Study Abroad | Missed The First UCAS Deadline? Here’s What You Must Know

If you are applying for university admission in the UK, you are probably familiar with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application deadline which is on the 25th of January 2023.

As the pandemic is making things rather difficult and inconvenient, many aspiring students might have missed this application date.

But thankfully you don’t have to fret! The next deadline you are now looking at is 30th June 2023. This is one milestone you need to pin up and aim to make the application!

Here’s what you need to know if you missed the 25th January deadline and still haven’t applied for your dream UK university yet.

CONTACT IDP COUNSELLORS NOW

1. The First Main Deadline Was On The 25th Jan 2023

Now, the first deadline was on the 25th of January 2023. Although that milestone has passed, as an international student, you aren’t locked out of applying yet!

You can still apply, however, there is one big change - you will no longer be guaranteed equal consideration compared to those who have applied before the first deadline.

2. You Should Still Consider Applying & Trying Your Best

As of April, while some courses that are full might be closed off completely, you should still apply and put your best foot forward!

Things will be even more competitive as there will likely be many students in your position who missed the first deadline and are now rushing to get their application in before 30th June 2023 (before UCAS Clearing).

3. Target Beyond The Ultra-Competitive Courses & Universities

Because you have missed the first main deadline, it is only natural for the most competitive courses to be either gone or the remaining spots to be fiercely fought after.

Firstly, you can use the UCAS’s course finder here to do a search to determine the universities and courses that are still available for you to apply for.

Alternatively, or in addition, you can also contact our professional counsellors at IDP to help you with your UCAS search and application. This will include valuable advice that will give you an edge in your application while saving you precious time!

IDP can also help to contact the university directly to check on the availabilities and admission status as they are ever-changing. Then you can know if your current application grades and circumstances are good enough to be considered.

The last thing you want to do is to spend time submitting an application that will ultimately get rejected!

4. Make Your Late Application Before 30th June 2023

Now that you have made the decision to apply, you definitely don’t want to miss the 30th June 2023 deadline!

However, if you do, all is not lost yet. You can still apply in July 2023 when the Clearing options open. That is essentially where the remaining courses are left and you can then get filled in.

While this isn’t ideal, tens of thousands of students do find their places through the Clearing period and there is still a chance of you getting what you want.

But we wouldn’t risk it and strongly recommend you to apply as soon as possible!

5. Work Harder On Your Personal Statement

While you won’t be able to turn back time, you can definitely try to influence your application and put your best foot forward by working harder on your personal statement.

Your personal statement here should highlight your motivations and how the extra time has inspired you to make the best choice possible.

You want to frontload your aspirations, what you can contribute to the university and how the course fits into life goals to really showcase your sincerity and preparation done.

6. Consider Applying For The Following Year Instead

It is understandable that you might not really get the options you truly desire and in that case, you always have the option to wait and apply for the following year, or apply for university pathway programs.

Consider the advantages. You will be able to make the first deadline which is ideal, plus you will have extra time to really understand and choose the best course for you.

In addition, if you need to retake any examination, you can do so and it will help boost the chances for a stronger application the next year-round!

Alternatively, you can progress to your ideal university through designated pathway program, which can be applied any time before it starts.

Pursue Your Dream Degree In The UK With IDP

Looking to study in the UK and unsure of the UCAS application process?

Let us help you!

From selecting the best universities, courses and application preparation, we are here to help you through the process!

At IDP, we have an experienced team of education counsellors that can answer your questions and support you and your family throughout your study abroad journey.

Get started with a free counselling session today.

CONTACT IDP COUNSELLORS NOW