What happens at CUKAS when we receive the application?

Step 2: Applying

Initial processing is normally completed within one working day and the applicant data is sent online to the conservatoires. We do not provide conservatoires with paper copy application forms. There are not usually any delays when we receive online applications.

Although the built-in checks in the online application system help to ensure that most errors are dealt with before applicants send us their applications, there might be rare occasions when we need to query something with the applicant. In these circumstances, there may be a delay in sending the application to the applicant's chosen conservatoires.

After we have processed applications, we send applicants a Welcome letter that confirms their name, address and choices of course as they appear on our records. They should check this information immediately and let us know at once if it is not correct. The Welcome letter also gives applicants their Personal ID which they should quote in any communication with CUKAS or the conservatoires. Applicants' usernames and passwords to access Track are the same as those they used to make their applications.

CUKAS letters

CUKAS only sends three types of letter to applicants during the application process. Below we have given an explanation and example of each letter, containing typical data in order to give you a clear idea of the format and content of each:

  • CU2 Welcome letter - this is sent when we have processed an application.
    View PDF of CU2 Welcome letter.

  • CU6 Replying to Offers letter - If applicants have at least one offer and they have received decisions for all their choices, we will email them to let them know there has been a change to their application, and ask them to look at Track. If they haven't provided a valid email address we will send a letter which will ask them to reply to their offers by a given date. Applicants may only be able to accept one offer as their first choice, or they may be able to accept two offers and state their first and second choices. The number of offers an applicant can accept will depend on the type of offers. Please read the section Replying to offers>>
    View PDF of CU6 Replying to Offers letter.

  • CU12 Guaranteed Unconditional Place letter - this will be sent to to applicants when a place at their first choice has been confirmed, or if they do not meet the required conditions at their first choice, when a place at their second choice has been confirmed. Applicants will be asked to contact the relevant conservatoire if they do not wish to take up the place.
    View PDF of CU12 Guaranteed Unconditional Place letter.