Program Overview

Introduction to In2Surrey

In2Surrey is the University of Surrey's contextual admissions and transition programme, coordinated by the Widening Participation and Success Team. It is designed to support eligible students in their preparation for studying at the University of Surrey.

What are Contextual Admissions?

The University of Surrey is committed to social mobility and believes that to have a diverse and representative society, all learners with the potential to succeed at university can do so regardless of their background or personal experience. As part of this commitment to widening participation, the university uses contextual admissions. This involves using additional information, such as socio-economic factors, to understand the context in which applicants have achieved their qualifications, enabling the identification of performance and potential.

Eligibility for Contextual Admissions

You may be eligible for a contextual admissions offer if you are a UK domiciled student and meet the criteria. Please note that subject requirements may not be reduced in the offer, and grades will be reduced by up to two A-level grades, or one BTEC grade or equivalent. Contextual offers are made to home students applying for undergraduate courses only.

Automatically Applied Contextual Offers

Applicants will automatically be considered for a reduced entry requirement of 2x A-Level grades (or equivalent) based on contextual data as disclosed through their UCAS application. This includes applicants who:

• Live in a POLAR4, Quintile 1 postcode
• Live in an Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD 1), quintile 1 postcode within the United Kingdom
• Have experience of living within care
• Have received free school meals at any point during their secondary school education
• Are estranged from their parents (i.e., they are not in contact with and supported by their parents)

The contextual offer will automatically appear on the applicant's UCAS Track, and they will receive confirmation from the Admissions Team directly. Reduced offers will be applied on a case-by-case basis, depending on the chosen course of study and any course requirements.

In2Surrey Contextual Offer

In2Surrey provides an opportunity for applicants to receive a reduced entry requirement of 1 A-Level grade (or equivalent) where circumstances are not automatically recognised within the UCAS application process. In2Surrey invites applicants to apply directly for the scheme, which is considered in parallel to their UCAS application.

A contextual offer of one A-level or equivalent will be applied to the entry requirement for undergraduate courses. The contextual offer will be processed by the Team and will appear on the applicant's UCAS Track at a later date. Once this has been applied, the applicant will receive confirmation from the Admissions Team directly.

Reduced offers will be applied on a case-by-case basis, depending on the chosen course of study and any course requirements. Please note that the university may be unable to offer a reduction in entry requirements in some cases for BTEC students, those with unconditional offers, or where subjects are required for courses.

The following table outlines the equivalencies for reduced entry requirements:

• A-level | BTEC | IB | ACCESS HE
• --- | --- | --- | ---
• A*AA | DDD | 38 | 45 @ Distinction
• AAA | D*DD | 36 | 45 @ Distinction
• AAB | DDD | 35 | 39 @ Distinction + 6 @ Merit
• ABB | DDD | 34 | 30 @ Distinction + 15 @ Merit
• BBB | DDM | 32 | 27 @ Distinction + 18 @ Merit

Who is Eligible for an In2Surrey Contextual Offer?

You are eligible to receive a contextual offer through In2Surrey if you attend a state school and meet one of the following criteria:

• You are eligible for a 16-19 bursary.
• You are a refugee with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
• You are from a Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, Showperson, or Boater community.
• You are a young carer or look after someone in your family (e.g., you care for a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or addiction).
• You have disclosed a disability or long-term health condition.
• You have a parent/carer who has served in the UK Armed Forces or as a Reservist.
• You are a mature or adult learner who will be aged 21 years or over when commencing your studies.
• You live in an IMD Q2 Postcode.
• You live in a POLAR4 Q2 Postcode.

Applicants who have previously completed a Surrey Scholars activity are eligible for In2Surrey.

Pre-entry Transition

In2Surrey provides transition support for all contextual offer applicants to help prepare them for starting their studies and across the first semester. Applicants can access:

• Exclusive online resources and content.
• Online Mentoring.
• Invitation to join Surrey Future Leaders.
• Invitation to join Student Networks at the University of Surrey.

Eligible applicants will be contacted by the University of Surrey and/or the Widening Participation & Success Team directly to receive further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I receive my contextual offer?

Applicants eligible for an automatically applied contextual offer will have the reduced entry requirement factored into their initial offer from the University of Surrey's Admissions Team. This will also appear on their UCAS Track.

Applicants eligible for a contextual offer through In2Surrey will receive an updated offer once processed by both the Widening Participation and Admissions Team respectively. Therefore, please expect a delay between receiving the initial offer and the contextual offer. Once the reduced entry requirement has been applied, the applicant will be contacted by the Admissions Team, and the new offer will appear on their UCAS Track.

In2Surrey contextual offers will be processed and updated before June 2026. The university is unable to award In2Surrey contextual offers after this date.

Extenuating circumstances are impacting my grades - can I receive a contextual offer?

Extenuating circumstances will automatically be considered if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. If the applicant does not meet one of the outlined eligibility criteria but has faced considerable disruption to education, they should contact the university to discuss their circumstances.

Do I receive a scholarship?

In2Surrey does not have a direct scholarship attached. However, if the applicant is eligible for In2Surrey, they may be eligible for one of the University of Surrey's advertised bursaries and scholarships. Please visit the Fees and Funding pages for further information and details regarding financial support.

Do I receive support towards travel for open days and offer holder days?

If the applicant is eligible for a contextual offer, they can receive a £40 travel bursary for 1 x University of Surrey Open Day and 1x Offer Holder Day event that they attend. To read more and to apply, please visit the travel bursary page.

When do I need to apply for In2Surrey?

Applications for In2Surrey will reopen in September 2025 and close on Sunday, 31 May 2026, ahead of 2026/27 entry. The applicant can apply at any time before the deadline but is strongly encouraged to complete their application once they have submitted their UCAS application.