UCAS Deadlines & Key Dates: 2026/2027

October 15th, January 13th and June 30th are among the key UCAS deadlines for 2027 entry.

With so many dates in the UCAS timeline, it can be hard to know which ones are most important and relevant to you. We’ve put together a clear and comprehensive guide on all the UCAS dates you need to know, including options for Extra (opens in a new tab) and Clearing. Knowing these dates will give you a greater sense of control over your application, saving you the stress of missing crucial deadlines.

Key Takeaways

• You can submit your completed application to UCAS from September 1st 2026

• The application deadline for Oxbridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science courses is October 15th 2026

• The application deadline for most courses is January 13th 2027

• Extra allows you to make a further choice, and Clearing is an option if you apply after June 30th or don’t receive any offers

UCAS Application Timeline Overview

• April-May 2026: 2027 courses are displayed and applications open

• September 2026: completed applications can be submitted

• October 2026: application deadlines for conservatoire music, Oxbridge, and most medicine, dentistry & veterinary medicine/science courses

• January 2027: deadline for most undergraduate courses

• February-July 2027: Extra is available for students who have used all five choices and want to make a further choice

• July-October 2027: Clearing is available

• September 2027: deadline for 2027 entry applications

Key UCAS Deadlines for 2026/2027

The table below includes the most important UCAS deadlines for 2026/2027:

Clearing (July – October 2027)

Clearing is the method by which universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses. It opens July 2nd and closes October 18th 2027, and you can use it in the following circumstances:

• You’re applying after June 30th

• You didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)

• You didn’t meet the conditions for your offers

• You’ve declined your firm place

Other Important UCAS Dates

UCAS Registration Opens

• April 28th 2026: UCAS’ search tool displays 2027 courses

• May 5th 2026: the adviser portal opens for 2027 entry

• May 12th 2026: applications open for 2027 entry

• July 9th 2026: conservatoire applications open for 2027 entry

• September 1st 2026: you can submit your completed application to UCAS

Application Submission Deadline for All Courses

• June 30th 2027, 6pm UK time: final deadline before applications automatically go into Clearing

• September 23rd 2027, 6pm UK time: final deadline for 2027 entry applications

• October 18th 2027: final deadline to add a 2027 entry Clearing choice

Results Days

Since results days trigger the next phase of the UCAS process, including Clearing and confirming offers, it’s worth noting the following results day dates:

• IB: July 6th 2027

• Scottish Highers: August 10th 2027

• A Levels: August 12th 2027

What Happens If You Miss a UCAS Deadline?

• October 15th 2026: if you miss the deadline for Oxbridge or other courses with an October deadline, you will need to wait until the following year to apply. Due to the highly competitive nature of their courses, neither Oxford nor Cambridge participate in Clearing

• January 13th 2027: if you miss the deadline for most courses, you can still apply by June 30th. You should, however, aim to meet the January deadline, as applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed to be equally considered

Tips for Meeting UCAS Deadlines

• Confirm references early: ask your teacher or someone who knows you academically for a reference as soon as you can

• Register for any admissions tests: if you need to take an admissions test, such as the LNAT for law, the deadline for it won’t necessarily be on the UCAS website. Make sure you register and take the test in time

• Set internal deadlines: aim to complete stages (like writing your personal statement) at least two to three weeks before the UCAS deadline, as this gives you plenty of time to check your application and make any necessary edits

UCAS Deadlines for International Students

If you’re an international student, you have the exact same UCAS deadlines as domestic students.

You can apply for a student route visa up to six months early if you're outside of the UK, and three months in advance of your course start date if you're already in the UK. August is the peak month for UK student visa applications, so aim to apply before then to beat the rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does UCAS open for 2027 university entry?

Applications opened on May 12th 2026, and you can submit your completed application to UCAS from September 1st.

Can I submit my UCAS application after the January deadline?

Yes. Applications submitted after January 13th are accepted until June 30th, but universities only consider them if places are still available. Aim to meet the January deadline to give yourself a better chance of a successful application.

What's the difference between the October and January UCAS deadlines?

October 15th is the deadline for Oxbridge and most medicine, dentistry & veterinary medicine/science applications, whereas January 13th is the deadline for most other courses.

When do I need to respond to my university offers?

It depends on when you receive your final offer and whether you’re a conservatoire applicant or not. You'll typically have to respond to your offers within three or four weeks, but this can vary. If you don’t respond in time, you’ll be declined or rejected by default.

Visit the UCAS website for more information on specific dates.

Can I change my UCAS application after submitting it?

You can change your address, phone number and email address in your UCAS Hub.

If you want to change your choices, this will depend on where you are in the application process. Visit the UCAS website for more information.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the key UCAS deadlines – particularly for October, January and June – will help you to plan ahead and keep last-minute stress at bay. Make a note of the most important dates, and set your own personal deadlines to avoid rushing your application.

Good luck!

References

• UCAS (opens in a new tab)