Yes, it is that time of the year again! A-level students should, by now, have a good idea of what their final grades are going to be. Based on these grades, no doubt you’re all busily scribbling away at your applications.

UCAS isn’t a complicated process, but you do need to take certain steps at certain times. Missing each deadline could potentially mean the difference between an unconditional offer and waiting until clearing.

Here then are the dates of which you need to be aware throughout the UCAS application process.

15^th October 2022

Yes, you have already missed this one, but you will have already been made aware if you were eligible for the deadline. This is the date by which applicants to Oxford or Cambridge universities needed to have submitted their applications.

This date also applies to international applicants.

25^th January 2023

This is the first or main deadline – something that UCAS refers to as the “equal consideration deadline.” 6pm is the time by which you need to submit your application for undergraduate courses to UCAS. After this date, universities may consider your application, but are under no obligation to do so.

This date also applies to international applicants. It’s also the deadline for dance, drama, and musical theatre applicants.

23^rd February 2023

Had a change of heart, been rejected for some places already, or didn’t use all your options and want to add some more? This is the opening date for UCAS Extra.

8^th June 2023

The deadline to respond for any offers received on or before 18^th May. This is usually the responses from the first round of applications sent at the end of January deadline.

30^th June 2023

This is when UCAS Extra closes and clearing begins. Sending any application after this date – even adding new universities to your existing application – will simply be added to the pool of other clearing applicants.

17^th July 2023

The deadline to respond for any offers received on or before 12^th July. This is usually the offer date by which UCAS Extra offers are made.

5^th September 2023

Undecided to date, but this is likely to be the date that UCAS applications open for courses started in 2024. While you may not receive any offers (conditional or otherwise) until after January, for those with strong grades and mature students not subject to the usual criteria may receive unconditional offers, even before January 2024.

21^st September 2023

The deadline for adding clearing options entry onto courses that begin in 2023.

17^th October 2023

Term will already have started, but this is the final deadline for adding clearing options entry onto courses that begin in 2023.