🇬🇧 How to apply to university in the United Kingdom

Applications go through UCAS. Programmes usually start: September or October; a few courses start in January.

Checked on 20 October 2026 against the official sources listed below.

The essentials

Application system: UCASAlmost every UK bachelor's (undergraduate) application, home or international, goes through UCAS: one application, up to five choices.
When programmes start: September or October; a few courses start in January.
International applicants: International students apply through UCAS like UK students; there is no separate route. A Student visa needs a CAS from the university and, for degree-level study, English at CEFR level B2.
Language: IELTS, TOEFL or another test the university accepts; the Student visa requires CEFR B2 for degree-level study.

Key dates

Add all these dates to my calendar (.ics)

The 15 October 2026 deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses (2027 entry) has passed; for 2028 entry UCAS usually sets it in mid-October 2027. Universities can still consider applications sent after 13 January, but don't have to treat them equally.

Date	What	Who	Intake	Source
1 September 2026 –13 January 2027	Equal-consideration deadline for most courses (18:00 UK time)	All applicants to most undergraduate courses	2027 entry	UCAS — Dates and deadlines for uni applications
25 February 2027	Extra opens (one more choice if you hold no offers)	Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offers	2027 entry	UCAS — Dates and deadlines for uni applications
30 June 2027	Last date for applications to go to universities (18:00 UK time); later ones go into Clearing	All applicants	2027 entry	UCAS — Dates and deadlines for uni applications
2 July 2027	Clearing opens	Applicants without a place	2027 entry	UCAS — Dates and deadlines for uni applications
23 September 2027	Final date for applications (18:00 UK time)	All applicants	2027 entry	UCAS — Dates and deadlines for uni applications

A window shows its opening date above its closing date. Individual universities and programmes can set earlier dates of their own — always confirm on the official page before you rely on a date. The calendar file adds each date as an all-day event with a reminder a week before.

Your checklist

The usual steps for an international student applying to a bachelor's in the United Kingdom, in order. Tick them off as you go — your ticks stay in this browser, with no account.

1.Check each course's entry requirements for your school qualifications — universities publish what they accept from your country.
2.Choose up to five courses (only one of Oxford or Cambridge) and write one personal statement for all of them.
3.Take an English test the university accepts if English isn't your first language.
4.Apply through UCAS by 13 January 2027 for equal consideration (15 October for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine courses); the fee for 2027 entry is £34.50.
5.Reply to your offers: choose a firm and, if you like, an insurance choice.
6.Meet the conditions of your offer; the university then gives you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
7.Apply for a Student visa on GOV.UK — from outside the UK, no earlier than 6 months before the course starts.
8.Arrange accommodation, often through the university, and plan your arrival.

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Next steps

Sources

Written by CollegeMatcher in our own words from these official pages, checked on 20 October 2026. Dates change every year.

UCAS — Dates and deadlines for uni applications