Key university application dates and Ucas deadlines for 2025 and 2026 entry
If you're planning to start university in 2025 or 2026, it's essential to keep track of key dates across the academic year. From A-level results and Clearing to Oxbridge deadlines and Ucas Extra, this guide breaks down everything you need to know so you don’t miss a step.
Whether you're applying for the first time, rethinking your course, or navigating your options after exam results, here’s the timeline to help you plan ahead with confidence.
August 2025
14 August 2025 – A-level results day
This is the day many students across the UK have been waiting for. Once you receive your A-level results, you’ll find out whether you've met the conditions of your university offers. If things haven’t gone to plan - or if you've changed your mind about where or what you want to study—you can start applying through Clearing from today. If you need support with your exam results, you can talk to Ucas-trained volunteers on The Student Room or speak to careers advisers on the National Careers Service hotline (0800 100 900).
September – December 2025
2 September 2025 – Ucas applications open for 2026 entry
From this date, you can start submitting your Ucas application for courses starting in autumn 2026. Universities and colleges may begin reviewing applications as they come in, although actual offer timings vary by institution. It might seem like sending in your application early will boost your chances of an offer, but it can be a bit more complicated than that.
24 September 2025 – Final deadline for 2025 entry applications
This is the last chance to apply for courses starting in 2025. After this date, applications will no longer be accepted for 2025 entry, so make sure everything is submitted if you're hoping to start this autumn.
15 October 2025 – Oxbridge and specialist course deadline (2026 entry)
If you're applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or for courses in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine/science, this is your critical deadline. Applications must be completed and submitted by 6pm (UK time) for 2026 entry.
20 October 2025 – Clearing closes for 2025 entry
This marks the final deadline to add Clearing choices for courses starting in 2025. If you’re still without a place, this is the last call to secure one before Clearing closes.
2026
January – March
14 January 2026 – Main Ucas deadline (2026 entry)
This is the main application deadline for most undergraduate courses in the UK. Your application must be submitted by 6pm UK time. Missing this date doesn’t mean the end of the road,here’s what you should know about applying after the January deadline.
26 February 2026 – Ucas Extra opens
Didn’t receive any offers or declined all of them? Ucas Extra gives you another opportunity to apply to different universities one course at a time.
April – June
13 May 2026 – Universities respond to January applications
If you applied by the January deadline, this is when you can expect most universities to have responded with their decisions. Keep an eye on your Ucas Track account and prepare to make your choices.
3 June 2026 – Reply deadline for offers (received by 13 May)
If you received all your decisions by 13 May, this is the deadline to reply to your offers. Accept your firm and insurance choices by 6pm (UK time) or risk losing your place.
30 June 2026 – Last date for on-time applications
Applications received by this date are guaranteed to be sent to universities for consideration. Anything submitted after today goes directly into Clearing.
July – August
1 July 2026 – Ucas Extra closes
Ucas Extra ends today. If you haven’t secured a place by now, your next option is Clearing.
2 July 2026 – Clearing opens for 2026 entry
Vacancies in Clearing start being published from today, with universities listing their courses that still have available spaces.
17 July 2026 – Decisions due from universities (30 June applications)
For those who submitted their application by 30 June, universities must make their decisions by today. Log into your Ucas account to check for updates.
22 July 2026 – Offer reply deadline (decisions received by 17 July)
This is the last day to respond to offers if you received all your decisions by 17 July (6pm deadline).
