Students are now better equipped than ever to apply for university and college courses thanks to the recent launch of the new UCAS Card website, supporting the UCAS Card scheme which is now open for registrations for Year 12, S5 and equivalent students.

The scheme (www.ucas.com/ucascard) has been greatly enhanced this year with a new website containing a wealth of information and advice on higher education applications, study and exam techniques, student profiles and, new for this year, insights into student life and money matters.

Lisa Feege, UCAS Card Project Manager at UCAS, said:

"We're really excited about the new UCAS Card website. The thought of going to university or college can be extremely daunting for a 16 year old, particularly with new fees and funding arrangements. We hope that by informing students on matters such as finance and student life, we will help to reduce their worries and concerns."

As well as the educational aspects, the site also has competitions, music and film reviews and games for students to enjoy. A special offers area of the site will be launched in March 2007 and will include offers and discounts for UCAS Card holders, from a range of leading retailers and well known brands.

The UCAS Card website is all part of an overall initiative by UCAS to encourage applicants to use the systems available to them via www.ucas.com. These include the Course Search facility, as well as Apply and Track, helping applicants to apply for their courses online and then track their application in real time throughout the process. The UCAS website has been redesigned and is currently being built, ready to be launched in early 2007.