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The UCAS deadline is 13 January, 6pm: final checks

Most university applications for 2027 entry must reach UCAS by 6pm on Wednesday 13 January. Here is what to check over the holidays.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 13 Oct 2026 5 min read

Key takeaways

1. Why now

For most undergraduate courses starting in 2027, applications must reach UCAS by 6pm on Wednesday 13 January 2027. Universities give equal consideration to every application that arrives by then.[1]

Schools are closed for much of the Christmas holidays and reopen only days before the deadline. If your child applies through school, the real deadline is earlier: whatever date the school has set so it has time to add the reference.

2. Personal statement: final checks

A fresh read after a few days away usually spots what a tired one missed.[2]

Answer the questions asked

Check each part does what UCAS asks, and that it is about the course, not just the university.

Show, don’t list

One example of reading, a project or work experience, and what they learned from it, beats a long list of activities.

Read it aloud

Awkward sentences and repeated words stand out when you hear them.

Their words, not yours

Help with spelling and clarity, but the statement must be your child’s own work.

3. Reference and predicted grades: ask now

The school adds a reference and predicted grades before the application goes to UCAS. Ask your child to check with their tutor or head of sixth form, before the holidays if possible, that both are done or on track.

Once the application is sent, your child can track it in their UCAS account, and offers arrive there too.[1]

One calm check-in: Instead of “Have you done it yet?”, try “What’s left, and who do you need to chase?”

4. After the deadline

Universities reply over the following months. If plans change, or results are different from expected, Clearing opens on 2 July 2027 and matches students to courses with places left.[1]

Done by Christmas beats perfect at 5.59pm.

Want a second pair of eyes?: Our teachers can talk your child through their personal statement in a free call.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. When is the 2027 UCAS deadline for most courses?

  2. 2. Why might your child’s real deadline be earlier?

  3. 3. When does Clearing open in 2027?

Your next steps

  • Ask your child for their school’s internal UCAS deadline.
  • Set a time to read the personal statement aloud together.
  • Check the reference and predicted grades are on track.

Sources

  1. UCAS. Undergraduate application dates and deadlines. ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-to-university/undergraduate-application-dates-and-deadlines
  2. UCAS. Writing your personal statement. ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-to-university/writing-your-personal-statement

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.