UCAS fee waived if you get free school meals

If you are a student struggling financially, you may be entitled to have your application fee waived as part of a new initiative to help support those from low-income families.  

Who can apply for the UCAS application fee waiver?  

This scheme has been set up for students who are currently studying at school or college and who are eligible for free school meals (FSM). This means their parents or carers are on a low-income and/ or are currently receiving benefits.

What support is available?

As a FSM student, you will no longer have to pay the UCAS application fee of £28.95 from the 2025 cycle onwards.  

Why has this decision been made?  

This initiative aims to help disadvantaged students in the hope to widen participation and ensure equal opportunities for all.  

Data suggests that underprivileged students are less likely to go to university. For many, their individual backgrounds can have a huge impact on whether they continue onto higher education or not. A student’s particular circumstances can dictate not only whether they apply, but also how they go on to experience university if they eventually go.  

How to get your UCAS application fee waived?

If you are eligible to receive free school meals, you can declare it when filling out your UCAS application form. You will find the ‘More about you’ section towards the end of the form, and here, you must select ‘yes’ to the question ‘Are you currently receiving free school meals or were you in receipt of free school meals between the ages of 11 to 18?’.  

If you know you are eligible for free school meals, but haven’t used them, you should still tick ‘yes’ whether you have received them or not. Your teachers and advisers will have the chance to verify your eligibility and approve the waiver through the adviser portal.

Unsure if you're eligible?

You can check with your school/college, and they should be able to provide evidence. If not, you can contact your local authority, where you will have been registered.  

When you submit your UCAS application form

Once you've finished the form, you will come to the part where it asks you to pay and submit. Here, you must select ‘pay by centre’ and then submit your form. You will not have to pay. 

Other help available

Students from low-income families often need help not only when applying but also, during their time at university. This may be in the form of financial support, or maybe also by means of mental health or learning support.   

If you do find yourself in need of some extra assistance, there are many outreach activities and programs through colleges, charities and the universities. They can support you to develop academic skills in preparation for your degree, or help with a visit to a university open day, as well as mentoring and offering workshops to develop social skills.   

Universities themselves may also support with the costs involved in being able to attend open days or interviews. Many also offer preparatory foundation year courses for those who feel they need some extra time before embarking on a degree course.  

Get the right support

In the ‘More About You’ section, you can share any information you feel is important. This lets the university know so that they can offer the right help and support you may need. The information will never affect a university’s decision to accept you onto a course. It will only be used to notify the right people to arrange the relevant support for you.