Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
CONTENTS
When's the latest you can defer university?
Can you defer if you've already applied for a course?
Can you defer after getting your results?
Can you defer a year at university after beginning your course?
How many years can you defer university for?
What's 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 November 2023 to begin in September 2025. Usually, students who defer their uni place take a gap year to work or travel.
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 2024 and will have to meet the same conditions and entry requirements as those beginning in September 2024. But, you will be given the option to apply as a deferred student and if accepted, will begin in 2025.
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 2025/26 academic year. If you are unsure of what to study or no longer want to start uni in 2025, you can spend the time to do further research, get work experience, build your CV and talk to friends already at university. Applications for 2024 opened in September this year so if you took a year out, you can apply now for September 2024.
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's 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 2023/24 for the 2024 university year, but wish to defer entry until 2025, 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 2023/24 applicants will be on 31 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've already applied fo 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.
Can you defer a year at university after beginning your course?
This will depend on the university’s policy. Talk to your university first. Consider the options you have, which may be deferring and restarting the following year or leaving uni and reapplying for the following year.
How many years can you defer university for?
Usually you can defer university for a year. This will depend on the institution you’re applying to and the availability of the course the following year.
Should you defer?
The choice is up to you. Make sure you gather together all the pros and cons before you make your decision.
We encourage you to chat to friends, family and teachers. Chat with your chosen universities too. This way, you’ll be as informed as you can prior to making any final decisions.
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