UCAS deadlines explained: a clear guide for 2026 and 2027 entry

Understanding UCAS deadlines is one of the most important parts of applying to university. Missing a key date doesn’t always mean you can’t go to university, but it can affect your options, course availability and the route you’ll need to take.

This guide explains the confirmed UCAS deadlines for 2026 entry (which has already begun), as well as the key dates to prepare for 2027 entry, so you know exactly what’s coming and when.

Main UCAS deadlines for 2026 entry

• Main UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026

14 January 2026 was the main UCAS application deadline for most undergraduate courses starting in 2026. 

Missing the January deadline doesn’t automatically rule you out, but it does change how and when your application is considered.

• UCAS Extra opens: 26 February 2026

If you applied but didn’t receive any offers, or you declined all your offers, UCAS Extra opens on 26 February 2026.

UCAS Extra allows you to apply to one course at a time where places are still available. It’s a useful option if your original choices didn’t work out and you want to stay in the application cycle.

What happens between April and June 2026

• Universities respond to January applications: 13 May 2026

If you applied by the January deadline, most universities will have responded by 13 May 2026.

You’ll be able to see all decisions in your UCAS account and start preparing to make your firm and insurance choices.

• Deadline to reply to offers: 
  • 6 May 2026 (if all offers are received by 31 March)
  • 3 June 2026 (if offers come later than 31 March)

If you received all your decisions by 13 May, you must reply to your offers by 3 June 2026 at 6pm (UK time).

This is when you confirm:

• Your firm choice (first choice)
• Your insurance choice (backup)

If you don’t respond by the deadline, your offers may be withdrawn.

• Last date for late applications: 30 June 2026

30 June 2026 is the final date your application can be submitted and still be sent to universities as part of the main entry cycle.

Any applications submitted after this date automatically go into Clearing, rather than being considered in the main application cycle.

Clearing deadlines for 2026 entry

• UCAS Extra closes: 1 July 2026

UCAS Extra closes on 1 July 2026. After this point, Clearing becomes the main route for securing a place if you don’t already hold an offer.

• Clearing opens: 2 July 2026

Clearing officially opens on 2 July 2026, when universities begin publishing courses that still have available places.

Students use Clearing if they:

• Applied late
• Didn’t receive offers
• Didn’t meet offer conditions
• Changed their mind about their course or university

Read our Clearing FAQs to understand more about the process.

University decisions and reply deadlines in Clearing

17 July 2026 – Universities must respond to applications submitted by 30 June

22 July 2026 (6pm) – Deadline to reply to offers received by 17 July

• A-level results day: 13 August 2026

13 August 2026 is A-level results day.

On this day, you’ll find out whether you’ve met the conditions of your offers. If you haven’t, or if you’ve changed your plans, you can apply through Clearing from this point.

• Last date to add Clearing choice: 19 October

Final deadline for 2026 entry

24 September (6pm) is the final deadline for 2026 entry. No application submitted after this date can be considered.

Key dates for applying in 2027

• UCAS applications open for 2027 entry: 1 September 2026

From 1 September 2026, you can begin submitting UCAS applications for courses starting in autumn 2027.

Universities may review applications as they arrive, but applying early doesn’t always mean you’ll receive a faster decision. What matters most is submitting a strong, well-prepared application.

• Main entry deadline: 13 January 2027
• Late application deadline: 30 June 2027
• Final deadline for 2027 entry applications: 23 September 2027
• Specialist course deadline for 2027 entry: 15 October 2026

If you’re applying to:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Veterinary medicine or veterinary science

your application for 2027 entry must be submitted by 15 October 2026 at 6pm (UK time).

Clearing 2027 key dates

Clearing for 2027 entry will open 2 July 2027

Clearing is expected to close around 18 October 2027, marking the final deadline to add Clearing choices for 2027 entry.

Final reminder

UCAS deadlines span the entire year, not just January. Knowing which dates apply to your entry year helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary pressure.

Staying informed and organised puts you in the strongest possible position.