Applying for Postgraduate Accommodation
Find out how to apply as a postgraduate student.
This page has been updated for the 2026–27 application cycle.
Details reflect our current plans and may change.
Last updated: 27 March 2026
The information and dates below should be used as a guide only. Occasionally, we may need to change things due to unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, and we need to make a change, we'll let you know as soon as possible. Please make sure you monitor your emails and read any updates that we send.
We process all applications in line with our Allocations Policy. For specific allocation information please refer to this policy.
What is an application?
Postgraduate students will apply for accommodation by choosing their top accommodation choices. Each application will be assigned a randomly generated number, which is used to determine the order of allocation.
We then look at your accommodation choices and try to match these with vacant rooms. If there are no vacancies in your chosen accommodation, we will offer you an alternative room using the 'alternative preferences' you’ve indicated in your application.
This application route is also used to apply for couple or family accommodation. However, applicants for couple or family accommodation can only choose accommodation at Bowsden Court and will be asked to provide information about their household make-up as part of the application.
In the event of technical issues with the Advanced Booking application route, undergraduate students will also use this method to apply for accommodation. In this instance, all affected students will be notified.
How to submit an application
Due to an internal University system upgrade, the opening of the Accommodation Portal has been slightly delayed. We now expect it to open on Monday 30 March 2026 at 11:00 (UK time). To apply, you must have made Newcastle your firm choice - please note this can take up to 48 hours to update in the portal, so plan accordingly.
Postgraduate taught students are guaranteed accommodation through our Accommodation Guarantee, providing they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- apply by the accommodation application deadline of 30 June 2026
- have an academic status of 'Unconditional Firm' by 30 June 2026
- are studying a taught programme
- are coming alone (not with a partner or children)
- are studying and have applied for accommodation for the full academic year
The Accommodation Portal will remain open from its launch date until 12 noon on 24 July 2026. We encourage all applicants to apply before guarantee deadline.
To submit an application, follow the steps below:
Step 1 – register and log in
To register, you’ll need your UCAS or university reference number. Make sure you use an email address that you check regularly. Avoid using a school or agent's email address as you may miss important emails.
To login, use the nine-digit number you received after registering. Click "Create Application" to start.
Step 2 - start your application
We'll ask for some information ‘About You’ such as your address and details of a trusted person. Next, you'll choose how you're applying: as a single applicant, a couple, or a family. You'll also inform us of any health needs that we need to consider, and whether you prefer single or mixed gender accommodation.
Step 3 – choose your accommodation
You'll then see the accommodation available to choose. If you are applying after the guarantee date, you may notice that some accommodation is 'sold out'. You can use the filters and comparison tools to help you decide which accommodation is best for you.
Pick your top accommodation choices and add them to your basket. The page will display how many selections you need to make.
Step 4 - provide some additional info
We'll then ask you for some additional information. You'll tell us how we should process your application if there is no availability in your chosen accommodation. You do this by ranking the accommodation attributes that are most important to you. Depending on your application type, we may also ask you for your arrival and departure dates.
What happens next?
For postgraduate students, we will begin processing guaranteed applications from July 2026. We'll continue processing applications until our accommodation reaches full capacity. Your application will be given a random number which determines the order of allocation. We'll try to match you to accommodation that you have chosen but this is not always possible.
If you are not guaranteed accommodation (for example, because you are a PGR student or your place was confirmed after the guarantee deadline), you can see how we'll process you in the 'non-guaranteed' section of our Accommodation Guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our temporary FAQs page.