UK University Application Planning
Are you planning to apply and study your bachelor’s degree in the UK? It’s important to understand the key deadlines to plan ahead and stay on track when applying to UK universities!
Some universities or courses have different deadlines. Here at The UK Study Expert, we want to make sure you have all the deadlines, timelines and resources to plan ahead, apply on time and get the acceptance offer of your dreams so you can study in the UK!
What is UCAS?
We are going to mention a lot about UCAS in this article! Before we begin, UCAS (the Universities, Colleges and Admissions Service) is the central hub to apply to UK universities. Think of it as the UK’s version of the Common App. You can only apply up to 5 UK universities, and the fee to submit your application is £28.50 (roughly $37 USD) for up to 5 universities, which is very cost effective!
> Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $39
UK Bachelor’s Degree Application Deadlines
We have listed below the UK bachelor degree deadlines if you are applying for September 2026 entry. Here are the important deadlines to know before you apply:
- May 13, 2025 – UCAS Application Opens for 2026 Entry
- September 2, 2025 – You can submit your college application on UCAS.
Make sure your reference letter is attached. If not, even though you submitted, unlike US applications, it won’t be fully submitted until the reference letter is attached.
- October 15, 2025 (6:00pm UK time) – Deadline for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science
- January 14, 2026 (6:00pm UK time) – Equal Consideration Deadline for most undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) courses.
This is probably the most important UK admissions deadline of them all. We recommend applying by this date if possible, even though US students can still apply after, since many UK universities offer rolling admissions for international students.
Universities and colleges do not guarantee consideration for admission after 14 January 2026, and some popular courses may no longer have vacancies. Also, most high-ranking UK universities adhere to this deadline, so it’s important to submit your application before this deadline. Please check with individual universities and colleges if you are not sure.
- February 26, 2026 – Extra Opens
If you used all 5 UK university choices and didn’t receive any offers, you may be eligible to add an additional university.
- June 30, 2026 (6:00pm UK time) – Applications received by this deadline will be sent to universities and colleges
After this time, applications are automatically entered into Clearing.
- July 5, 2026 (6:00pm UK time) – Clearing Opens
Clearing opens for eligible applicants, and vacancies are displayed in UCAS’ search tool. Applicants can release themselves into Clearing. Discover information and advice on our Clearing and results day pages.
How The UK Study Expert Can Help You
Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy UK University Search Engine. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.
You can also check out our Services Page to see what services we can support you!
Need help figuring out your UCAS application?
Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $39
