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To help support your child in the next stage of their education journey, we’ve put together a guide to explain the university application timeline.
What is UCAS and Why is the Timeline Important?
UCAS is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service and is the organisation and platform in the UK responsible for managing applications to undergraduate courses at universities and colleges. Through this central body your child can submit their application to multiple courses simultaneously, manage offers from universities and access guidance and support to help you and them through the entire application and acceptance process.
Key application deadlines
It’s important to understand the key deadlines for the university and course your child wants to apply for, as well as the documents and information the application requires. Deadlines vary and some may be set quite far in advance of the start of the course, so starting the process early and finding out which deadlines apply to your child, and what needs to be completed by that deadline will make sure the process runs smoothly so there isn’t a last-minute panic.
The UCAS website has a helpful search function where you can search deadlines which can be viewed here.
Key Dates in the UCAS Applications Timeline
First Week of September – Completed undergraduate applications can be submitted to UCAS
Mid-October – Deadline for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science
End of January – Application deadline for most undergraduate courses
End of February – Extra opens – if you’ve used all five choices and are not holding any offers, you can add another choice.
End of June – Applications received by this deadline will be sent to universities and colleges
First week of July – Last day to add an Extra choice in your application & Clearing Opens
Mid August – A Level results day
Other factors to consider
Once they’ve decided on the course and started the application there are a few other things to research and plan with your child in tandem to the application. It’s worth looking at accommodation for each of the universities your child has applied to and shortlisting preferred locations. Looking at rent costs and any additional charges will help you to create a draft budget – this is essential for ensuring that you are both prepared for the costs of applying to university.
Of course, a crucial component of the UCAS process is the application itself. And as there is a lot for you, and your child to get their head around, we have produced a handy 10-step guide that will help you along the way.