Quick Information
| Last Verified Date | November 10, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official Source | https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-to-university/dates-and-deadlines-for-uni-applications |
Step 1: Choose Your Courses
Undergraduate applications to UK universities go through one central system, UCAS. You can apply to up to five courses in one application cycle. There are two important limits: you can make only four choices for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, and you cannot apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. Start by shortlisting courses, not only universities. Read the course pages carefully — two universities can offer the same subject with very different module choices, teaching styles and assessment methods.
Step 2: Check Entry Requirements and Admissions Tests
Every course publishes its entry requirements, usually as A-level grades, International Baccalaureate points, or an equivalent qualification. Some courses also require an admissions test, and these have their own registration deadlines. Medicine requires the UCAT, law requires the LNAT, and many engineering and science courses require the ESAT. Register for these tests in the summer before you apply, because late registration is often impossible. If English is not your first language, you will also need an accepted English test at the level the university asks for.
Step 3: Write Your Personal Statement and Gather Documents
Your UCAS application needs a personal statement explaining why you want to study the subject and what you have done to prepare for it — reading, projects, work experience or relevant activities. You also need a reference, usually from a teacher, and your school transcripts. Ask your referee early, and give them time to write properly. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Deadlines matter more than anything else in this process. For 2027 entry, UCAS applications open on 12 May 2026. The equal-consideration date is 15 October at 18:00 UK time for Oxford, Cambridge and most courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, and 13 January at 18:00 UK time for most other undergraduate courses. Applying by the equal-consideration date means the university must consider your application fairly alongside all other on-time applications. If you receive no offers, UCAS Extra opens on 25 February and lets you add one choice at a time. The final date for 2027 entry applications is 23 September 2027.
Step 5: Offers, Replies and Your CAS
Universities reply with conditional offers (you must meet stated grades or conditions), unconditional offers, or rejections. You choose a firm choice and an insurance choice, then work to meet your conditions. Once your place is unconditional, your university sends you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — a reference number you must enter on your visa application. You need the CAS before you can apply for your visa, and you must apply within six months of receiving it.
Step 6: Apply for Your Student Visa
Apply for a Student visa online. You will need your CAS, a valid passport, and evidence that you can pay your course fees and support yourself. The UK government requires £1,529 per month for up to nine months if you study in London, or £1,171 per month outside London, and the money must have been held for at least 28 days in a row, with the end of that period within 31 days of your application. Some applicants also need a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, depending on where they have lived. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, and attend a biometrics appointment. Do not book travel until your visa is granted.
