UCAS - When to apply

When to apply

There are different application deadlines

There are three application deadlines for courses through UCAS - 15 October, 15 January and 24 March - it is important to check the deadline for your son's or daughter's chosen course(s). If they are applying from the UK, they should submit their application by the relevant deadline below.

15 October - application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all professional medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses, and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
15 January - application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those listed above with a 15 October deadline, and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline.
24 March - application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January deadline.

If your son or daughter applies for art and design courses with different deadlines, they can submit their application before 15 January for courses with that deadline, then add further choices before the 24 March deadline using Track (as long as they haven't used all five choices).

Applications received by the above deadlines are guaranteed to be considered by the universities and colleges. Applications received at UCAS after the deadlines, up until 30 June, will only be considered by the universities and colleges if they still have vacancies in the course(s) selected.

View a list of important dates

Course start dates

Not all courses start in September or October - some start between January and May. Check the start dates for the courses on the 'Course information' screen in Course Search. For courses that start between January and May, your son or daughter may need to apply before the three application deadlines above, as the universities and colleges will need time to consider their application.

Your son or daughter does not have to apply for all their choices at the same time. They can add further choices as long as they have not used up all their choices and have not accepted a place before 30 June.

International applicants

If your son or daughter is applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever their nationality, they need to be aware of the three application deadlines, although many universities and colleges will consider their application up until 30 June . This does not apply to applications for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science. For all of these, they must apply by 15 October.

Universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications they receive after 15 January, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after that date. Please check with individual universities and colleges if you are not sure. We advise international students to apply as early as possible.

Your son or daughter needs to allow enough time for entry clearance or immigration; also travel and accommodation arrangements, which can take longer during the summer when immigration departments are busy.

If you think your son or daughter may be assessed as a 'home' student (UK or EU) for tuition fees, they should apply by the relevant deadline at the top of the page.

Application flowchart

View deadline dates for the 2013 entry application cycle.