Each year, there are set key dates and deadlines for anyone applying to university through UCAS. Here are the UCAS dates you need to know about for 2021.
What is UCAS?
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an organisation that processes applications to UK universities. It operates as a charity and is the system through which most undergraduate applications and many postgraduate applications are made and managed.
May
4 May 2021: 2022 entry UCAS Undergraduate search tool went live
On 4th May this year, the UCAS undergraduate search tool went live. This allows students to search for undergraduate courses beginning in September 2022.
18 May 2021: 2022 entry UCAS undergraduate application went live
On this date, the application process went live. This allowed all undergraduate applicants to begin completing their university applications. However, students are not able to submit their completed applications until September.
June
30 June 2021: 2021 entry applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing
This was the last date for students to apply for 2021 entry to an undergraduate programme with the usual five university choices. From this date, all applications have been automatically entered into the Clearing process.
July
5 July 2021: 2021 entry Clearing opens
Clearing is a system that matches applicants with open spaces on university programmes. Clearing is great for those who decided to apply late or who applied through UCAS but did not receive any offers (for example, those who missed their required grades.)
Don’t be afraid of Clearing! Many people receive a place on what turns out to be their dream course in this way.
August
10 August 2021: SQA and GCE results day
Any students who have completed Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) courses will receive their results on this day. Many students will find out whether they have a confirmed place at university based on their results. This type of offer of a place is called a conditional offer.
If you miss your grades, don’t panic. Some universities will honour their offers anyway, especially if you were close to making the mark. If not, Clearing is a great option.
10-18 August 2021: Adjustment is open
Adjustment allows you to change your mind about the course you want to study. If you’ve met or exceeded the conditions for entry, you might decide you want to consider a different course instead. Adjustment allows you to swap a confirmed firm choice to a place on another course or at another institution, if availability allows.
September
7 September 2021: Application submissions for 2022 entry open
Students wishing to apply for entry to undergraduate courses in 2022 can now submit their applications through UCAS. Universities and colleges will start making decisions on applications as they receive them.
8 September 2021: Remaining offer conditions for 2021 entry must be met
If you have outstanding offer conditions for your 2021 course, this is the last day to ensure all those requirements are met and the university notified.
21 September 2021: Final deadline to apply for 2021 entry
There’s still time to apply to start university in 2021 until 21 September. If you want to go to university this year, all applications must be with UCAS by 18:00 (6pm) on this date. Applications will be processed through Clearing and will depend on what places are available.
October
15 October 2021: Deadlines for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, and courses in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine/Science, and Dentistry for 2022 entry
Oxbridge and certain courses at other universities have different deadline dates. If you want to apply for either of the top two universities or for a course in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine/Science, or Dentistry, be sure to apply by this date to ensure your application is considered.
You can apply to further courses with different deadlines later as long as you do not exceed your five total choices.
19 October 2021: Last day to add Clearing choices for 2021 entry
If you still want to go to university in 2021, this is the last date to add Clearing choices to your UCAS Track account. Bear in mind that many courses have already started by this date, so we recommend not leaving it this late unless you have absolutely no other choice.
20 October 2021: Deadline for universities to make decisions on 2021 entry
If you’ve applied for a course through Clearing, this is the date by which the university must let you know if you’ve been accepted or not.
January
26 January 2022: “Equal consideration” deadline for applications for 2022 entry
Unless you applied for one of the courses with an October 15 deadline, this is the date by which you should apply for courses starting in September 2022. If you apply by this date, universities are obligated to give all applications equal weight in their consideration process.
UCAS Personal Statements – finding a formula
Top Tips for your UCAS Application
Applying for university can be a scary and time-consuming process. Here are a few of our top tips to help you make it as stress-free as possible:
- Apply as early as possible. The more time you have, the less stressed you’ll be and the more time you’ll have to fine-tune your application.
- Visit the universities you’d like to apply to if possible. If they are still not allowing visitors, virtual open days are a good alternative.
- If you’re unsure about a course, seek out current students or alumni and ask them for their honest perspective.
- Work with a friend and support each other with your UCAS applications. This could include proofreading each other’s applications or just offering moral support.
- Listen to your gut. If a university or a course doesn’t feel right, pay attention to that.
- Triple-check your spelling, grammar, and personal details before you hit “submit.”
- Remember: going to university is supposed to be exciting!
