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    Key dates timeline

    2026 key dates

    1. Apr 29

      UCAS’ search tool displays 2026 courses

    2. May 06

      The adviser portal opens for 2026 entry

      You can set up your adviser portal ready for your students to link to your centre.
    3. May 13

      Undergraduate applications open for 2026 entry

      Students can start their applications and send them to you for references and approval.

    4. Jul 10

      Conservatoire applications open for 2026 entry

      Applicants can register, pay, and send their applications.

    5. Sep 02

      Completed undergraduate applications can be submitted to UCAS

    6. Oct 02

      (18:00 UK time) Application deadline for conservatoire music applications

      Applications for dance, drama, and musical theatre courses may have a different deadline – check conservatoires’ websites for information.

    7. Oct 15

      (18:00 UK time) Deadline for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science

      The reference must be completed before the application can be sent to us.
    8. Jan 14

      (18:00 UK time) Equal consideration date for applications for most undergraduate courses

      • The reference must be completed before the application can be sent to us.
      • Deadline for most conservatoire undergraduate dance, drama or musical theatre courses. Check on the specific course to be sure.
    9. Feb 10

      UCAS Conservatoires applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 8 January, they must reply by 10 February, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD).

    10. Feb 26

      Extra opens

      Applicants who have used all five choices and are not holding any offers may be able to add another choice in their application.

    11. Apr 07

      UCAS Conservatoires applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 12 March, they must reply by 7 April, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD).

    12. May 06

      UCAS Undergraduate applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 31 March, they must reply by 6 May, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD). Except for those applicants in Extra.

    13. May 13

      UCAS Undergraduate reject by default (RBD)

      Provider decisions due on applications submitted by 14 January. Otherwise applicants will be rejected by default (RBD).

    14. Jun 02

      UCAS Conservatoires applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 14 May, they must reply by 2 June, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD).

    15. Jun 03

      UCAS Undergraduate applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 13 May, they must reply by 3 June, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD). Except for those applicants in Extra.

    16. Jun 30

      (18:00 UK time) Applications received by this deadline will be sent to universities and colleges

      After this time, applications are automatically entered into Clearing.

    17. Jul 01

      Last day for applicants to add an Extra choice in their application

    18. Jul 02

      Clearing opens for eligible applicants, and vacancies are displayed in UCAS’ search tool

      Applicants can release themselves into Clearing.

    19. Jul 07

      UCAS Conservatoires reject by default (RBD)

      Conservatoire decisions due on applications submitted by 1 May. Otherwise applicants will be rejected by default (RBD).

    20. Jul 15

      UCAS Undergraduate reject by default (RBD)

      Provider decisions due on applications submitted by 30 June. Otherwise applicants will be rejected by default (RBD).

    21. Jul 22

      UCAS Undergraduate applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 15 July, they must reply by 22 July, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD), including those in Extra.

    22. Jul 20

      UCAS Conservatoires applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 7 July, they must reply by 20 July, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD).

    23. Jul 21

      UCAS Conservatoires reject by default (RBD)

      Conservatoire decisions due on applications submitted by 2 June. Otherwise applicants will be rejected by default (RBD).

    24. Sep 08

      UCAS Conservatoires applicant decline by default (DBD)

      If applicants receive all decisions by 1 August, they must reply by 8 September, otherwise their application will be declined by default (DBD).

    25. Sep 24

      Final date for 2026 entry applications

    26. Oct 19

      Last date to add 2026 entry Clearing choice