For many, it’s time to start thinking about applying to university for 2025 entry. There are a lot of decisions and admin to think about, which can sometimes become overwhelming. The best way to get started is to mark down all the important dates. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the key UCAS dates below, so you can start to plan ahead and get organised!
30 April 2024: UCAS’ search tool displays 2025 courses
While you still have a plenty of time to submit your application, it’s the best time to start thinking about what and where you want to study.
Things to consider:
- The type of subject you want to study (e.g. something theoretical, creative, vocational, etc)
- How the course will be taught (e.g. online, face-to-face, blended etc)
- How the course will be assessed (e.g. exams, coursework, practical, etc)
- Entry requirements (e.g. grades/UCAS points, English language requirements, specific subject requirements)
- Location and environment (e.g. close to home, city-central, campus-based, etc)
- Opportunities for work experience (e.g. placements, internships, insight days, etc)
You can use UCAS’ course search to research available courses, including where you can study, entry requirements, modules and more.
14 May 2024: Undergraduate applications open for 2025 entry
From the 14th May, you can start filling in your UCAS application, although you won’t be able to submit it until September at the earliest. Make sure you’ve registered with UCAS to access your UCAS hub dashboard, where you can officially begin your application.
Here’s some tips to get you started:
- All sections must be completed before the application can be sent, but don’t worry – you don’t have to do it all at once. Simply save your progress and come back to it.
- If you’re applying through a school or college, you will be provided with a buzzword. This is a unique term that links you to your school or college, giving them permission to view, manage and attach references to your application. You can submit this when prompted on the UCAS Hub. Find out more.
- You will be asked about your residency status and personal circumstances – if you’re from outside the UK, visit UKCISA for more information. While providing personal information is optional, it can help universities to understand your circumstances, and offer support if needed.
- You can give a parent, guardian or adviser nominated access if you’d like someone to speak on your behalf.
- If you’re awaiting your results, you’ll still need to make sure your predicted grades are included on your application. These can be added by your referee.
- Your personal statement needs to range from 1,000 to 4,000 characters. It’s always a good idea to type it up on a Word document first, so you can spell check it, and send it to friends, family or advisors to proofread before you paste into your UCAS application.
3 September 2024: Completed undergraduate applications can be submitted to UCAS
So, you’ve chosen your universities, filled in your application and written your personal statement. From 3rd September you can submit your full application to UCAS. If possible, try and submit your application before the January deadline (see below).
A couple of things to note first:
- Make sure your references have been added – these are written recommendations from a teacher, advisor or professional. Your application cannot be submitted without them.
- Don’t forget to pay your application fee. For 2025 entry, this will be £28.50 for up to 5 course choices. However, if you are eligible for free school meals, you can have your fee waived. Find out more. If you are not eligible and can’t afford your application fee, speak to your school or college.
29 January 2025: Deadline to submit your UCAS application
6pm on 29 January 2025 is the equal consideration deadline for most undergraduate applications, so try to submit yours before then. You can still apply after this date, but some universities may treat applications on a first-come, first-served basis from this point.
For more help and information on applying to university, we’ve got heaps of guides and articles on our blog. If you want to find out more about UA92, find out when our next Open Day is, or book a Campus Tour.
