*Updated for 2026 entry onwards
If you’re planning to apply to university, at some point you’re going to need to start thinking about the application process.
Aside from meeting the entry requirements, there are two key elements to your UCAS application: your personal statement responses and your UCAS reference.
Since 2026 entry, UCAS has replaced the traditional free-form personal statement with three structured questions designed to help applicants explain their suitability for higher education.
Your personal statement responses remain an important part of your application, so it’s important to give them the time and attention they deserve.
Your UCAS reference is also an important part of the application process. It provides universities with an independent assessment of your suitability for higher education from someone who knows you in an academic or professional capacity.
Essentially, it is a note of reassurance from an established professional that you are deserving of a place, should you be offered one.
Considering how competitive some courses can be, gaining admission is no small matter. This is why universities consider a range of information, including your qualifications, application responses and reference, when making decisions.
What is the UCAS reference for?
The UCAS reference helps universities determine your suitability for higher education both in general and in relation to your chosen course.
It helps admissions teams understand more about your academic potential, achievements, skills and readiness for study beyond what can be seen from qualifications alone.
It works alongside your application responses and should support the information you have provided. It can also highlight how your qualifications, work experience or life skills have prepared you for higher education.
The reference should demonstrate how your skills and experiences are transferable to degree-level study.
Most UCAS undergraduate applications require a completed reference before they can be submitted and considered by universities. A strong reference can provide valuable context that supports your application and helps admissions staff make informed decisions.
Who should write your reference?
For school leavers, references are often written by a form tutor, head of year or subject teacher.
For adult learners and mature students, the process can be a little different.
Your referee should ideally be someone who knows you in a professional or academic capacity and can comment on your suitability for higher education.
This could be a line manager, supervisor, employer or tutor if you are currently studying.
Your UCAS reference should not be written by a family member, partner or friend. Even if you work alongside a friend or family member, it is best to choose someone who can provide an objective professional assessment of your abilities.
What should your UCAS reference include?
References will vary depending on what you intend to study, your work experience and your qualifications. In many ways, a UCAS reference should be as individual as your application.
As a guide, your reference may include:
- Existing achievements, including academic and professional qualifications
- Professional accomplishments and responsibilities
- Motivation and commitment towards your chosen area of study
- Relevant skills and achievements, whether formally recognised or not
- Academic potential and ability to study at degree level
- Powers of analysis, critical thinking and independent learning
- Relevant enrichment activities and wider achievements
- Relevant work experience and transferable skills
UCAS advises referees to focus on evidence-based comments that demonstrate an applicant’s strengths, academic potential and preparedness for higher education. References should be concise, specific and relevant to the course being applied for.
Under normal circumstances, school references may compare applicants with others in a similar age group. However, if you’re a mature student, this may not be relevant.
Instead, your referee should focus on your professional achievements, work ethic, personal qualities, commitment to learning and any experience that demonstrates your readiness for higher education.
The goal is to highlight what you can bring to university beyond your qualifications alone.
Many universities value mature students because they often bring strong organisational skills, professional experience, motivation and a wider perspective to their studies.
You can use this to your advantage by asking your referee to emphasise the areas in which you would be a positive contributor to a university learning environment.
How are UCAS references submitted?
If you’re applying through a school or college, your reference will normally be managed and submitted by your centre.
If you’re applying independently, you’ll nominate a referee within your UCAS application. UCAS will then contact them directly with instructions on how to complete and submit the reference online.
Applicants should not write or submit their own references.
References are subject to a character limit, so referees should focus on the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary repetition.
References should be written in English.
Predicted Grades
Whether you are studying A Levels or an Access to Higher Education Diploma, if you’re applying before you’ve completed your course, you’ll need to supply a predicted grade.
You should be able to work this out based on your performance thus far. But if in doubt, contact your tutor who will be able to give you an idea of your final grade.
Bear in mind, if you’re given a conditional offer you will need to achieve the stated grades to be accepted on to the course.
Studying Online
If you want to go to university but you don’t have the relevant qualifications, then studying an online course could be the answer.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges offers a wide range of qualifications including Access to Higher Education Diplomas, which will help you progress to university level study.
Online courses give you the flexibility to study around your existing commitments. Which means you don’t need to choose between learning or working.
And because the courses are all online, you can start learning the day you enrol, you don’t have to wait until the start of term.
To learn more about how this works, click the link below or check out our blog.
Leave a Reply