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 application from early September for entry to university the following year. You do this via your UCAS Hub. UCAS has a free guide on how to submit your university application, that you may find useful.
For any degree at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry, you should apply by 15 October 2025 for 2026 entry.
For the majority of other courses for 2026 entry, the university application deadline is 14 January 2026 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'll 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.
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.
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 2025 won't be favoured over an application that's submitted on 14 January 2026. 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.
If you apply by 14 January, the deadline for universities to make a decision is 13 May 2026. If you apply by 30 June, the deadline is 15 July 2026.
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.
The following dates have been confirmed by UCAS for 2026 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.