The UCAS application cycle runs to a fixed calendar. Each deadline applies to a specific group of students, and missing the wrong one can mean waiting an entire year for the next cycle or relying on Clearing instead of having a confirmed offer in hand.
All UCAS deadlines
| Date | Deadline | Who it affects |
| 2 September 2025 | Applications open for 2026 entry | All applicants |
| 2 October 2025 | Music Conservatoires deadline | Conservatoire course applicants |
| 15 October 2025 | Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry, Vet deadline | These courses and institutions |
| 14 January 2026 | Main UCAS deadline | Most UK undergraduate applicants |
| 26 February 2026 | UCAS Extra opens | Students with no offers (applied before Jan) |
| 13 May 2026 | Universities must decide on Jan applications | All |
| 1 July 2026 | UCAS Extra closes | Students using Extra |
| 5 July 2026 | Clearing opens | Students without a confirmed place |
| 13 August 2026 | A-level results day | England, Wales, N. Ireland |
| 19 October 2026 | Clearing closes | All Clearing applicants |
All UCAS deadlines are at 18:00 UK time on the stated date.
The October deadlines: Oxbridge, Medicine, dentistry, and Veterinary
The 15 October 2025 deadline is the earliest and most important for a significant group of students.
Who must apply by 15 October 2025:
- Applicants to the University of Oxford (any course)
- Applicants to the University of Cambridge (any course)
- Applicants to Medicine (A100 and A101 at most institutions)
- Applicants to Dentistry
- Applicants to Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Science
If you want to apply to Oxford or Cambridge as one of your five choices alongside other universities, your entire application must be submitted by this date. You cannot submit the rest of your application in January and add Oxbridge later.
The main deadline: 14 January 2026
Most UK undergraduate applicants must submit by 14 January 2026 at 18:00. Applications submitted by this time are guaranteed equal consideration by universities. Many schools set internal deadlines in November or December to give themselves time to write references. Check with your school early.
After the January deadline: what happens next
Universities have until 13 May 2026 to make decisions on all January applications. Not all universities respond at the same time. Once all five universities have responded, UCAS gives you a deadline to reply and choose your firm and insurance options.
UCAS Extra: 26 February to 1 July 2026
UCAS Extra is for students who applied before the January deadline but received no offers or who declined all their offers. In Extra, you apply to one additional course at a time. If that course declines you or you withdraw, you can apply to another. Extra clothes before clearing opens.
Results day and Clearing: August 2026
Scottish SQA results: 4 August 2026. UCAS Hub updates on this day for Scottish applicants.
A-level results: 13 August 2026. UCAS Hub updates from approximately 8:15am. If you met your firm offer conditions, your place is confirmed.
Clearing runs from 5 July to 19 October 2026. You are eligible if you hold no offers, did not meet your offer conditions, or chose to release yourself voluntarily. Phone universities directly, get a verbal offer, and then add it as your clearing choice in Hub.
What to do if you miss a UCAS deadline
Missed the October deadline
You cannot apply to these courses this cycle. You would need to wait until the next application cycle (applications open September 2026 for 2027 entry).
Missed the January main deadline
You can still submit a late application. Universities are not required to consider late applications equally, but many do if they still have spaces. Clearing (from July) is the other main route.
No offers after the January deadline
Use UCAS Extra (from 26 February) to apply to additional courses one at a time.
FAQs
What is the UCAS deadline for 2026 entry?
The main UCAS deadline for most courses is 14 January 2026 at 18:00 UK time. Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, Oxford, and Cambridge have an earlier deadline of 15 October 2025.
When does UCAS open for 2026 entry?
The UCAS application opens for 2026 entry on 2 September 2025.
What happens if I miss the January UCAS deadline?
Late applications may still be considered if courses have vacancies, but universities are under no obligation to treat them equally. UCAS Clearing (from July) is the main alternative route.
When is A-level results day 2026?
A-level results day for 2026 is 13 August 2026. UCAS Hub updates from approximately 8:15am.
Can I apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same UCAS cycle?
No. You can only apply to one of them per cycle.
When does UCAS Clearing close?
UCAS Clearing closes on 19 October 2026.
Is there a UCAS deadline for international students?
International students follow the same UCAS deadlines as UK students.
Dates are time-sensitive and may be updated by UCAS. Always verify at ucas.com before acting on any deadline.