UCAS Undergraduate: when to apply

If you don’t meet the main application deadline, you can still apply for many courses.

We recommend you ask the universities whether they have vacancies first – especially for courses with a 16 October deadline, as it’s unusual for them to consider late applications because their courses are really competitive.

While the 16 October deadline is usually inflexible, don’t worry if you miss the January deadline.

Many universities and colleges will continue to accept applications from international students until later in the year, nearer the beginning of the course.

Don’t leave it too late though, because if you do get a place, you’ll still need to arrange a visa and your accommodation.

Because part-time study options vary by duration, study mode and location, you'll need to contact course providers direct to apply. This way you can discuss your requirements and your experience to see which course provider will be the most suitable for you.

Flexible and part-time study

If you're applying as an independent applicant (not through a school), we recommend you ask your referee to complete your reference well in advance of the deadline to avoid any delays.

Remember to look into student finance too. If you need a loan or financial support, you can apply to a student finance organisation.

A few courses start between January and July, rather than the more typical start dates of September/October.

• This kind of variation in course start dates can affect deadlines, so if you’re interested in one of these when you search for courses, check the application details in the course listings or by contacting the university or college.
• Please note, you can still add further choices with more typical start dates to your application later on, (as long as you haven't yet accepted any offers), but if you're interested in any courses with earlier start dates, make sure you don't miss any of the earlier deadlines.

If you decide to delay your studies you can still apply now and defer your start date by a year.

This way you can get your results confirmed and hopefully receive an unconditional offer for the following year.

• If you're applying in the 2024 cycle for deferred entry in 2025, you need to meet offer conditions by 4 September 2024. However, make sure you check with the university or college that they're happy to consider an application for deferred entry – otherwise your choice might be wasted.
• Make sure you’re sure about the course though, because if you secure a place you’ll be committed to it, and could only be released from the course if the course provider agrees to let you.

Find out how to defer your application

Most students apply independently – all the advice and help you need can be found here on ucas.com, or by asking us questions on Facebook or Twitter. 

Alternatively, you could choose to seek help from a local adviser – a member of staff at a school, college, university, advisory service or agency that provides information about studying in the UK.

• They can sometimes help you with your UCAS application or visa application.
• It’s your choice whether you use an adviser or not – they can offer valuable support, but if you don’t use an adviser you’ll not be disadvantaged in any way.
• If the adviser is registered as a UCAS centre they will have access to the best advice and can oversee your application through UCAS’ online system. These centres are widely considered as a trusted source of applications by universities and colleges.
• Please note some advisers may charge for their services if they are agents.

Os ydych yn cyflwyno cais i ddarparwyr cwrs drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg, gallwch wneud eich cais i gyd yn y Gymraeg.

1. I gofrestru yn Gymraeg, pan fyddwch yn mynd i’r gwasanaeth Ymgeisio, (Apply), dewiswch ‘Cymraeg’.
2. Pan fyddwch wedi mewngofnodi i’ch cais, gallwch newid yr iaith i Gymraeg neu Saesneg ar y dudalen Opsiynau.
3. Mae’r testun help ar gael yn y Gymraeg yn Ymgeisio hefyd.
4. Yn y gwasanaeth Ymgeisio, gallwch ddewis derbyn gohebiaeth gan ddarparwyr cyrsiau a gennym ni yn y Gymraeg.

Sut i ymgeisio

You can use equivalent international qualifications that you’ve already completed, or that you’re still studying now.

This allows you to apply earlier in the year, to give yourself more chance of getting a place on a course you want.

You’ll also need to demonstrate your English language skills.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the right qualifications.

You can discuss alternatives with course providers, such as taking an Access course, or getting accreditation for prior learning, life experience or work experience.