UCAS Deadlines 2027 Entry: 15 October & 13 January Dates Explained
Last updated: 30 September 2026
If you are applying to start university in autumn 2027, there are two UCAS deadlines you need to know: 15 October 2026 for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses, and 13 January 2027 for almost everything else. Both deadlines are at 18:00 UK time. This guide covers what each deadline means, what to do if you are running late, and the other dates to put in your calendar.
UCAS key dates for 2027 entry at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | You can submit completed applications for 2027 entry to UCAS |
| 15 October 2026, 18:00 | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science |
| 13 January 2027, 18:00 | “Equal consideration” deadline for all other undergraduate courses |
| After 13 January 2027 | You can still apply, but universities only have to consider you if places are left |
| Summer 2027 | Results days, Clearing and confirming your place |
Always check the exact deadline on each course page. Some art and design courses and conservatoires run on different timelines.
The 15 October 2026 deadline: who it applies to
This early deadline applies if any of your choices include:
- any course at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge (you can normally apply to only one of the two in the same year)
- most courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science
If you apply before 15 October, your whole application goes in at the same time. That includes your other choices, so your personal statement and reference need to be ready early.
Admissions tests: many of these courses also need an admissions test (for example UCAT for most medicine and dentistry courses). These tests have their own registration and sitting dates, often before the UCAS deadline. Check each university’s admissions page now.
The 13 January 2027 deadline: the main one
For most undergraduate courses, UCAS says applications “should arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on 13 January 2027”. This is called the equal consideration deadline. Every application received by then must be considered on the same basis.
Remember that your school or college usually sets an earlier internal deadline, often in November or December. Your teacher needs time to write your reference and check your application, so ask them for their date.
What if you miss the deadline?
- Missed 13 January? You can still apply up to the end of June 2027, but universities don’t have to consider you. Popular courses may already be full.
- Applying after 30 June? Your application goes straight into Clearing.
- Missed 15 October for medicine or Oxbridge? You normally cannot apply to those courses for 2027 entry. You would need to apply for 2028 entry, possibly as a gap-year applicant.
How much does a UCAS application cost?
The application fee for the 2027 cycle is £34.50. This covers up to five choices (six for conservatoires). UCAS offers fee waivers for students who received free school meals in secondary school and for care-experienced students, so check if you qualify.
A simple timeline to get your application in on time
- Now: make your shortlist of five courses and check each one’s entry requirements and deadline.
- 2–3 weeks before your school’s internal deadline: finish your personal statement draft and ask a teacher to read it.
- 1 week before: check your predicted grades, employment and education history, and course codes.
- By your school’s internal deadline: submit to your school or college so they can add the reference and send it to UCAS.
- After submitting: track your application in the UCAS Hub. Also watch your email for interview or test invitations.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UCAS deadline midnight?
No. Both main deadlines are at 18:00 UK time, not midnight. Applicants from overseas should convert this to their local time.
Can I apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year?
Normally no. With very few exceptions (such as organ scholarships), you can apply to only one of them in a cycle.
Do international students have the same deadlines?
Yes. UCAS deadlines apply to UK and international applicants. International students should also allow time for visa applications after getting an offer.
Can I add a choice later?
If you applied to fewer than five choices, you can usually add more later. The course deadlines still apply.
Sources: UCAS – 2027 entry deadline; UCAS – application fee for the 2027 cycle. Dates can change, so always confirm on UCAS and each university’s website.