Sorting out your university application can feel overwhelming. How do you know when to submit your application? Is it better to submit it straight away? And when should you get started? Find answers to all these questions and more in our latest blog.
From researching courses and visiting Open Days to accepting an offer, the journey to university can feel like a long slog. But it's important to take your time, and gather all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
You can submit your university application from 6 September 2022, using the UCAS Hub. UCAS has a free guide on how to submit your university application, that you may find useful.
When to apply for university 2023?
For any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry, you should have applied by 15 October 2022 for 2023 entry.
For the majority of other courses for 2023 entry, the university application deadline is 25 January 2023 at 18:00.
Many universities and colleges will continue to accept later applications from international students. However, it’s important not to wait too long! If you do get a place at your chosen university, you will need time to arrange your accommodation and visa.
If you're applying through your school or college, be mindful that your teachers may have their own internal deadlines. This is so they have enough time to read and check your application and write your reference, before submitting.
When should I start my university application?
Most UK applicants will work on their applications throughout November and December, whereas international students may wait until later in the year.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule for when you should get started on your application, exactly, because this is different for everyone.
However, do try to give yourself as much time as possible to visit universities, research different courses, and write your personal statement.
University is a big decision, and it’s important that you give yourself the time and space you need to make the right choice.
Is it better to apply to university early?
As long as it's before the deadline, when you submit your application won’t make any difference to your chances.
This means an application that’s submitted in September 2022 won't be favored over an application that's submitted on 25 January 2023. All applications prior to the January - or October, where applicable - deadline are treated the same.
Should you miss the January deadline, don’t panic. You can still apply until 30 June, but your application won't receive equal consideration.
To find out more about the implications of applying after the January deadline, including what equal consideration is, read our guide on applying to university late.
How long does it take to hear back from universities after you've submitted your application?
If you applied by 25 January, the deadline for universities to make a decision is 18 May 2023. If you apply by 30 June, that deadline is 12 July, 2023.
Once you've applied, it can take universities anywhere between a few days to months to get back to applicants. The length of time usually depends on when you applied, and how your chosen university course makes offers.
It's common for applicants to hear back at different times, so don't worry if your friends hear back before you do.
This is completely normal, and not a cause for concern.
Key dates in the university application timeline
The following dates have been confirmed by UCAS for 2023 entry. Make a note of these key dates in your calendar or your mobile phone to make sure you don't miss a beat on your journey to university.- 25 January 2023 - Applications for most courses to be received by UCAS
- 18 May 2023 - university decisions due on applications submitted by 25 January 2023
- 30 June 2023 - all applications received after this date will be entered into Clearing
- 5 July 2023 - Clearing opens
- 12 July 2023 - university decisions due on applications submitted by 30 June 2022
We understand that sorting out your university application can be stressful, but remember to reach out to teachers, parents, and friends for support. Also, our Belong blog has plenty of useful guides and resources to help you on your way to becoming a university student.
