Oxbridge and medicine applicants face 15 October deadline

Students hoping to study at Oxford or Cambridge, or to become doctors, dentists or vets, have just over two weeks to submit their university applications.

The UCAS deadline for courses at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine or science, is 6pm on Thursday 15 October 2026, for courses starting in 2027.

The main deadline

For most other undergraduate courses, the deadline is 6pm on Wednesday 13 January 2027. Universities must give equal consideration to all applications received by then. Applications can still be made after that date, but popular courses may already be full.

How much it costs

The UCAS application fee for 2027 entry is 34.50 pounds. That covers up to five choices of course, or six if applying to a conservatoire. The fee also covers Clearing and UCAS Extra, so there is no separate charge later.

Extra tests and interviews

Many medicine and dentistry courses require applicants to sit an admissions test before applying, and Oxford, Cambridge and medical schools usually invite shortlisted applicants for interview later in the autumn or winter. Students should check each university's website for its requirements.

Where to study medicine in Birmingham

Birmingham has two medical schools, at the University of Birmingham and at Aston University. Dentistry is taught at the University of Birmingham's School of Dentistry, which works with the Birmingham Dental Hospital in Edgbaston.

Tips for the personal statement

Advisers suggest students start early, ask a teacher or careers adviser to read their application, and make sure they explain clearly why they want to study their chosen subject. Getting the reference and predicted grades in on time also depends on schools and colleges, which often set their own earlier internal deadlines.

Help with costs

Student loans for tuition and living costs are available to eligible students, and many universities offer bursaries to students from lower income families.