University applications abroad are made in the autumn of grade 12, but preparation starts much earlier. US universities look at every grade and activity from grade 9 onwards; in the UK, the deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and medicine is in October of grade 12. This guide brings together application deadlines by country and what to do in each year from grade 9 to grade 12.
Application deadlines by country (2027 entry)
| Country | Application system | Key dates |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UCAS | Applications open 1 September 2026. 15 October 2026: Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, veterinary. 13 January 2027: equal consideration deadline for most other courses. |
| United States | Common App and universities' own systems | The Common App opens on 1 August. Early Decision / Early Action usually 1 or 15 November; Regular Decision usually 1-15 January. |
| Canada (Ontario) | OUAC | Equal consideration deadline for Ontario high school students: 15 January. Deadlines for international applicants vary by university. |
| Netherlands | Studielink | 15 January: numerus fixus (capped) programmes. 1 May: most other programmes. Some universities set earlier dates for applicants from outside the European Union. |
| Germany | uni-assist or the university's own system | Usually 15 July for capped programmes for the winter semester. Varies by university. |
These dates are a general guide. Check each university's and programme's own deadline on its official site; some programmes require extra tests, a portfolio or an interview.
What to do, year by year
Preparatory year and grade 9: laying the foundations
- Grades matter: US universities review every grade from grade 9 (the transcript).
- English: Academic English develops in these years. Reading and writing habits lay the ground for TOEFL/IELTS and personal statements later.
- Activities: The student picks a few clubs, sports or community projects they genuinely care about. Applications value commitment and responsibility over a long list.
Grade 10: choosing a direction
- Research countries and subjects: Which countries and degrees fit the student's goals? Length of study, fees and application methods differ greatly between countries.
- Grade 11 subject choices: IB Higher Level (HL) subjects are prerequisites for many degrees. Engineering, for example, usually requires maths and physics at HL.
- Summer programmes: University summer schools and internships help students explore their interests.
Grade 11: building the profile
- Tests: If needed, the student sits the SAT or ACT for the first time and starts preparing for TOEFL or IELTS.
- University list: A first list is drawn up with ambitious, realistic and safer options.
- Fairs and visits: Meeting university representatives sharpens the list.
- Summer: First drafts of the personal statement or essays are written. IB students complete most of the Extended Essay in this period.
Grade 12: the application year
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| September | The list is finalised; teachers are asked for references. For the UK, the school sets IB predicted grades. |
| October | Oxford, Cambridge and UK medicine applications (15 October). |
| November | US early applications (1 or 15 November). |
| December – January | US regular applications; UK UCAS (13 January); Dutch capped programmes and Ontario (15 January). |
| February – April | Scholarship and financial aid applications; interviews; admission decisions arrive. |
| May | IB final exams. Most US universities expect a reply to their offer by 1 May. |
| July | IB results are published; conditional offers are confirmed. Student visa applications begin. |
Applying with the IB Diploma
The IB Diploma is widely recognised abroad:
- United Kingdom: Universities make conditional offers based on the IB predicted grades submitted by the school. Final confirmation depends on the IB results published in July.
- United States: IB grades and courses are assessed as part of the transcript; some universities award course credit for high IB grades.
- Europe and Canada: The IB Diploma is a direct application document; some programmes require specific subjects at a specific level.
For students who want to keep Turkish universities as an option, our guide Is the IB Diploma recognised in Turkey? explains how to plan for the IB and the YKS together.
Five questions to ask the school
- Is there a dedicated counselling office for applications abroad?
- From which grade does counselling start, and how is it run for each student?
- Is there in-school preparation for tests such as the SAT, TOEFL and IELTS?
- Do university representatives visit the school?
- How are references and predicted grades prepared?
Overseas university preparation at TED Üsküdar College
At TED Üsküdar College, applications abroad are managed by the Overseas Education Counselling Office (YEDO):
| Topic | TED Üsküdar College |
|---|---|
| Destinations | US, UK, Canada, Europe and Asia |
| Application support | Individual for each student: application forms, personal statements, references, CV, and guidance for programmes requiring a portfolio or project |
| Academic planning | Course choices (IB, AP, A-Level); SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS and AP exam preparation; summer schools and internships |
| Scholarships | Counselling on need-based and merit-based scholarships and financial aid |
| University visits | Representatives of universities from around the world visit the school every year |
| International programme | IB Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12 (an IB World School since 2025) |
For details, see the Overseas University Preparation page. For time abroad during high school, the TED-Canada Student Exchange Programme is another option. For information, call +90 216 424 44 44.