Step 1: Register for a UCAS account
Create your UCAS hub.
This is where you'll upload your personal statement and manage your applications.
It's a good idea to create your account in May of the year before you hope to start university.
How to apply
You’ve chosen what you want to study - and where. Now it’s time to secure your place.
If you’re at school or college, this guide walks you through the steps, from preparing your application to hitting the deadlines.
Questions about applying to Bradford? Our admissions team has your back.
Let's hit play.
Apply to university: your step-by-step guide
Your next adventure begins here.
You can get started in May in Year 12. Your school or college will support you through the steps below. You'll also find lots of helpful info on the UCAS website.
Over 21 and applying after a break from education? Our resources for adult learners will help you get started.
Step 2: Write a personal statement
Prepare your sales pitch.
Tell us why you're a match for the course you want to study.
You'll need to answer questions about your chosen subject, previous studies and relevant experiences.
Step 3: Submit your application
Find your place.
You can start filling in your details from May, and submit your application from September.
Add up to five courses at the same or different universities. You may be invited to an interview, so it's worth preparing in advance.
Step 4: Apply for finance
Organise your money.
Student finance loans help cover your tuition fees and living costs while you're at uni.
You can apply before or after you've submitted your UCAS application, but don't leave it too late.
Step 5: Consider your offers
Make your firm choice.
If you recieve multiple offers you'll need to decide on your first (firm) and back-up (insurance) choices.
If your offer is conditional, you'll need to achieve certain grades to keep your place.
Step 6: Get your results
Discover what's next.
Results Day for most qualifications is in August. You'll find out if you got the grades for your first choice course.
You can use Clearing if you change your mind or don't get the grades you need.
What are the key UCAS dates and deadlines?
Dates for September 2026 entry
- Application deadline: 14 January 2026
- This is the 'equal consideration deadline' for most courses. You can apply for courses that still have places after this deadline.
- UCAS Extra opens: 26 February 2026
- Add another course to your application if you have no offers from your first five choices, or have declined the offers you got.
- Late entry deadline: 30 June 2026
- Don't worry if you miss this deadline - applications made after this date will enter Clearing.
- UCAS Extra closes: 1 July 2026
- You can't add any more choices to your UCAS application after this date. You can still apply in Clearing though.
- Results Day: 13 August 2026
- Results for A levels and many other qualifications are published today. You'll find out if you got your place at university.
- GCSE Results Day: 20 August 2026
- You might need certain GCSE results to be accepted to the course you applied for.
- Autumn term starts: 18 September 2026
- This is what it's all been for - your first week of university.
- Final deadline for 2026 applications: 24 September 2026
- Your last chance to find a course to start in 2026.
Dates for September 2027 entry
Some dates and deadlines for September 2027 entry have not been confirmed yet.
- Equal consideration application deadline: 13 January 2027
- UCAS Extra opens: 25 February 2027
- Late entry deadline: 30 June 2027
- UCAS Extra closes: 1 July 2027
- Clearing opens: 2 July 2027
10 tips for a brilliant UCAS application
Your UCAS application should set you apart.
Read 10 tips for a brilliant UCAS application to help you secure a spot on your perfect course.
Let's hit play
Got questions about Bradford?
Get the answers you need - from courses and career development, to campus life and funding.