Originally published August 2018. Updated January 2025.
Applying for university? Check out the key dates and UCAS deadlines you need to know below.
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Key UCAS application dates for 2025 entry
Please note that the dates may vary between courses and course providers.
3rd September 2024: You can start submitting completed undergraduate applications to UCAS. The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to UCAS.
15th October 2024: Applications for Oxford, Cambridge or most courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science should arrive at UCAS by 6pm (UK time). The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to UCAS.
29th January 2025: Applications for the majority of undergraduate courses should arrive at UCAS by 6pm (UK time) on this day (check course details using the UCAS search tool for the correct deadline). The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to UCAS. You can still apply after this date, but most universities/colleges do not guarantee to consider any applications sent after this date and popular courses may fill up quickly.
26th February 2025: Extra starts for eligible applicants. If you have used your five choices and do not have any offers, you may be able to apply for an extra course.
30th June 2025: The final deadline for applications. Applications must arrive at UCAS by 6pm (UK time). Any applications received after this date will be entered into Clearing.
4th July 2025: Last date for applicants to add an Extra choice.
5th July 2025: Clearing opens for eligible applicants.
20th October 2025: The deadline for adding Clearing choices.
Key UCAS application dates for 2026 entry
Please note that the dates may vary between courses and course providers.
29th April 2025: The UCAS course search tool will start showing 2026 entry courses.
13th May 2025: Undergraduate applications will open for 2026 entry.
2nd September 2025: You can start submitting completed undergraduate applications to UCAS. The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to UCAS.
15th October 2025: Applications for Oxford, Cambridge or most courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science should arrive at UCAS by 6pm (UK time). The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to UCAS.
14th January 2026: Applications for the majority of undergraduate courses should arrive at UCAS by 6pm (UK time) on this day (check course details using the UCAS search tool for the correct deadline). The reference needs to be completed before the application can be sent to UCAS. You can still apply after this date, but most universities/colleges do not guarantee to consider any applications sent after this date and popular courses may fill up quickly.
26th February 2026: Extra starts for eligible applicants. If you have used your five choices and do not have any offers, you may be able to apply for an extra course.
30th June 2026: The final deadline for applications. Applications must arrive at UCAS by 6pm (UK time). Any applications received after this date will be entered into Clearing.
4th July 2026: Last date for applicants to add an Extra choice.
5th July 2026: Clearing opens for eligible applicants.
19th October 2026: The deadline for adding Clearing choices.
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