Access and participation
From our very beginnings in 1826, UCL was founded to be open to all.
200 years later, we are still committed to ensuring that all applicants have an equal chance of entering UCL regardless of background, ethnicity, age or disability. On this page, you can learn more about the ways UCL is putting our commitment into action.
Access UCL Scheme and contextual offers
Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. Applicants that are eligible and successful in receiving an offer, will automatically receive an offer that is lower than the standard entry requirements for the course.
Access UCL Scheme
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education and seeks to recruit and retain the brightest students who will thrive in our rigorous teaching and learning environment.
Resources for Year 12 and 13 Students
Our Access and Widening Participation team offer a range of virtual and in-person events and resources to provide advice and guidance about university applications, university life and study, helping students to see that they belong at UCL.
We recognise that some students can face certain barriers when it comes to accessing higher education. So, we’re working hard to mitigate these.
Use the links below to access guidance for each specific group
- Disabled Students
- Estranged Students
- Forced migrant students
- Mature students
- Students with caring responsibilities
- Young people in care and care leavers
Further advice and guidance, including for teachers, parents and other students is provided on our Access and Widening Participation website.
UCL’s Access and Participation Plan
Our Access and Participation Plan, approved by the Office for Students, sets out how we intend to encourage and support students from underrepresented groups to apply to UCL, and the steps we take to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed at UCL.
