UCAS is short for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, which handles the application process for UK higher education providers. It's a one-stop-shop for students seeking undergraduate courses, processing over 2.5 million applications each year. UCAS helps students search for courses, compare universities and colleges, and submit applications. They provide guidance throughout the application process and work closely with universities to ensure fair admissions. In summary, UCAS is a vital resource for students seeking higher education in the UK.