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 chosen course(s). If you are applying from the UK, you should submit your 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.

Give yourself enough time to complete your application, including your reference (if necessary), pay your application fee and resolve any queries so that it can be sent to us before the relevant deadline passes.

Applying after the deadline

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 for the course(s) you have selected.

View a list of important dates

Art and design courses

View a list of courses with the 24 March application deadline (PDF)

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

If you're applying through a school or college, they might set an earlier deadline - you need to send your application to them by this date so that they have time to write your reference and send your completed application to us before our deadline.

Course start dates

Not all courses start in September or October - some start between January and May.
Check the start dates for the courses you are interested in on the 'Course information' screen in Course Search.
For courses that start between January and May, you may need to apply before the three application deadlines above, as the universities and colleges will need time to consider your application.
Contact the university or college direct for advice about when they need your application. Although some will be happy to receive applications right up to the start of the course, be prepared to send your application early.
You don't have to apply for all your choices at the same time. You can add further choices as long as you haven't used up all your choices and you haven't accepted a place before 30 June.

International applicants

If you are applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever your nationality, you need to be aware of the three application deadlines, although many universities and colleges will consider your 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, you 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. You are advised to apply as early as possible.

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

Several countries require their citizens to complete mandatory military or national service. If this affects you, check with universities and colleges in advance to discuss when you should apply. You can defer through UCAS for a maximum of one year. It would be useful to include information on your military or national service in your personal statement.

Application flowchart

View deadline dates for the 2013 entry application cycle

Taking a year out?

If you want to take a year out before starting your course, check with your universities and colleges that they will accept a deferred entry application.
If you apply for deferred entry in 2014, you must still apply by the relevant deadline above, and meet the conditions of any offers by 31 August 2013.
If you accept a place starting in 2014, you can't reapply through us in the same cycle, unless your original application is withdrawn.
You can only send us one application in each year's application cycle. If you send a second application, it will be cancelled and you will not receive a refund.