University application deadlines 2027 and when to take IELTS

Universities have application deadlines, and your test result is part of the application. Here are the deadlines for entry in autumn 2027 and, beside each, our last test date that leaves at least a week before the deadline.

As listed on 13 October 2026

Deadlines

15 October 202618:00 UK time
UCAS · United Kingdom
Oxford, Cambridge, and most courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine
13 January 202718:00 UK time
UCAS · United Kingdom
most undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom
Our last date at least a week before the deadline: 19 December 2026 (Zagreb)
15 January 202723:59 · the same date every year
Studielink · Netherlands
Dutch programmes with a limited number of places (numerus fixus)
Our last date at least a week before the deadline: 19 December 2026 (Zagreb)
26 January 202715:00 Italian time
Università Bocconi · Italy
bachelor’s programmes, Winter Session (opens 25 November 2026)
Our last date at least a week before the deadline: 16 January 2027 (Zagreb)
1 February 202717:00 · the same date every year
CAO · Ireland
undergraduate courses in Ireland, normal closing date
Our last date at least a week before the deadline: 16 January 2027 (Zagreb)
15 March 202712:00 CET · the same date every year
optagelse.dk · Denmark
Danish programmes: quota 2 and applicants with a non-Danish qualification
Our last date at least a week before the deadline: 6 March 2027 (Zagreb)
1 May 202723:59 · the same date every year
Studielink · Netherlands
Dutch programmes without a numerus fixus
Our last date at least a week before the deadline: 20 March 2027 (Zagreb)

The deadlines are taken from official pages and each links to its source. Universities change them, and individual programmes also have earlier deadlines of their own. The university’s page is the one that counts.

How to plan

Find the requirement for your programme. Which test, which overall band score and which minimum score in each part: examples of requirements.
Check when the result has to arrive. The university’s page says whether the result must arrive by the application deadline or may be sent later.
Choose a test date with time to spare. The British Council states that the result of the test on computer arrives in one to five days. If you want to leave yourself the option of retaking one part, bear in mind that One Skill Retake is taken within 60 days of the test and that not all universities accept it.
Book your test. Dates and fees.

Not sure whether you are ready?

The free level check shows how far you are from the score you need. If you need to prepare, allow time for it before your test date: Preparation.

Ready? Choose a date.

See dates and fees Check your level