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.
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.
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.
23 March 2026: Full-time undergraduate applications are now open
From Monday 23 March, you can now apply for full-time undergraduate student finance if your course starts between 31 August 2026 and 31 December 2026. Apply now before the deadline.
May 2026: Part-time undergraduate applications are expected to open
If you’re staring a part-time undergraduate course between 31 August 2026 and 31 December 2026, applications are expected to open in mid-May.
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.
15 May 2026: Full-time undergraduate student finance deadline for new students
If you’re a new student in September 2026, you should apply for student finance before Friday 15 May 2026 to make sure you have all your funding sorted for the start of your course.
June 2026: Postgraduate applications are expected to open
If you’re starting a Postgraduate Masters or Doctoral course from September 2026, applications are expected to open from June 2026.
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.
19 June 2026: Full-time undergraduate student finance deadline for returning students
If you’re a returning student in September 2026, you should reapply for student finance before Friday 19 June 2026 to make sure you have all your funding sorted for the start of the next year of your course.
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.