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Applying to university

There is a lot to think about and prepare if you are applying to university.

You will be spending 3 or more years studying and living at the university you choose. Funding your studies will also be a big financial commitment. So, it's important to do your research and start preparing for your application early. The spring term of Year 12 or the year before you will start your course is a good time to start.

All applications for higher education courses are made centrally through UCAS.

Key UCAS dates and deadlines

Undergraduates

It’s useful to know that:

  • There are key dates throughout the year, for example when applications open and the deadline by which they must be submitted
  • You can check key dates, application deadlines and find more information on UCAS Key dates
  • Deadlines for applying for medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or for Oxford or Cambridge are earlier than the majority of other courses
  • Music applications to UCAS Conservatoires are also different. You can find out more on UCAS conservatoires when to apply
  • It is important that you check with the individual universities for the application deadline

Key dates timeline

29 January 2025 (6:00pm UK time)
UCAS applications close for undergraduates

Wednesday 29 January 2024 is the deadline for most undergraduate courses and most conservatoire dance, drama, and musical theatre courses.

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26 February 2025
UCAS Extra opens

If you have used all of your 5 choices when applying through UCAS, but have not received any offers, or have declined them, with Extra you can add an extra choice.

Visit UCAS to find out more about Extra and how it works.

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4 July 2025
UCAS Extra closes

Extra closes on 4 July 2025. If you have missed applying for Extra or still don't have any offers you can apply through clearing.

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5 July 2025
Clearing opens

If you don't have any offers or your results haven't gone as planned, you can apply for university through Clearing. Find out more about Clearing.

Clearing opens on 5 July 2025. Apply for available courses through the UCAS search tool.

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Before applying

Research your course

Making sure you choose a course that is right for you is the most important part of your application. There are a lot of decisions to think through:

  • What subject?
  • Which course? Find out more on how to choose the right subject or course
  • Full-time, part-time or distance learning?
  • What about a Sandwich degree course?
  • What are the job prospects?
  • Which course is needed for your career idea?
  • What are the entry requirements?

Start with the UCAS Search Tool to search for courses and do more research using individual university websites.

Research universities and attend open days

You will be studying and living at the university you choose for 3 or more years, so it is important you think through your decision and consider these questions to help you decide:

  • Do you want to be far from home or close?
  • Would you prefer a campus-based university or a city-based university?
  • What other clubs and university facilities are important to you, for example university sports clubs?
  • How expensive will it be to live in the town or city?

Some universities may offer a mixture of open days 'online' and 'in person'.

You can do plenty of research on university websites but it is never as good as visiting the university on an open day. Use opendays.com to check when universities are holding their open days and go and see for yourself.

We can help you prepare and make the most of your University open days.

Useful links for researching courses and universities

Preparing your application

Think about any aptitude, admissions tests and portfolios needed

Depending on the course and university, you may be required to take an aptitude or admissions test or submit a portfolio of your work. Some examples are:

Check the university website or UCAS for which tests or other submissions are required for your course and the deadlines for taking the test or submitting work.

Practise using online sample tests. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare any portfolios or other submissions required.

Check deadlines for tests and work submissions. Remember these are often before the UCAS application deadline.

Preparing for aptitude and admissions tests

Preparing your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your chance to make your application stand out. Your personal statement is as important as the qualifications and grades you get. Start preparing and drafting your statement early. It may take many drafts before you are happy with it:

Think about suitable references

Remember you need a reference from your school or college. Find out more on References for UCAS undergraduate applications on UCAS.

Boost your application

Finding work experience and volunteering

Universities want to see that you are committed to the course, subject or career area. Work experience or volunteering is not only a great way to try out your career ideas, but can help develop the skills you will need and demonstrate your passion for the subject.

Find out how you could volunteer or get work experience.

Taking part in 'Super-curricular activities'

Another way to show your commitment and passion for the subject or course is by undertaking academic enrichment activities or ‘super-curricular activities’. These will be over and above your normal coursework. You could:

  • Read around the subject, and be up-to-date with the latest issues in the field
  • Join academic societies and attend additional lectures
  • Subscribe to a relevant journal or magazine
  • Maybe even, set up your own subject specific club in your school or college

These activities will not only show your commitment and drive, but that you have an inquiring mind and a passion for learning.

Get more ideas in 'The 34 Best Super-Curricular Activities for Applicants to Top Universities' on Oxford Royale Academy.

Next steps

Attending interviews and auditions

You may be invited to an interview or audition. This will vary depending on the subject and the university, some examples include:

  • Most medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses will invite you for interview
  • Other vocational courses such as nursing may require an interview
  • Oxford and Cambridge invite for interview
  • Performing arts courses usually require an audition

Check the admissions details for the university and course you are thinking about. Look at undergraduate interview invitations on UCAS.

Funding your studies

Research funding for university early and make a note of the deadlines for funding applications. Find out more about on the Student Finance Wales website.


More information


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How to get experience

Employers value experience. Find out how to get it including through work experience, volunteering and internships.

Funding for university

University funding, including loans and grants from Student Finance Wales for tuition fees and living costs, how to apply and repayment.

Gap year

Find out if a gap year is for you and see our list of things to consider. See examples of how gap years are spent.

What is clearing?

What you need to know about university clearing and how to apply through clearing.

Study abroad

Pros and cons of higher education study abroad. Discover if studying abroad would be right for you.

Options at 18

Want to think again about your options? Check out all your options at 18.