What is UCAS and how do you apply to university? The 2027 entry timetable, five choices, the reference and Clearing

Who does this apply to?

• This is general information. It does not assess anyone's personal situation. It is for people applying for undergraduate study in the UK. It is based on the UCAS dates and application pages (October 2026). Dates change every year.

What is UCAS?

• UCAS is the central application service for most undergraduate applications in the UK. You open your account in the UCAS Hub. You can make up to five choices, which can be the same or different courses at the same or different institutions.

Main dates for 2027 entry (UCAS)

• 12 May 2026: applications for 2027 entry opened in the UCAS Hub.
• 1 September 2026: completed applications can be submitted to UCAS (a reference must have been added).
• 15 October 2026, 18:00 (UK time): equal consideration date for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
• 13 January 2027, 18:00: equal consideration date for most undergraduate courses.
• 25 February 2027: "Extra" opens for those who have used all their choices and hold no offers.
• 30 June 2027, 18:00: applications received by this time are sent to universities; after that they enter Clearing automatically.
• 2 July 2027: Clearing opens. 23 September 2027, 18:00: final date for 2027 entry applications.
• An application made after the equal consideration date can still be considered if places are available, but without the equal consideration guarantee.

What does the application need?

• Education history: list all qualifications from secondary education onwards (completed, current, pending, and failed "U" grades included). Qualification titles must match your certificates or your current course. UCAS tells you not to use NARIC equivalents; inaccurate or missing entries can lead to an unsuccessful application.
• Reference: every application needs one reference from someone who is not a family member, friend or partner. If you apply independently you can ask a school, college or UCAS registered centre. A reference can take time; ask early.
• Personal statement: at most 4,000 characters (spaces included). The UCAS page also says the format changes to three questions from 2026 entry; check the current format on the UCAS page.
• Fee: £34.50 for 2027 entry, covering up to five choices. It is paid once all sections and the reference are complete. People who received free school meals or are care leavers may be eligible for a fee waiver.
• Document upload is optional for 2027 entry.
• For medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses you can choose at most four (within the five choices). Usually you can apply to only one of Oxford or Cambridge.

For applicants from Türkiye

• Entry conditions with a Turkish high school diploma vary by university; see the post "Can you get into a UK university with a Turkish high school diploma?".

Points to watch

• Official pages and fees change. This post is a general summary.

What can you do?

• See Dates and deadlines for uni applications.
• Read Filling in your UCAS application.