University application deadline (UK): UCAS key dates for 2025 & 2026
Mihai Flueraru
December 7, 2025
If you’re planning to start uni in 2025 or 2026, knowing the university application deadline that applies to your course is crucial.
This guide lists all the key UCAS dates (Oxbridge, medicine/dentistry/veterinary, equal consideration, Extra and Clearing) and clarifies what late applications really mean.
It also explains how timelines work for mature students (21+) and links to our full mature students overview so you can plan your route with confidence.
UCAS application deadlines
15 Oct 2025 (6pm UK time): Oxford/Cambridge + medicine, dentistry, veterinary.
14 Jan 2026 (6pm): Equal consideration for most courses.
26 Feb 2026: UCAS Extra opens.
30 Jun 2026 (6pm): Last date for on-time applications sent to providers.
4 Jul 2026: Last day to add an Extra choice.
4 Jul 2026: Clearing opens.
24 Sep 2026 (6pm): Final date for 2026 entry applications.
19 Oct 2026: Last date to add a Clearing choice.
2025 entry: key dates
A-level results day: 14 Aug 2025. (Clearing activity surges from this date.)
Final date for 2025 entry applications: 24 Sep 2025 (6pm).
Clearing — last date to add a choice: 20 Oct 2025.
2026 entry full timeline
Applications can be submitted to UCAS: 2 Sep 2025.
Oxbridge/medicine/dentistry/veterinary deadline: 15 Oct 2025 (6pm).
Equal consideration date (most courses): 14 Jan 2026 (6pm).
UCAS Extra opens: 26 Feb 2026.
On-time application cutoff: 30 Jun 2026 (6pm).
Last day to add an Extra choice: 4 Jul 2026.
Clearing opens: 4 Jul 2026.
Final date for 2026 entry applications: 24 Sep 2026 (6pm).
Last date to add a Clearing choice: 19 Oct 2026.
Do mature students have different deadlines?
No. Mature applicants (21+) follow the same UCAS deadlines.
The advantage is flexibility: January intake options, UCAS Extra, and Clearing can suit career-changers and parents.
After you’ve noted your deadline, see how funding for mature students works with Student Finance (UK)—amounts, eligibility, and how to apply.
What if you miss a deadline?
After 14 Jan: you can still apply; providers consider you if places remain.
After 30 Jun: new applications go straight into Clearing.
Extra/Clearing can help if you hold no offers or change your mind.
FAQs about university application deadlines
What is “equal consideration”?
All applications received by 14 Jan 2026, 6pm must be considered equally.
When does Clearing open for 2026?
4 Jul 2026; vacancies appear in the UCAS search.
Is there a final date for 2026 entry?
24 Sep 2026, 6pm; after this, you can’t submit for 2026 entry.
Last date to add a Clearing choice (2026)?
19 Oct 2026
