What to do if you miss the January UCAS deadline and still want to apply to University

If you’ve missed the January UCAS deadline, don’t panic—you still have time to apply for university this year.

How late is too late?

The deadline for UCAS applications is 6pm on 29 January, after which applications are considered late for 2025 entry.

_{Does missing the deadline mean you can’t start university this year?}

I have good news! You can still submit your application, but with one important difference—your application will no longer receive equal consideration. This means some courses may have filled up or closed altogether, but don’t worry, there are still plenty of options available, especially if you’re looking outside the most competitive courses.

Universities give equal consideration to all applications submitted by the 29 January deadline, whether they were submitted early in the process or right at the deadline. However, after that, universities begin allocating places, starting with those who applied on time.

While this deadline applies to most students, those applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or for medicine, dentistry, or veterinary courses should note that the deadline for 2025 entry is 15 October 2024.

Submitting a late University application

Even though spaces may still be available after the deadline, it’s important not to rush your application.

We recommend you to take the time to prepare a strong submission, as the quality of your application remains crucial.

The new deadline to aim for is 30 June 2025. All applicants—whether home or international—can submit their application up until this date. However, unlike before, it’s now a first-come, first-served process, so while you don’t want to rush, acting promptly is essential.

Timing your application

Interestingly, just after the January deadline, it may be better to hold off submitting for a short period. Universities will be processing the applications they received on time, and it may take a few weeks to know if they can accept additional applications.

By mid-to-late February, universities will confirm whether they are participating in UCAS Extra and which courses are still available. This gives you a clearer picture of your options.

After late February, it’s best to submit your application as soon as possible to increase your chances of securing a spot.

Exploring your options

UCAS’s course search tool is a helpful resource for finding available courses. You can also check other course-finding tools that provide detailed information on UK university offerings, along with helpful stats and data. Another useful place to ask questions is university forums, where you can connect with university representatives and current students.

Keep in mind that course availability is constantly changing, so it’s crucial to confirm directly with the universities that interest you. Call the admissions offices to find out if spots are available and whether the course is the right fit for you. Be prepared to explain your academic background, your predicted or achieved grades, and a little about yourself during the call. If they’re open to considering your application, you can go ahead and apply. If not, you can explore other options.

Preparing your personal statement

The rest of the application process remains the same, including your personal statement and reference. Let your teachers know about your intention to apply so they can prepare your reference in time.

You don’t need to approach your personal statement differently just because you’re applying late. If anything, the extra time may have given you more experiences to reflect on in your statement. Be sure to follow the key steps for writing an excellent personal statement and reach out to forums for any specific advice.

What If you miss the 30 June deadline?

If you miss the 30 June deadline, don’t worry. Your application will be entered directly into the Clearing process, which is not a bad thing—each year, more than 60,000 students secure their university place through Clearing.

Alternatively, you can wait until next year to apply, which gives you more time to think about your options. If you haven’t completed your exams yet, applying with confirmed grades can reduce some of the stress, as you won’t need to worry about meeting predicted grades or conditional offers.