# The UCAS timeline, from Singapore.

Source: https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/guides/university/ucas-timeline

Applications to UK undergraduate courses go through UCAS, usually during the final school year. For a student at an August-start international school in Singapore, that means planning in the year before and applying in the autumn of the final year. This guide sets out the steps; check UCAS for the dates of each year.

## Two school years.

| When (typical) | School year | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| August to June | Year 12 or IB Diploma year 1 | Research courses and universities; check entry requirements against subject choices; open days and online events |
| Spring to summer | End of Year 12 or Diploma year 1 | Register with UCAS; draft the personal statement; prepare for any admissions tests (to be confirmed) |
| August to September | Start of Year 13 or Diploma year 2 | Predicted grades and the school reference; finish the statement |
| Mid-October | Year 13 or Diploma year 2 | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses (to be confirmed) |
| January | Year 13 or Diploma year 2 | Deadline for equal consideration for most other courses (to be confirmed) |
| Winter to spring | Year 13 or Diploma year 2 | Interviews where courses use them; offers arrive |
| Spring | Year 13 or Diploma year 2 | Choose firm and insurance offers (to be confirmed) |
| July or August | After final exams | Results: IB Diploma results in July, A-Level results in August; offers confirmed, or Clearing |

Dates change each year. Always check [UCAS](https://www.ucas.com/) and each university's course page.

## Planning from Singapore.

Many international schools in Singapore follow an August-to-June year, which matches the UK application cycle closely. Schools on a different calendar should check how predicted grades and references fit the deadlines (to be confirmed).

Male Singapore citizens and permanent residents usually serve National Service after school. Many apply for deferred entry or apply during National Service; universities set their own rules on deferral (to be confirmed).

Students in MOE junior colleges sit their A-Level exams at the end of JC2 and receive results early the following year, so their timing differs. We do not teach the MOE syllabus.

## What to do early.

1. **Subjects**: Check that IB Higher Level or A-Level subjects meet the requirements of the courses your child is considering.
2. **Reading and activity**: Wider reading and activities related to the course give the personal statement something to say.
3. **The statement**: Drafted over the summer before the final year, in your child's own words.

## Families ask.

**How many courses can my child apply to?**

(to be confirmed)

**Does my child need IELTS or another English test?**

It depends on the university, the course and your child's qualifications. Check each university's English language requirements.

**Can you guarantee an offer?**

No. Universities decide admissions.

- [UCAS — undergraduate applications](https://www.ucas.com/)
- [UCAS — dates and deadlines (checked 30 October 2026)](https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-to-university/dates-and-deadlines-for-uni-applications)
- [International Baccalaureate (IBO)](https://www.ibo.org/)
- [Ministry of Defence, Singapore — National Service](https://www.mindef.gov.sg/)

## Related

- [University admissions](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/courses/university-admissions)
- [IB, IGCSE and International A-Level](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/guides/learning/ib-igcse-a-level)
- [IB tutoring](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring/ib)

## Map the application.

Tell us your child's school, subjects and the courses they are considering.

- [Book a consultation](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/trial)

Updated: 2026-10-30

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