Purpose: This paper aims to determine the role of ethnic origin on university application among Leicester college students. Design/methodology/approach: The approach takes the form of a quantitative survey of 427 students in sixth form colleges in Leicester. Findings: Five distinct motivational factors were derived from a survey of 427 sixth form college students in Leicester (UK). For all ethnic groups, the student's career is the most important motivating factor; the other motivators are, however, more varied. The influence of the family was most important among Pakistani and African students. Indian and "other" Asian students were most strongly associated with academic and social motivators. White applicants, on the other hand, had no relative strengths with regard to common motivators. What was perhaps more apparent was how unimportant family was on influencing choice. There were also differences between the ethnic groups and the university type applied for. While Afro-Caribbeans had 100 per cent acceptance to the universities they chose, they were least likely to apply at "pre-1992" universities. In spite of having the lowest UCAS points score, African students were most likely to apply for and be accepted at "old" universities. Whites (with the best academic performance) were the least likely group to be accepted at the universities (predominantly pre-1992 institution) at which they applied. Research limitations/implications: The survey only considered students at sixth form colleges; it excluded those A level students at comprehensive or fee paying schools. Practical implications: Widening participation remains on the agenda for many universities. Having a fuller understanding of ethnic minorities' influences in university choice will better enable universities to develop marketing programmes for their recruitment. Originality/value: Since the adoption of Widening Participation initiatives, the profile of applications through UCAS has changed. The study revisits ethnic group motivations to apply to UCAS for university entrance. (Contains 5 tables and 4 figures.)