Deferred entry

Applying for deferred entry means you submit your application as usual but choose to start your course a year later. It can be a good option if you want time to travel, work, volunteer or gain valuable experience before university. Find out how deferred entry works at Herts, how and when to apply, and the key things to consider so you can decide whether deferring your place is right for you.

How does deferred entry work?

Apply now and defer your place

A gap year can help you build confidence and experience before starting your degree. If you already know you want to defer, you can apply in your final year of school or college as normal and select the deferred entry option on your UCAS application. Use your personal statement to explain why you’re taking a year out – this helps our admissions team assess whether a deferred place can be offered for your chosen course.

When you defer, we’ll consider your application on its individual merits. If successful, you’ll receive an offer for the following academic year. Please be aware that course details and tuition fees for your deferred year may not yet be finalised, but the current course information will give you a strong indication of what to expect. Your offer will appear on the UCAS Hub and you’ll need to meet your conditions in the year you apply. We’ll send you a formal written offer and follow up from September before you begin, confirming course details, fees and next steps.

If you have already accepted an offer for a particular year and later decide you’d like to defer, please email our Ask Herts team. We’ll carefully consider your request, although we cannot guarantee approval.

Apply during your gap year

You can also choose to apply once you’ve left school or college. Undergraduate applicants can apply directly through UCAS during their year out – a good option if you want to use your gap year experience to shape your course choice or strengthen your application.

If you apply while travelling or working, remember that you may no longer have the same support from teachers or tutors, and securing an academic reference can take extra time. You’ll also need to be available for interviews if your chosen course requires one, which can be challenging if you’re abroad or working full-time.