UCAS

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS YOO-kass) is a charity and private limited company by guarantee based in Cheltenham, England, which provides educational support services. Formed on 27 July 1993 by the merger of the former university admissions system, Universities Central Council on Admissions and the former polytechnics admissions system, Polytechnics Central Admissions System, the company's main role is to operate the application process for British universities and colleges. The company is funded by fees charged to applicants and universities as well as advertising income. Services provided by UCAS include several online application portals, several search tools and free information and advice directed at various audiences, including students considering higher education, students with pending applications to higher education institutes, parents and legal guardians of applicants, school and further education college staff involved in helping students apply and providers of higher education (universities and HE colleges). UCAS is most known for its undergraduate application service (the main UCAS scheme), however it also provides information, advice and guidance and search tools for apprenticeships, teacher training, and postgraduate courses, and operates the admissions service for UK conservatoires: UCAS Conservatoires - application and search service for performing arts at UK conservatoires.