If you’re applying to universities in both the US and UK, you may find yourself deciding between two different application systems: Common App and UCAS.
Both can be used to apply to certain UK universities, but they weren’t designed for the same purpose. Common App is primarily used for college applications in the US, while UCAS is the centralized application system used across UK higher education.
So, if a UK university appears on Common App, should you apply there? Or should you use UCAS instead?
The best choice depends on how many UK universities you’re considering, whether the UK is a serious part of your university search, and which institutions are on your list.
Here’s what US students need to know.
Common App vs UCAS at a Glance
| Common App | UCAS | |
| Primarily designed for | US and international college applications | UK higher education applications |
| UK university availability | Selected participating UK universities | Broad access to UK undergraduate universities |
| Number of choices | Up to 20 colleges overall | Up to 5 university/course choices |
| Application fee | Individual colleges may charge their own application fees | £34.50 for the 2027 cycle |
| Application writing | Common App structure; requirements vary by university | Three structured personal statement questions |
| Best fit for | Students primarily applying in the US with a small number of participating UK universities | Students seriously considering several UK universities |
| Requirements | Vary by institution | Vary by university and course |
What Is UCAS?
UCAS is the centralized application system used to apply to undergraduate universities and courses across the UK.
For the 2027 admissions cycle, students can add up to five university or course choices to one UCAS application for a £34.50 application fee.
Unlike the US admissions process, you aren’t applying generally to a university and choosing your major later. In the UK, you typically apply directly to the specific degree you want to study.
That means your five UCAS choices could include five different universities offering the same or similar subject, or different courses within the options allowed by UCAS.
UCAS is designed specifically around the UK admissions system, so if you’re seriously considering studying in the UK, it will usually give you access to the widest range of university options.
What Is Common App?
Common App is a centralized application platform widely used by colleges and universities in the United States.
Students can add up to 20 colleges to their Common App account, although individual universities may have their own application fees and additional requirements.
Common App also includes universities outside the US, including a number of UK institutions.
For an American student who is already applying to US colleges, seeing a UK university appear in Common App can make applying overseas feel much simpler. You may be able to add that university without starting an entirely separate application process.
But convenience isn’t the only thing you should consider.
Can You Apply to UK Universities Through Common App?
Yes. A number of UK universities accept applications from US or international students through Common App.
For example, Common App currently lists universities including the University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee and University of Stirling among its participating UK institutions.
However, not every UK university participates in Common App, and participation can change from one admissions cycle to another.
If you’re considering several universities in the UK, don’t build your entire UK list around the universities you happen to see on Common App.
Start by identifying the universities and courses that best fit your academic profile and goals. Then look at which application routes those universities accept.
Common App UK Universities
A number of UK universities have offered applications through Common App, including:
Important: Common App participation can change. Always confirm that the university and course you’re interested in currently accept Common App applications before applying.
Where possible, you can also use The UK Study Expert’s university profiles to research US entry requirements and learn more about individual universities before building your final list.
Should You Use Common App or UCAS for UK Universities?
There isn’t one answer that works for every student.
Instead, think about where UK universities fit into your overall application strategy.
If You’re Primarily Applying to US Universities
If most of your university list is in the United States and you’re considering only one or two UK universities that participate in Common App, using Common App may make sense.
You’re already completing the platform for your US applications, and keeping those applications together can make the process easier to manage.
Before applying, however, confirm that your UK university accepts Common App applications for your specific situation and review any university-specific requirements.
If You’re Seriously Considering Several UK Universities
If studying in the UK is a serious option and you’re considering several British universities, UCAS will usually make more sense.
UCAS gives you much broader access to UK undergraduate universities and courses, rather than limiting your choices to the smaller number of UK institutions participating in Common App.
It also keeps your UK applications together within the system specifically designed for the UK admissions process.
If the UK University You Want Isn’t on Common App
Then Common App won’t solve the problem.
You may need to apply through UCAS or, where available, directly to the university.
If you’re wondering how UCAS compares with applying directly to a UK university, read our guide to UCAS vs UK University Applications.
How Common App and UCAS Applications Differ
The number of universities you can apply to isn’t the only difference between the two platforms.
Number of University Choices
Common App: Students can add up to 20 colleges overall.
UCAS: Undergraduate applicants can add up to five choices.
Remember that a UCAS “choice” is connected to a specific university and course. Because UK students apply directly to their degree subject, your course selection is an important part of building your UCAS list.
Application Fees
With Common App, individual colleges may charge their own application fees, although some universities have no application fee.
For the 2027 UCAS cycle, the application fee is £34.50, which allows undergraduate students to add up to five choices.
Personal Statement and Application Writing
This is another area where the two application systems work differently.
Common App requirements vary by university. Some colleges require the Common App personal essay, while others do not, and individual institutions may have their own questions or additional requirements.
UCAS now uses three structured personal statement questions rather than the single long-form personal statement used in previous application cycles:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
The overall UCAS personal statement limit remains 4,000 characters across the three responses.
Because your UCAS application is sent to all of your choices, your responses should focus primarily on the subject you want to study, rather than writing separate essays about why you want to attend each individual university.
University-Specific Requirements
Don’t assume that applying to a UK university through Common App means you’ll have exactly the same requirements you see with your US colleges.
Requirements vary.
For example, some UK universities on Common App don’t require the standard Common App personal essay.
Always review the individual university’s requirements before submitting your application.
Planning to Apply Through UCAS?If UCAS looks like the better fit for your UK university plans, our 2027 UCAS Guide walks you through the application step by step, from setting up your application to understanding what belongs in each section and what to check before you submit. |
Can You Apply to UK Universities Through Both Common App and UCAS?
Students sometimes find themselves using both Common App and UCAS, especially when applying to universities in both the US and UK.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong. You may use Common App for your US universities and UCAS for most of your UK choices.
Where you need to be careful is submitting applications to the same UK university through multiple systems.
Individual universities can have their own policies for how they handle Common App and UCAS applications.
Ashley Warmington, Senior International Officer from the University of Glasgow, previously explained how Glasgow handles the process behind the scenes:
“Behind the scenes, every Common App turns into a UCAS application during processing. If a student applies and accepts their offer on the Common App, the admissions team will transfer their information to UCAS. If they find that their UCAS is already full with universities, it becomes an issue.”
That insight is still important today.
The University of Glasgow’s current guidance specifically tells students not to submit a Common App application to Glasgow if they already have a live UCAS application, even if Glasgow isn’t one of their UCAS choices.
Glasgow explains that doing so can cause delays with student records, immigration documentation, accommodation access and enrollment.
Other universities may handle applications differently, which is why you shouldn’t assume the same rule applies everywhere.
Before applying to the same UK university through more than one application system, check that university’s current policy or ask its admissions team.
What If You’ve Already Applied Through Both Common App and UCAS?
Don’t panic, but don’t submit additional applications or make decisions about your offers without understanding how the university handles the two systems.
Start by looking at the admissions guidance for the UK university involved.
If the answer isn’t clear, contact the university’s admissions team and explain:
- That you’ve submitted applications through both systems
- Which universities you’ve selected through UCAS
- Whether you’ve received or accepted any offers
- Which application you’d like to move forward with
The university can tell you what, if anything, you need to do next.
This is much better than assuming the Common App and UCAS applications will sort themselves out behind the scenes.
UK University Entry Requirements
Choosing the right application platform is only part of the process.
You’ll also need to make sure you’re academically eligible for the UK universities and courses on your list.
UK universities evaluate US qualifications differently. Depending on the university and course, entry requirements may consider:
- Your high school GPA
- AP exams
- SAT or ACT scores where applicable
- College-level coursework
- Subject-specific prerequisites
- Other academic qualifications
You can use our Undergraduate University Search Tool to explore UK universities and see their US undergraduate entry requirements.
So, Should You Use Common App or UCAS?
Here’s the simplest way to think about it.
Common App may make sense if:
- You’re primarily applying to universities in the US
- You’re considering only one or two UK universities
- Those universities currently accept Common App applications
- You want to manage most of your applications within one platform
UCAS may make more sense if:
- Studying in the UK is a serious goal
- You’re considering several UK universities
- Some of your preferred universities aren’t on Common App
- You want access to the broader UK university system
- You’re building a focused UK application strategy around your course and academic profile
And remember: you don’t need to choose your university based on which application platform is easiest.
Choose the universities and courses that fit you first. Then determine the best way to apply.
Want Help Building the Right UK Application Strategy?
Choosing between Common App and UCAS is only one part of applying to university in the UK.
Your academic profile, university choices, course requirements, UCAS responses, reference and application details all need to work together.
With the UK Study Accelerator, you get expert support as you build and strengthen your UK university application. We can help you identify the universities that fit your profile, refine your application strategy and review your UCAS application before you submit.
