Be University Wise guides › UCAS dates and deadlines
UCAS dates and deadlines for 2027 entry
Most courses starting in autumn 2027 have an equal consideration deadline of 18:00 on 13 January 2027. Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses close earlier, at 18:00 on 15 October 2026.
Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 12 May 2026 | Applications open. You can register and start your application. |
| 1 September 2026 | Completed applications can be sent to UCAS, once your school or college has added your reference. |
| 15 October 2026, 18:00 | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine or science courses. |
| 13 January 2027, 18:00 | Equal consideration deadline for most other undergraduate courses. |
| 25 February 2027 | UCAS Extra opens, if you have used all five choices and hold no offers. |
| 12 May 2027 | Universities must have made decisions on applications sent by 13 January. If you have all your decisions, you must reply by 2 June 2027. |
| 30 June 2027, 18:00 | Last date to apply with choices. Applications after this go straight into Clearing. |
| 1 July 2027 | Last date to add a choice in UCAS Extra. |
| 2 July 2027 | Clearing opens. |
What "equal consideration" means
Universities must consider every application that arrives by the equal consideration deadline in the same way. You can still apply after it, but universities do not have to consider your application, and popular courses may have filled.
Your reference comes first
Your application can only be sent once your school or college has added its reference. Schools often set an earlier internal deadline so they have time to write it, so check yours.
The application fee
For 2027 entry the fee is £34.50, whether you choose one course or five (up to six for conservatoires). The fee is waived if you received government-funded free school meals during secondary school, or if you are a care leaver.
Conservatoires and art courses
Some music, dance, drama and art courses have different deadlines. Check the course page and the conservatoire's own website.
Admissions tests
Many courses with a 15 October deadline also ask for an admissions test, which you usually book months ahead. See admissions tests.
Sources
Quick answers
When is the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry?
18:00 UK time on 13 January 2027 for most undergraduate courses, and 18:00 on 15 October 2026 for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
How much does a UCAS application cost for 2027 entry?
£34.50 for up to five choices, or six for conservatoires. The fee is waived for students who had free school meals and for care leavers.
Can I apply after the January deadline?
Yes, until 30 June 2027 with choices, and after that through Clearing. Universities do not have to consider late applications equally, and some courses fill up.