What are the deadlines for applying to top UK universities for the 2027 intake for a Postgraduate?
UK postgraduate deadlines run on a rolling, staged basis rather than one fixed date. Highly competitive programs at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, and UCL close between November 2026 and January 2027, while standard postgraduate courses accept applications from January through March 2027, so apply as early as you realistically can.
Your postgraduate deadline depends entirely on which university and course you are targeting, since UK postgraduate admissions run on a rolling or staged basis rather than one national date like undergraduate applications. You should treat November 2026 to January 2027 as your real deadline if you are aiming for a highly competitive program.
Key Deadlines for the September 2027 Intake
| Program Type | Application Window |
|---|---|
| Applications generally open | September to October 2026 |
| Highly competitive (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL) | November 2026 to January 2027 |
| Standard postgraduate programs | January to March 2027 |
| Visa and CAS cut-off | June to July 2027 |
Staged Rounds for Business and STEM Courses
- Round 1, September to October 2026, gives you the best shot at scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth awards.
- Round 2, November 2026 to January 2027, is your last safe window before ultra-competitive courses fill up.
- Round 3, February to March 2027, only offers heavily limited remaining seats, so avoid relying on it.
- If you are applying to a January 2027 secondary intake instead, applications typically close between August and November 2026.
My Advice
Treat October 2026 as your personal deadline, not the university's. Finish your English test scores, references, and personal statement by then so you can submit in Round 1 or 2, well ahead of the crowd chasing the same seats and scholarships in January and February.
UK Jan or May 2027: Which Intake Can You Still Apply For?
Get a personalised timeline before deadlines close.
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