Applying in 2009

Specific courses and institutions have different entry dates

There is an early closing date - 15 October 2008 - if you apply for any course in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science (course codes A100, A101, A102, A103, A104, A105, A106, A200, A201, A202, A203, A204, A205, A206, D100, D101 and D102), or to either Oxford University or the University of Cambridge.

Most courses begin in September, although some specific courses have earlier start dates, such as nursing diplomas, which can start as early as January. If you want to apply for a course that starts before September, you must check with the universities and colleges if you need to apply before the 15 January deadline.

For Route B art and design courses, we must receive your application by 24 March 2009, however we recommend that you apply by 6 March 2009 to avoid the last-minute rush. You can list up to three choices and will be asked to indicate your choices in order of preference. This is the order in which we will send them to your chosen universities.

For all other courses, applications that we receive up to and including 15 January 2009 will be regarded as on-time and will be considered by the universities and colleges you have chosen. After 15 January, they will consider applications that we receive by 30 June, but only if they still have vacancies in the course(s) that you have selected.

International applicants

If you are applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever your nationality, you can apply at any time between mid-September 2008 and 30 June 2009, unless you are applying for Oxford University or University of Cambridge, courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science, or Route B art and design courses, in which case you should apply by the dates above.

It is advised that you apply as early as possible. Universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications they receive after 15 January 2009, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after that date. Please check with individual universities and colleges if you are not sure.

Remember to allow enough time for entry clearance or immigration; also travel and accommodation arrangements, which can take longer during the summer when immigration departments are busy.

If you think you may be assessed as a 'home' student (UK or EU) for tuition fees, you should apply by 15 January 2009.

Application flowcharts

Application flowchart for all courses (Route A) except Route B applications
Deadline dates for the 2009 entry application process, except for Route B art and design courses

Applications for Route B art and design
Deadline dates for the 2009 entry application process for Route B art and design courses.

Applications made through Route A and Route B
Deadline dates for the 2009 entry application process for applicants who apply through both routes.

Taking a year out?

If you want to take a year out before starting your course, check with your universities and colleges that they will accept a deferred entry application. If you apply for deferred entry in 2010, you must still apply by the relevant deadline above, and meet the conditions of any offers by 31 August 2009. If you accept a place starting in 2010, you cannot reapply through us in the 2010 cycle, unless your original application is withdrawn.

You can only send us one application in each year's application cycle. If you send a second application, it will be cancelled and you will not receive a refund.