Student schedule
Are you starting university or college in September 2026? Use our timeline to help you prepare.
It includes the key dates you need to know about UCAS applications, student finance deadlines and A-Level exams.
September 2025 to December 2025
2 September 2025: UCAS applications open
You can now submit your UCAS undergraduate application. Before you submit, check that you’ve completed all sections, added your reference and paid the application fee.
January 2026 to March 2026
14 January 2026 at 6pm: UCAS deadline
This is the deadline for most undergraduate courses and conservatoire undergraduate courses in dance, drama or musical theatre.
You can still apply after this date, but universities and colleges cannot guarantee they’ll give your application equal consideration. Some conservatoires have their own deadlines – check their websites for details.
26 February 2026: UCAS Extra opens
If you’ve used all 5 choices and you’re not holding an offer, you can add another choice using Extra.
March 2026: Full-time undergraduate applications are expected to open
You can sign up to our mailing list.
April 2026 to June 2026
11 May 2026: A-Level exams start
A-Level exams start on Monday 11 May 2026. Make sure you apply for student finance before the new student deadline on 15 May 2026.
13 May 2026: UCAS decisions start coming back
You’ll start receiving decisions from universities and colleges if you submitted your application by 14 January 2026. Find out more about the different types of UCAS offers.
3 June 2026: UCAS reply date
If you received your last decision by 13 May 2026, you need to reply by 3 June 2026 (this does not apply if you’re using Extra). Find out more about replying to UCAS offers.
23 June 2026: A-Level exams finish
A-Level exams finish on Monday 23 June 2026. If you haven’t applied for student finance yet, apply as soon as possible.
July 2026 to September 2026
1 July 2026: UCAS Extra closes
2 July 2026: UCAS Clearing opens
You can now search for course vacancies using the UCAS search tool. Find out more about UCAS Clearing.
15 July 2026: University decisions due
You’ll start receiving decisions from universities and colleges if you submitted your application by 30 June 2026. Find out more about replying to UCAS offers.
22 July 2026: UCAS reply date
If you received your last decision by 15 July 2026, you need to reply by 22 July 2026 (including Extra choices). Find out more about replying to UCAS offers.
13 August 2026: A-Level Results Day
Good luck with your results! If your university or college choice changes, remember to update your student finance application. Find out how to change your university, college or course details.
1 September 2026: Courses start
Courses start from 1 September 2026. Good luck at university or college!
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