Admissions calendar 2026-27
The dates below come from UCAS and the Common Application, plus typical patterns at US colleges. Individual institutions set their own deadlines, which take priority.
UK (UCAS, 2027 entry)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 12 May 2026 | Application opens to start |
| 1 September 2026 | Submission opens |
| 15 October 2026, 18:00 UK | Oxford, Cambridge, most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses |
| 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK | Equal consideration deadline for most courses |
| 25 February 2027 | Extra opens |
| 30 June 2027 | Final date before applications go to Clearing |
| 2 July 2027 | Clearing opens |
| 23 September 2027 | Final deadline for applications in the cycle |
Source: UCAS. Details in UCAS explained.
US (Common App, fall 2027 entry)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 August 2026 | Common App 2026-27 opens |
| 1 or 15 November 2026 | Common Early Decision and Early Action deadlines |
| Early to mid January 2027 | Common Early Decision II deadlines |
| 1 or 15 January 2027 | Common Regular Decision deadlines |
| Mid December 2026 to early April 2027 | Decisions released, depending on plan |
| 1 May 2027 | Common reply date for many colleges |
US dates vary by college. Check each college's admissions page. Details in the Common App.
Tests
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Spring or summer 2026 | First English test and SAT or ACT attempt |
| September to October 2026 | Retakes for November early deadlines |
| November to December 2026 | Final retakes for January deadlines |
International schools
International schools set their own calendars. For August or September entry, many open applications the previous autumn and assess between January and May. See the school admissions timeline.