How to apply for an undergraduate university course

University application timeline

Our timeline highlights the main dates and deadlines you'll need to be aware of when applying to university to study an undergraduate degree.

Your school or college may set its own deadline for completing personal statements, so it's important to be aware of this, too.

June-September

  • Research is key. Consider which course you want to study and at which university.
  • Strengthen your personal statement – the summer can be used to secure work experience or attend a summer school.
  • Register with UCAS.
  • Ask your school or college when to apply so that you can make a start on your application. Completed applications can be sent to UCAS from mid-September.

15 October

  • Deadline for applications for Cambridge, Oxford or any course in medicine, dentistry or veterinary/medical science should arrive at UCAS by 6pm.

October-June

  • Attend open days, taster days and applicant days where offered; apply for accommodation and make sure that you request any support that you require.

14 January

  • In 2026 this is the main UCAS deadline for most degree courses. The deadline is 6pm.

February

26 February

  • UCAS Extra opens. You can use UCAS Extra if your applications have been unsuccessful or you've declined all your offers. It's open from 26 February–1 July 2026. 

6 May

  • The deadline for you to respond to any offers you received before 31 March. If you don't respond they will be declined. This is sometimes known as 'decline by default'.

13 May

  • If you applied by the January deadline, you will receive all your offers by this date.

16 May

  • Student Finance England's deadline for applications for financial support. This is the deadline for 2025. The date for 2026 is to be confirmed.

3 June

  • Deadline for you to respond to offers received on or before 13 May (not including UCAS Extra choices). If you don't respond they will be declined. This is sometimes known as 'decline by default'.

Early July

  • BTEC results are published. 
  • UCAS Extra closes.
  • UCAS publishes its Clearing vacancy list for applicants who have received their results.
  • Any applications made after 30 June will automatically be entered into Clearing, which opens on 2 July 2026 on UCAS.

22 July

  • If you received offers on or before 15 July, you must respond to them by 22 July (including UCAS Extra choices). If you don't respond they will be declined. This is sometimes known as 'decline by default'.

13 August 2026

  • Results day: the day you secure your place at university. 
  • The Clearing system becomes fully operational on this date. If you don't get the grades you expected, now's your chance to secure an alternative place to study.

August-September

  • Prepare to start university. If you'll be driving to university, make sure that everything fits in the car!

September-October

  • Clearing ends and universities stop accepting applications.
  • University begins: good luck!