An effective higher education admissions system is key to ensuring the stability of the education sector and commanding public confidence in the ability of universities and colleges to deliver the best outcomes for students. Universities and colleges are autonomous in their admissions processes, but these processes are delivered in line with shared principles that: (1) protect applicants; (2) support fairness and transparency; (3) ensure the stability of the higher education sector; and (4) maintain high academic standards. This code of practice is intended to guide higher education admissions practices to ensure that they are fair, transparent, and deliver admissions in the interest of applicants. Universities and colleges should also consider how the principles can be applied to the admission of other students, including postgraduate applicants and applicants from outside of the United Kingdom (UK), even though their admissions processes for these students may be different.