Application process
From application to enrolment - the application process explained
While leaving school to go to college can feel daunting, our admissions team are here to make that journey as easy as possible.
Our full-time application process
1
Decide what you want to do
Think about what you enjoy, but also what you want to do in the future. What is your dream career and what course will help you get there?
Have a look through our courses and see what inspires you.
2
Attend an open event
Open events are a great opportunity to meet our staff and visit our campuses. Even if you don’t know what you want to do yet, and open event will help you decide.
We have four open events at each of our campuses between October and May. Please see our event pages on our website for dates and how to register.
3
Fill out an application form
You need to find the course you want to apply for on our website, and hit the apply now button on that page.
If you need any help or support, please contact our Admissions team.
There is no deadline for applications, but we recommend you submit before February half term.
4
Interview and offer
Some of our courses require an interview. If you need to have an interview, you will receive your conditional offer after this. If you want to discuss this offer or change your course, please contact our admissions team.
5
Receive your enrolment pack (July)
You will receive an enrolment pack in July with details of your enrolment appointment. At your enrolment appointment you will officially become a WCUC student.
6
Attend enrolment (August)
Your enrolment appointment will be in the days following your GCSE results and will be your opportunity to meet with your teaching staff and confirm your course choice and start date.
Do not worry if you have not achieved the grades you were expecting or you want to change your course. Attend your enrolment appointment and talk to your staff who will be able to help you.
Ready to start your journey?
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying
Tips For Making Your Application to WCUC
- Use your full name not a shortened version, i.e. ‘Thomas’ rather than ‘Tom’
- If possible, do not use your school email. We will send you important emails in July and August about your course and how to enrol, and you may not be able to access them from your school email
- Provide your predicted grades – this enables the Admissions Team to assess your application to make sure you have applied for the correct level of course
- If you are under 18 provide us with a parent/guardian contact with telephone number and email
- Only apply for one course – if you wish to apply for a second one, please email Admissions@wiltshire.ac.uk and we will add the course to your existing application
- If you have previously applied or studied at the College and are applying with a different name or address to the one we have our records from that time, please email Admissions@wiltshire.ac.uk with the details so we can match up your old record to you current application
I Haven't Received Any Emails From The College - What Should I Do?
Occasionally the emails may go into you spam or junk folder if you haven’t received an email from us before.
If you have not received either of our confirmation emails, please telephone Admissions on 01225 756300 so we can check we have the correct email details for you.
Is It Possible To Look Around The College Before Applying?
Yes! We hold Open Days throughout the year which give you the opportunity to look around our campus and meet your potential future lecturers. Check out our events page to register for a future Open Day.
Can I Apply For More Than One Course?
Yes – of course you can! To do this, please contact the Admissions team (tel.: 01225 756300, email: Admissions@wiltshire.ac.uk). There is no need to re-apply using the online form.
If you do apply for more than one course, we will ask you to choose which course is your preferred choice so you receive the relevant information for that course.
There is no need to apply for a back-up course in case you don’t get the grades you need. This will be managed as part of our GCSE results day process and if you did not achieve the required grades you will be offered another course.
You can view what applications you’ve made or resume any applications by going to the Application Portal.
Interview And Offer
You may be required to attend one of our campuses for a face-to-face interview.
As part of the application process you may be asked to provide portfolio of your work or copies of certificates if you have already taken GCSEs or other qualifications.
What Will Happen At My Interview?
If it is required for your to attend an interview, you will talk to a course lecturer and find out about the content of the course, the final qualifications and the opportunities available after your course. The lecturer will want to find out about you too; this is an opportunity to discuss your education so far, any experiences you have had and what plans you have for the future. It is really important that you research the subject/ industry that you are being interviewed for as you will be asked about your understanding of this at interview.
What If I Can't Attend My Interview?
Please contact the admissions team as soon as possible so that we can book you an alternative date and time.
When Will I Find Out Whether I Have A Place At College?
Following your application and interview (if your chosen course requires one), we will send you an offer email which will outline any conditions that will need to be met, such as GCSE grades. If you do not wish to accept this offer, please contact the admissions team so that we can amend our records and so that you will not continue to receive information from us.
Start Of Term & Enrolment
I Have An Offer Of A Place - Do I Need To Attend Enrolment?
All students need to come in for enrolment before the start of their course and more information on when to do this will be emailed to you in the summer.
When Is Enrolment?
Our enrolment dates for 2026 will be in August. Exact dates to be announced soon.
Do I Need To Buy Any Equipment Or Uniform For My Course Before Enrolment?
An email will be sent to you with more information on course specific items such as books or uniform required. We would suggest that you do not purchase these items until you have your GCSE results and a confirmed place, as you may study a different course to the one you originally applied for if your grades are higher or lower than predicted.
What If I Can’t Make My Enrolment Day?
It is really important to attend enrolment before the start of your course. If you can’t attend the designated day for your course, then please follow the instructions on your enrolment invitation to re-arrange your enrolment day.
What Happens If I Don’t Get The GCSE Grades I Need For My Course?
If you don’t achieve the required GCSE results to do your course, don’t worry! We can usually find a different course for you – this may be the same subject but at a lower level or a different subject. If your GCSE grades are better than predicted, we may offer you a course at a higher level.
How Do I Apply For A Bus Pass Or Find Out About Transport To College?
More information on public transport to our different campuses and how to apply for a bus pass can be found on our Travelling to College. If you have a question that hasn’t been answered by the information on this page, please email bursaries@wiltshire.ac.uk.
I Have My Results But I Haven’t Yet Applied Or Had An Interview For A Course, Is It Too Late?
We will continue taking applications for courses during late August and into September, however we cannot guarantee that all our courses will be able to take late applicants if they have already reached maximum numbers.
When Can I Find Out About My Timetable?
You will usually receive your course timetable on the first day of the course. Unfortunately timetables are not available until this time, as they can’t be finalised until the student numbers on each course are confirmed (if student numbers are high the course may be split into two groups for example, with different timetables) and may be subject to change for the first month.
When Does My Course Start?
Most full-time courses start week commencing 8 September. Your specific start date will be emailed to you after GCSE results day, as this will depend on your course timetable.
Support At College
How Can I Access Extra Support At College?
You may have had extra support at school that you need to continue with, or you may have worries or concerns about coming to college and need some extra support while you adjust to your new environment. Please ensure you add this information to your application so our Inclusion & Support department is aware of this.
Find out more about the support our Inclusion & Support team offers here.
Do I Need To Do Anything About Work Experience?
Work Placements are an important part of all Full Time Study Programmes at the College. You will have a dedicated Placement Officer who will assist you with coordinating your placement, supporting you throughout the process. If you have any questions about Work Placements please get in touch with the Work Placement Team at: WorkExperience@wiltshire. ac.uk
Funding And Finance
Will I Have To Pay For My Course?
Home students who are under 19 on 31st August 2026 do not have to pay for their course. Students who are 19 or over on 31st August 2026 will be eligible to pay tuition fees and will be sent a letter detailing the fees.
If I Am 19 Or Over Can I Get Help With My Course Fees?
Students who are 19 or over will have an appointment with one of our Fees and Finance Officers to have an individual fee assessment which will determine if there is any fee remission available which is dependent on their previous qualifications, or if they are in receipt of benefits or on a low income.
If I Have To Pay For My Course, How Do I Pay?
If the outcome of your fee assessment is that you do need to pay for your course, we can take a credit card, debit card, cash or cheque. The College can usually set up an instalment plan for you. Students enrolling on an eligible Level 3 course may be able to take out an Advanced Learner Loan. For further information visit the government website or visit our Financial Support webpage.
Can My Employer Pay For My Course?
Yes – absolutely. If you’re employer has agreed to pay for your course, they would need to complete an Employer’s Undertaking Form. You can let us know during your fee assessment and we’ll send your employer the form or you can contact us at info@wiltshire.ac.uk to request a form from our Customer Services Team.
Can I Get Any Financial Support To Help Me To Come To College?
If you have a low household income and are studying an eligible course, you may be entitled to a bursary or support from the Learner Support Fund. Applications forms and full details will be available on our website nearer the start of your course. Please email busaries@wiltshire.ac.uk for any questions you may have regarding your bursary application.
What If I Have Not Been Resident In The Uk/Eu Or Eea For 3 Years?
If you have not been a resident in the UK/ EEA for the last 3 years you may have to pay the overseas fees which are higher than the home student fees. It depends on your immigration status and the course you are enrolling on. Contact the Admissions team for more information.
Contact Us
If you have any other questions or would simply like to speak to someone about your application, get in touch with our admissions team using the details below.