University application timeline
Our timeline highlights the main dates and deadlines you'll need to be aware of when applying to university to study an undergraduate degree.
Your school or college may set its own deadline for completing personal statements, so it's important to be aware of this, too.
June-September
- Research is key. Consider which course you want to study and at which university.
- Strengthen your personal statement – the summer can be used to secure work experience or attend a summer school.
- Register with UCAS.
- Ask your school or college when to apply so that you can make a start on your application. Completed applications can be sent to UCAS from mid-September.
15 October
- Deadline for applications for Cambridge, Oxford or any course in medicine, dentistry or veterinary/medical science should arrive at UCAS by 6pm.
October-June
- Attend open days, taster days and applicant days where offered; apply for accommodation and make sure that you request any support that you require.
29 January
- In 2025 this is the main UCAS deadline for most degree courses. The deadline is 6pm.
February
26 February
- UCAS Extra opens. You can use UCAS Extra if your applications have been unsuccessful or you've declined all your offers. It's open from 26 February–4 July 2025.
May (dates vary)
- The deadline for you to respond to any offers you received before 31 March is usually in early May. The UCAS website will give exact dates. If you don't respond they will be declined.
14 May
- If you applied by the January deadline, you will receive all your offers by this date.
20 May
- Student Finance England's deadline for applications for financial support from new students.
4 June
- Deadline for you to respond to your offers if they were received on or before 14 May. This doesn't include UCAS Extra choices. If you don't respond they will be declined. This is sometimes known as 'decline by default'.
Early July
- BTEC results are published.
- UCAS publishes its Clearing vacancy list for applicants who have received their results.
- Any applications made after 4 July will automatically be entered into Clearing, which opens on 5 July 2025 on UCAS.
23 July
- If you received offers on or before 17 July, you must respond to them by 23 July. This includes UCAS Extra choices. If you don't respond they will be declined. This is sometimes known as 'decline by default'.
14 August 2025
- Results day: the day you secure your place at university.
- The Clearing and Adjustment systems become fully operational on this date. If you don't get the grades you expected, work out a plan of action and try to secure an alternative place to study.
August-September
- Prepare to start university. If you'll be driving to university, make sure that everything fits in the car!
September-October
- Clearing ends and universities stop accepting applications.
- University begins: good luck!