References for UCAS Undergraduate applications

How you get a reference for your application depends on if you’re applying individually, or through a school, college, or a centre registered with UCAS.

What's on this page?

• How to choose a referee
• Individual circumstances
• Have you been asked to be a referee?

How to choose a referee

• If you’re in education or have recently been in education, your referee should be someone who knows you academically and can share supporting information relevant to the courses you’re applying for, along with any predicted grades for qualifications you’re studying now.
• If you have not been in education for a while, some unis or colleges might consider a different type of reference, such as an employment reference. Requirements vary by provider (and even sometimes by course type), so you must contact your choices for advice on what type of reference you need to provide.
• Don’t ask family, friends, partners or ex-partners though – if you do your application may be cancelled.

Your referee won’t be able to see your application or courses, so make sure you discuss this information with them before sending the reference request.

You only need one reference on your application. If you want your uni or college to see more than one, contact them and ask if an additional reference can be sent directly.

How the reference should be written

Here’s an overview, so you know what to discuss with your referee.

• It must be written by your referee online in the reference section of your application, in English (or Welsh if you’re applying for courses in Wales).
• If your referee is one of your teachers, they can add your predicted grades for any pending qualifications you’re studying now.
• With your permission, the reference could include circumstances that have affected your academic work or achievements, such as a personal problem, illness, or any individual needs you have.

Applying through a school, college or centre?

1. Before arranging the reference the school, college or centre will let you know when and how to pay your application fee. You’ll be able to choose the correct payment option when reviewing and submitting your application.
2. You’ll need to submit your application to your school, college or centre by the date they tell you (their internal deadline) so they can review it and add a reference and predicted grades (if needed).
3. Then they’ll have a reference written for you by a teacher or tutor who knows you – you won’t have access to this, so you won’t need to do anything for it. They’ll need to send your application to us by the relevant deadline.

Applying without the support of a school?

1. Speak to a previous teacher and see if it’s possible to link your application back to your old school or college. If it is, ask for their ‘buzzword’ – once you add it, your application will be linked to their school or college and they’ll formally accept your request.
2. Or you can request a reference independently from someone else – like a current or previous employer. Contact them and explain you’re looking for an academic reference to study so they know not to provide a standard HR reference. If they agree, head to the reference section of your application and fill in their details, we’ll email them instructions on what they need to do. Give them plenty of time to complete the reference. If you don’t hear back from them and decide to ask someone else, you can request another reference by clicking ‘Ask a different person to write reference’. Once the reference has been provided we’ll email you to let you know the section is complete.
3. Keep in touch with your referee to make sure the reference is completed in time, and then you’ll be able to pay your application fee and send your application to us. To help you meet your application deadline, you can request a reference as soon as you’ve filled out your educational history.

Applying for Teacher Education in Scotland?

If you're applying for Teacher Education in Scotland, please note that you will only need one reference.

Individual circumstances

Don’t want to include a reference?

There is actually an option to not include a reference, but only if you contact all your chosen universities and colleges and they agree that you don’t need one. Just confirm this on the reference page of your application.

​Applying from prison?

If you're applying from prison you need a statement from the prison authorities too – saying you're suitable and available for the start date.

Are you a mature student?

If you left education some time ago, finding a referee may not be as straightforward. This is where an employer or professional colleague can help. For more information about getting a reference as a mature student, read our guide.