Published
The key UCAS dates for students starting university in 2027, and what to do before each one.
If your child plans to start university in autumn 2027, these are the dates to know. All of them come from UCAS. Dates can change, and schools usually set earlier internal deadlines, so always check ucas.com and ask the school.
Key dates
- 12 May 2026: UCAS applications opened for 2027 entry
- 15 October 2026, 6pm: deadline for Oxford and Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine or science
- 13 January 2027, 6pm: the equal consideration deadline for most other undergraduate courses
- 25 February 2027: UCAS Extra opens, for applicants who have used all five choices and hold no offers
- 2 July 2027: Clearing opens
- August 2027: A-Level results are published
What does equal consideration mean?
Universities must consider every application that arrives by the deadline in the same way. Applications sent later may still be considered, but only if the course has places left.
What goes into the application?
A student can apply for up to five courses. The application includes their qualifications, a personal statement and a reference from the school. The reference must be complete before the application can be sent, which is why schools ask for drafts well before the UCAS deadline.
Applying for Medicine, Dentistry or Law?
Most Medicine and Dentistry courses ask for the UCAT, and some Law courses ask for the LNAT. These tests have their own booking windows and dates. Check the official UCAT and LNAT websites early in Year 12.
A simple plan
- Year 12, spring and summer: research courses, visit open days and start the personal statement
- Year 13, September: finalise choices and give the school the finished statement
- Before the deadline: submit, then prepare for any interviews or admissions tests
How Imperium Academy Scholars can help
Our Education Consultancy covers UCAS application guidance, personal statement planning, drafting and feedback, and mock interviews. We also run UCAT and LNAT seminars.