Missing key UCAS deadlines can seriously affect your university application—especially for popular courses or prestigious institutions. As an IB student, aligning your preparation with UCAS timelines is essential. Below is a clear guide to all critical UCAS deadlines, so you can apply with confidence and clarity.
UCAS Deadlines at a Glance
Opening Admissions Cycle
- April–May: UCAS opens for new entry, and the course search tool becomes available. For 2026 entry, the search tool went live on 29 April and applications opened on 13 May (Chat University, UCAS, The Parents' Guide).
Application Opening and Submission
- You can start your UCAS application in the Hub during the summer, but it can only be submitted from 2 September (UCAS).
15 October – Early Deadlines
- 18:00 UK time on 15 October is the deadline for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science (UCAS).
29 (or 14) January – Equal Consideration Deadline
- Most undergraduate applications must be submitted by 18:00 UK time on 29 January (for the 2025 cycle) for universities to consider them fairly (UCAS).
- For 2026 entry, this equal consideration deadline is 14 January 2026 (UCAS).
26 February – UCAS Extra Opens
- If all five choices are used and no offers received, Extra opens on 26 February, allowing applicants to apply to one extra course at a time (UCAS).
30 June – Final Deadline for Applications
- Applications received by 18:00 UK time on 30 June are still processed on time; anything later automatically goes through Clearing (UCAS).
July–September – Extra Closes & Clearing Opens
- 4 July: UCAS Extra closes—no new extra choices can be added after this date (Chat University).
- 5 July: Clearing officially opens; students without offers or with declined offers can search for available places (UCAS).
- September/Results Day: Clearing continues and drops close around mid-September, though dates for A‑Level and SQA results vary—14 August for A‑Levels, 5 August for SQA; Clearing often peaks during this window (The Times).
Replying to Offers
- Deadlines depend on when decisions arrive:
- If last decision comes before 31 March 2026, response deadline is 6 May 2026.
- If received by 13 May 2026, reply by 3 June 2026.
- If last decision arrives by 15 July 2026, reply by 22 July 2026 (UCAS).
Why These Deadlines Matter
- Equal Consideration: Applying before the January deadline ensures you’re not competing unfairly with late submissions; missing this may limit your opportunities (UCAS).
- Course Closures: Popular courses often close after January. Apply early to avoid missing out (theuniguide.co.uk).
- Clearing Opportunity: After 30 June, Clearing is open, offering a last chance to secure a place—around 28,000 courses were available through Clearing in 2025 (The Times).
UCAS Deadlines Timeline
Period Action April–May UCAS opens, courses available (e.g., 29 Apr–13 May for 2026) 2 Sep Application submission opens 15 Oct Deadline for Oxbridge/medicine/veterinary 14/29 Jan Equal consideration deadline (2026 / 2025) 26 Feb UCAS Extra opens 30 Jun Final application deadline 4 Jul Extra closes 5 Jul onward Clearing opens June–Sept A-Level/SQA results & Clearing peak Responses due By May–July depending on when offers arrive
FAQs: UCAS Deadlines Simplified
Q: Can I still apply after 29 January?
A: Yes, until 30 June, but universities are not obliged to consider late applications. Apply earlier whenever possible.
Q: What is Clearing?
A: A chance to apply for remaining spots in courses after deadlines—especially useful after results days.
Q: When should I respond to offers?
A: Response deadlines vary; check your UCAS Track. Generally, reply by early June or July depending on when decisions came in.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead with Deadlines
Missing a UCAS deadline can dramatically impact your options. Use this guide as your roadmap—plan carefully, apply early, and prepare for phases like Extra and Clearing. As an IB student, syncing your TOK, IA, or EE deadlines with UCAS timelines ensures smoother planning and stronger outcomes.
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