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 early September using the UCAS Hub. UCAS has a free guide on how to submit your university application, that you may find useful. 

Contents:

1. When should I apply for university in 2024?

2. When should I start my application?

3. Is it better to apply to university early?

4. How long will it take to hear back about my application?

5. Key dates in the university application timeline

When should I apply for university in 2024?

For any degree at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry, you should apply by 16 October 2023 for 2024 entry.

For the majority of other courses for 2024 entry, the university application deadline is 31 January 2024 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 application?

Students applying for degrees other than in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry will work on their applications throughout November and December. 

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for when you should get started on your application 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 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 2023 won't be favoured over an application that's submitted on 31 January 2024. 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 will it take to hear back about my application?

If you apply by 31 January, the deadline for universities to make a decision is 16 May 2024. If you apply by 30 June, the deadline is 17 July 2024.

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 2024 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. 

• 31 January 2024 - applications for most courses to be received by UCAS
• 16 May 2024 - university decisions due on applications submitted by 31 January 2024
• 30 June 2024 - all applications received after this date will be entered into Clearing
• 5 July 2024 - Clearing opens
• 17 July 2024 - university decisions due on applications submitted by 30 June 2022