UK 2026-2027 College Application General Deadline

United Kingdom: key dates and RD/ED

Oxford, Cambridge, and most Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary courses: deadline 15 October 2026, 18:00 UK time.
UCAS equal‑consideration (main) deadline for most undergraduate courses: 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time.
UCAS Clearing opens in July 2027 for 2027 entry (dates vary yearly).
Note: Oxbridge and most medical-type courses keep the mid‑October deadline and are NOT covered by the January equal‑consideration date.

15 October 2026 (18:00 UK time)

This is an early deadline that applies to:
- University of Oxford and University of Cambridge (all courses)
- Most Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine/Science courses at all UK universities
  Applications for these courses must be submitted by this date to be considered.
13 January 2027 (18:00 UK time)

This is the main UCAS “equal consideration” deadline for most undergraduate courses.
- Applications submitted by this date must be given equal consideration by universities.
- After this date, universities may still accept applications, but places may be limited and decisions can be more competitive.

July 2027 (exact dates vary each year)

UCAS Clearing opens after exam results are released.
- It is for students who:
  - Did not receive any offers
  - Did not meet their offer conditions
  - Applied late or changed their plans
- Students can apply to courses that still have available places.

The October deadline is strict and separate.

- If you are applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or most Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary courses, you must apply by mid-October
These courses do not follow the January equal-consideration deadline

- Missing October usually means waiting until the next application cycle.

A student applying for Medicine in 2027 would:

Meanwhile, a student applying for a typical course (e.g., Business or Engineering) could: