When to apply

Step 2: Applying

On-time applications

Applications that we receive from early July to 1 October (midnight UK time) are considered to be on-time for entry in the September of the following year (for example, applicants who apply between these dates in 2011 will be considered as on-time applications for entry in September 2012). Conservatoires must give equal consideration to all these applications. They do not have to consider any applications received at CUKAS after 1 October. However, applicants applying for dance, drama or screen production courses may have a different deadline - check the conservatoires' websites for information.

We recommend that you encourage all applicants to do their research and complete their applications as soon as possible after the application cycle starts.

Late applications

Applicants who apply late, after a published closing date, should explain any reasons for the delay in their personal statement section of the application.

We will process all applications received at CUKAS from 2 October 2011 to 31 August 2012 (midnight UK time) and send them to the conservatoires. These are considered to be late applications (unless you are applying for drama, dance or screen production courses who have a later published deadline) and conservatoires will only consider them if they still have vacancies after considering all the on-time applications.

Conservatoires may take until 28 September 2012 to make decisions on late applications.

You should advise applicants who are applying after 1 February 2012 to check whether or not their chosen conservatoires still have vacancies before making an application.

We will not process applications received after 31 August 2012 (midnight UK time). Applicants who want to apply after this date must contact the conservatoires for advice.

References

Applicants arrange for their referees to send references direct to the conservatoires after they have submitted their applications to CUKAS. Conservatoires cannot consider on-time or late applications fully without references.

You should advise applicants to send academic and music, dance or drama reference forms to their referees as soon as they have sent their application to us.

Deferred applications

Applicants cannot apply for deferred entry. However, when considering applications, conservatoires can offer deferred places in response to an applicant's request or after obtaining the applicant's agreement.

Applicants who receive conditional offers for deferred places must meet all the conditions of their offers by 31 August 2012 if applying in the 2012 application cycle, unless an alternative date is set by the conservatoire.