Deferring university | Should I defer my university place?

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CONTENTS

What is deferred entry?

How to defer uni

When is the latest you can defer university?

Can you defer if you have already applied for a course?

Can you defer after getting your results?

Can you defer a year at university after beginning it?

For how many years can you defer university?

Can you defer your university place through Clearing?

Should you defer?

What is deferred entry?

Deferred entry is when a student applies for a course but takes a year out before beginning that course. For example, you could apply in September 2022 to begin in September 2023.

How to defer uni

Deferred entry can be done in a couple of different ways.

Apply as a deferred student

Firstly, despite any recent changes to university entry, you can still make an application as a deferred student. What this will mean is that you can apply as though you're doing so for the year 2023 and will have to meet the same conditions and entry requirements as those beginning in September 2023. But, you will be given the option to apply as a deferred student and if accepted, will begin in 2024.

Bear in mind that when applying, you'll need to include your reason for deferral within your personal statement.

Wait a year

Your other option? Simply wait to apply when applications open for the 2024/25 academic year. If you are unsure of what to study or no longer want to start uni in 2024, you can spend the time to do further research, get work experience, build your CV and talk to friends already at university. Applications for 2023 opened in September this year so if you took a year out, you can apply now for September 2023.

If you’ve not yet applied and do change your mind, you can still apply now after the UCAS deadline, or you can wait to apply via Clearing.

When is the latest you can defer university?

You will have the same deadlines for the year in which you are applying. For example, if you are applying in 2022/23 for the 2023 university year, but wish to defer entry until 2024, your deadline for applying as a deferred student will be the same as for non-deferring students. Note that although the equal consideration deadline for 2022/23 applicants will be on Friday 25 January, universities do accept offers after this deadline date but applications are judged on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can you defer if you have already applied for a course?

You sure can! If you do decide to defer, but have already sent in your application, contact your chosen university. Let them know of the change. You'll usually be asked to provide a reason.

Can you defer after getting your results?

Yes, but get in touch with the university with whom you hold an offer. Provide your reason for doing so.

Alternatively, if you had intended to defer but changed your mind after getting your results, contact the university with whom you hold a deferred place. They may be able to accommodate you onto the course this year. You also still have the option of applying through Clearing.