study at Derby. You can explore our website, come to an Open Day and chat to our students online.

Where can I apply for student finance?

Student finance applications will open in February for September entry. You will need to apply by the end of May to make sure that you get your first loan instalment when you start university. You apply through the government website, gov.uk. It's a central application for all loans. 

Everything you need to know about funding your studies, as well as how to apply, can be found on the gov.uk's student finance pages.

What kind of loans can I apply for?

You can apply for two loans - there's the tuition fee loan and the maintenance loan. The tuition fee loan pays your tuition fee for the course, and the maintenance loan pays for all other living costs.

Are there any additional grants available?

Students can apply for grants for dependants. So there's an adult dependants' grant, there's a parental learning allowance and there's a child care grant. So if a student has any child or adult dependants, they can apply for those elements of support.

Is there additional funding available for students on Nursing or Allied Healthcare courses?

If you're studying Nursing or an Allied Healthcare programme you can apply to the NHS for a £5,000 non-repayable training grant per academic year. An additional payment of up to £2,000 per academic year is available to eligible students. Please check the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) website for the most up-to-date information.

When do students begin to repay their loans?

You won't start repaying your loans until you've completed study and you're working and earning. You'll pay back based on your income. The current threshold (in 2024) is £25,000 and you'll pay back 9% of your income over that threshold.

Find out more about undergraduate fees and finance.