It simply means that applications received before the deadline are guaranteed to be considered by universities and colleges. This ensures no application will be rejected because it was received after others.
When are they?
UCAS currently has two equal consideration deadlines:
It’s important you check the deadline date for all your course choices, as they may be different.
Why have deadlines?
The deadlines ensure places aren’t offered on a first-come, first-served basis – as long as you apply before the relevant deadline, it won’t make a difference to your application. However, the number of places available might affect when you receive a decision on your application.
For example, if you’re applying for a course:
If a course has limited places, we may hold all applications until after the 15 January deadline, then assess them all equally against a set of selection criteria, to ensure we make the right number of offers.’ University of Sheffield
‘Some courses don't have limited spaces, so we are able to make offers to all applicants who demonstrate the potential to succeed on their chosen course. We don't need to wait until after the deadline has passed, as we use a predetermined set of selection criteria to assess applications.’ University of Sheffield
‘We try to start making decisions long before 15 January, so students who apply early don’t all have to wait for months to hear back from us.’ King’s College London
What if I apply after the deadline?
A course can’t be closed or marked as full until the equal consideration deadline for that course has passed. Applications received after the relevant deadline will only be considered by a university or college if there are still spaces available.
Applications for a course can close at any time after the deadline, as soon as the places are filled. So if you leave it too late, your application may not be considered.
Find out more about UCAS’ key dates and deadlines.
When are they?
UCAS currently has two equal consideration deadlines:
- 15 October for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science
- 15 January for the majority of undergraduate courses
It’s important you check the deadline date for all your course choices, as they may be different.
Why have deadlines?
The deadlines ensure places aren’t offered on a first-come, first-served basis – as long as you apply before the relevant deadline, it won’t make a difference to your application. However, the number of places available might affect when you receive a decision on your application.
For example, if you’re applying for a course:
- with limited places, you won’t receive an offer until after the deadline has passed
If a course has limited places, we may hold all applications until after the 15 January deadline, then assess them all equally against a set of selection criteria, to ensure we make the right number of offers.’ University of Sheffield
- with no restrictions on places (within reason), you might get an offer before the deadline
‘Some courses don't have limited spaces, so we are able to make offers to all applicants who demonstrate the potential to succeed on their chosen course. We don't need to wait until after the deadline has passed, as we use a predetermined set of selection criteria to assess applications.’ University of Sheffield
‘We try to start making decisions long before 15 January, so students who apply early don’t all have to wait for months to hear back from us.’ King’s College London
What if I apply after the deadline?
A course can’t be closed or marked as full until the equal consideration deadline for that course has passed. Applications received after the relevant deadline will only be considered by a university or college if there are still spaces available.
Applications for a course can close at any time after the deadline, as soon as the places are filled. So if you leave it too late, your application may not be considered.
Find out more about UCAS’ key dates and deadlines.