Skip navigation

    Key dates and the application journey

    The key dates you need for applications, to help your child keep their application on track.

    2026 entry key dates

    1. Apr 29

      UCAS’ search tool displays 2026 courses

    2. May 13

      Undergraduate applications open for 2026 entry

      Students can start their applications, but they cannot be submitted to UCAS until 2 September 2025. 
    3. Jul 10

      Conservatoire applications open for 2026 entry

      Applicants can register, pay, and send their applications.
    4. Sep 02

      Completed undergraduate applications can be submitted to UCAS

      All sections must be complete, the reference added, and the application fee paid.
    5. Oct 02

      (18:00 UK time) Application deadline for conservatoire music applications

      Applications for dance, drama, and musical theatre courses may have a different deadline – check conservatoires’ websites for information.
    6. Oct 15

      (18:00 UK time) Deadline for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science

      Applications can be sent after this, but universities and colleges cannot guarantee they’ll give it equal consideration.
    7. Jan 14

      (18:00 UK time) Equal consideration date for applications for most undergraduate courses and most conservatoire undergraduate dance, drama, or musical theatre courses.

      Applications can be sent after this, but providers cannot guarantee they’ll give it equal consideration.
    8. Feb 26

      Extra opens

      If your child has used all five choices and is not holding an offer, they can add another choice using Extra.
    9. Jun 30

      Last date for receipt of applications with choices

      Applications received after this deadline are automatically entered into Clearing.
    10. Jul 01

      Extra closes

    11. Jul 02

      Clearing opens

      Vacancies are shown in the UCAS search tool.

    12. Sep 24

      (18:00 UK time) Final date for 2026 entry applications

    13. Oct 19

      Last date to add 2026 entry Clearing choice

    More key dates

    Egg timer on top of a calendar

    Don't leave it until the last minute

    Encourage your child to leave contingency time before the UCAS deadline in case something goes wrong, for example, loss of internet access, card payment failure, or if the reference isn’t added in time. If they’re applying through their school or college, it will be a member of staff who sends their application to us.

    Journey of an application

    1. Apply online

    The UCAS Hub is designed to help your child explore all their post-18 options in one central place. They can research subjects there and find courses in the search tool, where they can check entry requirements and application deadlines. They need to register and apply in the UCAS Hub.

    2. Wait to hear back

    Universities or colleges will decide whether to make your child an offer. It’ll be:

    • unconditional – if they’ve already met the entry requirements
    • conditional – if the offer’s based on exam results 

    3. Reply to offers

    Once all the decisions are in, your child has to reply to their offers by a specific deadline.

    • Select a firm choice – this is the first choice.
    • If the firm choice is conditional, your child can select an insurance choice too, if they want – this is a back-up.
    • Decline any other offers.

    4. Find out if they’ve got a place

    Your child will see in their application if their place is confirmed.

    • If the firm choice is unconditional, the place is theirs.
    • If the place is conditional, the university or college will update your child's status when they have their exam results, or other evidence they’ve met the conditions.
    • If they don’t meet the conditions they may be unsuccessful – in this case, they can use Clearing to apply for more courses.
    • If your child changes their mind and no longer wants their firm choice, they can use the ‘decline my place’ button in their application to use Clearing to find another place. More about declining a place. 

     

    Advertisements. Why the ads?