Lead story Admissions 15 Sept 2026 · UK
UCAS moves the main application deadline to 29 January
The equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses moves from 15 January to 29 January, starting with the 2027 entry cycle. The change gives applicants two extra weeks to finalise personal statements and references.
What it means for you
If you are applying for 2027 entry, update your planner — the new deadline is 29 January 2027. References still need to be submitted by the same date, so confirm with your referee early.
Funding 2 Sept 2026
England raises undergraduate tuition fee cap to £9,535 for 2025–26
The fee cap for home students in England increases from £9,250 to £9,535, the first rise since 2017. The change applies to students starting or continuing courses in autumn 2025.
Funding 20 Aug 2026
New merit scholarship scheme opens applications for 2026 cohort
A foundation backed by three university groups opens applications for 200 scholarships worth up to £5,000 each. Awards are open to first-generation students in any subject area.
Admissions 10 Aug 2026
UCAT switches to adaptive testing format from 2027
The University Clinical Aptitude Test moves to a computer-adaptive format, meaning question difficulty adjusts to each candidate's answers. Preparation materials from before 2027 may not reflect the new question distribution.
Policy 28 Jul 2026
Government consults on minimum entry requirements for degree courses
A consultation proposes that universities be required to set and publish minimum grade requirements for all undergraduate programmes. The policy is at proposal stage and would not take effect before 2028 if adopted.
Funding 15 Jul 2026
Plan 5 loan repayment threshold confirmed at £25,000 from April 2026
Graduates on the Plan 5 loan (starting 2023 onwards) will begin repayments once earnings exceed £25,000 a year, confirmed for the 2026–27 tax year. The interest rate remains linked to RPI.
Study and research 30 Jun 2026
Large meta-analysis confirms spacing effect advantage across subjects
A review of 254 studies finds that spaced practice improves long-term retention by an average of 47% over massed practice across STEM, humanities and language learning. The effect held regardless of age group.
Policy 12 Jun 2026
OfS publishes new credit transfer framework for English universities
The Office for Students releases a voluntary framework encouraging consistent credit recognition between institutions. Universities are asked to state publicly whether they follow the framework by December 2026.
Graduates 5 Jun 2026
HESA releases 2023–24 Graduate Outcomes survey results
The annual survey covering 330,000 UK graduates shows 79% in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation, up two percentage points from 2022–23. Outcomes vary significantly by subject area and institution.
Admissions 20 May 2026
UCAS publishes offer reply and confirmation dates for 2026 cycle
Applicants holding offers must reply by 8 May 2026; results day confirmation opens 14 August 2026. Clearing opens the same day for applicants without a confirmed place.