Deciding where to study is an exciting time, but it can sometimes feel stressful, too.
Don't worry, that's completely normal. We understand you may need some extra support to make your decision. That's why we’ve pulled together all the information you need to make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible.
Understanding your offer
When you receive your offer to study with us, you’ll either have an 'unconditional offer' or a 'conditional offer'.
Unconditional offer
- If you make us your firm choice, then the place is yours, and you will be starting in September.
Conditional offer
- If you make us your firm choice, then the place is yours, provided you meet the entry requirements.
Accepting your offer
You can reply to all of your offers through UCAS Hub. UCAS also have detailed information on how to reply to your offers.
You don't need to reply to any offers until all five of the universities or colleges you applied to have notified you of their decisions. Check your UCAS application for your personal deadline.
Your choices and replies
Once you’ve logged into your UCAS Hub, there are three types of reply you can make.
Firm acceptance
- you want to make Nottingham your first choice
- if you have an unconditional offer, you’re in!
- if you have a conditional offer, the place is yours if you meet the offer conditions
Insurance acceptance
- this is your backup choice, in case you do not meet the entry requirements of your first choice
Decline
- you’ve made your firm and insurance decisions, so decline any other offers
You are unable to go back and choose your firm and insurance choices when you get your results. Therefore, make sure you are happy with your choices when you reply.
Are you an international student?
As an international applicant, we offer courses that are designed to bring your academic and language skills up to the required level, so you can study a foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate or research degree at the University of Nottingham. See our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes courses.
Need to apply for funding or a scholarship?
Our Financial Support team provides information and advice on all aspects of student finance to current and prospective students. The university offers several bursaries and scholarships, which are worth investigating and applying for – you could end up with more support than you were expecting. See our international student funding.
Also see our 10 steps to obtaining your student visa from overseas.
Deferral
We will usually accept applications more than 12 months before the date of admission if there are good reasons. For example, if you will be gaining relevant work experience, spending time abroad to improve your languages, or need to secure a university place before being considered for industrial sponsorship.
If you would like a deferred start date, please state your preferred starting date on your application form.
How can I request a deferral?
You can request deferral through our enquiry form. Please include your full name and University of Nottingham ID number.
The deadline to defer your offer to 2027 is one day after the latest date to register. For undergraduate courses this will be Tuesday 13 October 2026.
Requests for deferral will be approved at the discretion of the academic school or department. The maximum period allowed for deferral is one academic year.
Please note that your academic qualifications must be valid at your revised start date. For offer holders whose first language isn’t English, your English Language qualifications/tests must also be valid at your revised start date.
University admission policies
Applicants are considered solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, ethnic or national origin, age (subject to the university regulations on minimum age), disability, religion, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant distinction.
To find out more, take a look at our policies.
Quality Manual
The Quality Manual sets out the university's policies and procedures relevant to both the tuition and the supervision of all students.
You're ready for the next step
Once you have firmly accepted your offer, you're now ready to look at fees and funding and your accommodation options. Check out our dedicated page and we'll guide you through what's next.
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Ask us anything
We understand the application process can prompt questions along the way, so we'll happily address any queries you have. Take a look at the resources below for help.
