Applying to RO

January 2024 update: Applications for students entering Year 12/first year of college have now closed. Students with complete applications received before the deadline have now been contacted about the outcome of their application. Applications will reopen in September 2024 for students in Year 12 in September 2024.

Realising Opportunities (RO) provides support during post-16 studies to develop the skills to be successful at university.

RO students benefit from increased information, advice and access to some of the country’s leading research intensive universities. Students accepted on to RO follow a programme which ensures they are better equipped for university life and what research intensive universities can offer.

The application process only assesses whether students meet RO’s eligibility criteria – students are not required to write a personal statement nor tell us why they want a place on RO.

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Steps to apply to RO

To apply for a place on the Realising Opportunities programme, you need to:

  1. Thoroughly read the Application Guide for Students and watch the Applying to RO video (both of which can be found on this page).
  2. Check our full eligibility criteria.
  3. If you are eligible to apply, ask the member of staff at your school/college who informed you about the RO programme to give you the Student Application Key and application deadline for your school/college.
  4. Log on to the RO student hub to enter the Student Application Key and complete your application form.
  5. Ask your parent/carer to complete the online parent/carer section of the application form which will be sent to their email address once you have submitted your application.

You will need to know the email address for your parent/carer when filling out your application. If your parent/carer does not have an email address contact us. If you live independently you will need to indicate this on your application and your teacher/advisor will confirm this when they complete their section.


Benefits

If you don’t know where you want to go to uni or even what you want to study, RO is a great option for you.

The RO programme connects students to leading universities giving them choices so they can keep their options open.

Taking part in RO you are more likely to:

  • go to a leading university
  • get a higher degree result
  • gain a graduate job after you finish university.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in then view our eligibility criteria to find out if you are able to apply for a place on the RO programme.

male ro student laughing with other student

Application Guide 2023 for Students

Applications are now open for students entering Year 12/first year of college.

Read the Application Guide 2023 for Students to find out more about the:

  • RO programme
  • benefits of taking part
  • activities required to complete the RO programme.