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UK University Deadlines for 2027 Entry: The Complete Timeline

Every UCAS and conservatoire deadline for 2027 entry in one place, from course search opening in April 2026 to the final Clearing date in October 2027.

UCAS 9 min read

The UCAS cycle rewards rhythm, not rushing. For a 2027 start, the process properly begins in spring 2026, and knowing the milestones early is the difference between a calm application and a scramble.

Here is the definitive timeline for 2027 entry, phase by phase. Bookmark it, or better: add every date to your phone calendar in one tap. It is a free .ics file that works with Apple, Google and Outlook calendars.

Phase 1: Research and registration (spring 2026)

The first half of 2026 is for discovery: campus visits, open days, narrowing your course list.

  • 28 April 2026 · Course search opens. The UCAS search tool goes live with 2027 entry courses. The official green light to start auditing modules and entry requirements.
  • 5 May 2026 · Adviser portal opens. Teachers and advisers set up their centres for the 2027 cycle.
  • 12 May 2026 · Applications open. Students can register and start applications in the UCAS Hub.

Phase 2: Submission (summer and autumn 2026)

  • 9 July 2026 · Conservatoire applications open. Music, dance and drama conservatoire applicants can register, pay and send applications.
  • 1 September 2026 · Submission begins. The first day completed undergraduate applications reach UCAS.
  • 1 October 2026, 6pm · Conservatoire music deadline. The deadline for most music courses at UK conservatoires. Note how early this is.
  • 15 October 2026, 6pm · The early deadline. Equal consideration date for the universities that set an earlier deadline, and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.

Phase 3: The main cycle (winter 2027)

  • 13 January 2027, 6pm · The equal consideration deadline. The standard deadline for most undergraduate courses, including many conservatoire dance, drama and musical theatre courses.
  • 9 February 2027 · Conservatoire decline by default. If you received all conservatoire decisions by 7 January, reply by today.
  • 25 February 2027 · UCAS Extra opens. Used all five choices with no offers? You can add another, one at a time.
  • 31 March 2027 · Decision target. Universities aim to have decided on all on-time applications by today.

Phase 4: Replies (spring and summer 2027)

Managing offers matters as much as the application. Watch the decline by default (DBD) and reject by default (RBD) dates.

  • 6 April 2027 · Conservatoire DBD for decisions received by 11 March.
  • 5 May 2027 · Undergraduate DBD for decisions received by 31 March (Extra excepted).
  • 12 May 2027 · Undergraduate RBD. Universities must decide on applications submitted by 13 January.
  • 2 June 2027 · Undergraduate and conservatoire DBD for decisions received by 12 or 13 May.
  • 30 June 2027, 6pm · Final standard deadline. The last day to submit a standard application. After this, it is Clearing.

Phase 5: Clearing and final dates (summer and autumn 2027)

  • 1 July 2027 · Last day for Extra.
  • 2 July 2027 · Clearing opens.
  • 6 July 2027 · Conservatoire RBD for applications submitted by 30 April.
  • 14 July 2027 · Undergraduate RBD for applications submitted by 30 June.
  • 19 July 2027 · Conservatoire DBD for decisions received by 6 July.
  • 21 July 2027 · Undergraduate DBD for decisions received by 14 July, including Extra.
  • 7 September 2027 · Final conservatoire DBD for decisions received by 2 August.
  • 23 September 2027 · Final date for 2027 applications.
  • 18 October 2027 · Clearing choice deadline. The last date to add a Clearing choice for a 2027 start.

The summary table

MilestoneDatesYour focus
ResearchApril to June 2026Open days and course auditing
DraftingJuly to August 2026Personal statement
SubmissionSeptember 2026 to January 2027UCAS Hub and references
DecisionsFebruary to May 2027Reviewing offers, picking firm and insurance
EnrolmentAugust 2027Results day and accommodation

Set your own deadlines earlier

The official dates are the last possible moment, not the target. Draft your personal statement by the end of August 2026 so the autumn term belongs to your A levels or BTEC, not your application. If you are applying to a conservatoire, work backwards from 1 October and treat the summer as audition prep season.

For how the whole system works around these dates, read the complete UCAS guide for creative courses.

Update log

This page is reviewed and updated each cycle so the dates above stay current.

  • July 2026: rewritten for the new site, dates verified against the published 2026-27 cycle, downloadable calendar added.
  • April 2026: first published with the full 2027 entry timeline.

Dates are for the 2026-27 UCAS cycle and can shift slightly year to year. Confirm at ucas.com before relying on any of them.

Quickfire answers.

Common questions about ucas.

What does "equal consideration" actually mean?

Applying earlier does not improve your chances. Submit by the relevant deadline and the university must weigh your application alongside everyone else who did the same. After the deadline, though, high-demand courses may already be full, so late applications carry real risk.

Can I apply to more than five universities?

No. UCAS caps you at five choices. That can be five universities for one course, five courses at one university, or any mix, but the total stays at five.

What happens if I miss the 13 January deadline?

Many universities still accept applications after this date if they have space, but you lose the equal consideration guarantee and your application is marked late. Apply as soon as you can.

Do I need my results before I apply?

No. Most students apply with predicted grades from their teachers. Offers are then conditional, meaning they depend on you achieving those grades in the summer.

Can I change my mind after I submit?

You get a 14 day window after submitting to swap a choice. After that, changing destination usually means UCAS Extra or Clearing.

Are deadlines different for music and arts conservatoires?

Yes. Music courses at conservatoires close on 1 October 2026. Most conservatoire dance, drama and musical theatre courses follow the 13 January 2027 deadline, but always check each school.

When should I apply for Student Finance?

Applications for 2027 entry usually open in March 2027. Apply as soon as the portal opens so your funding is in place by September.

Can I apply for deferred entry to 2028?

Yes. Apply during the 2027 cycle and select the deferred option on your UCAS application if you plan a gap year.

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