Entries are now open for the 2026 PDC Qualifying Schools, offering darts players the chance to win a two-year PDC Tour Card and compete alongside the sport’s biggest names on the professional circuit.
The 2026 PDC Qualifying Schools will take place from January 5-11, with simultaneous events being held in Milton Keynes (UK) and Kalkar (Germany).
Format
Qualifying School will feature two stages:
- First Stage: January 5–7, 2026
- Final Stage: January 8–11, 2026
Each Final Stage will include 128 players competing for Tour Cards to join the prestigious PDC ProTour.
Venues and Entry Fees
- UK Qualifying School: Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, Entry Fee: £475 + VAT (includes DRA Sanction Fee)
- European Qualifying School: Wunderland Kalkar, Germany, Entry Fee: £475 (includes DRA Sanction Fee)
On-site accommodation at Wunderland Kalkar can be booked here
Eligibility & Entry
The Qualifying Schools are open to all players aged 16 and above (on January 4, 2026).
Entries can be made now via the PDC Entry System, with the deadline set for 1400 GMT on Friday January 2, 2026.
New players must first register their details here. Once verified (which may take up to 48 hours), they will receive an email confirming eligibility and can then log in to enter the relevant event.
Allocation by Region:
- Players from the UK, Republic of Ireland, and Gibraltar will compete in the UK Qualifying School.
- Players from all other European nations will compete in the European Qualifying School.
- Players from other parts of the world may choose in which Qualifying School they wish to compete.
Further information
Players who lose their Tour Card at the end of 2025 be exempt through to Final Stage in either the UK or European Qualifying School (entry is still required).
They will be joined at Final Stage by players in the top 16 from the respective 2025 Winmau Challenge Tour and Development Tour Rankings who do not already have Tour Cards for 2026, who receive free entry.
The top eight players from the final 2025 Women’s Series Rankings and 2025 PDC Nordic & Baltic Tour Ranking will also be invited to compete in First Stage of Qualifying School at no cost.
The winners of the PDC’s 2025 Affiliate Tour will be exempt through to Final Stage, but must still enter Qualifying School as normal.
In addition, players who lose their Tour Card at the end of 2025 will be permitted to opt to play only Winmau Challenge Tour events in 2026, but must pay the Q School entry fee and then inform the PDC in writing of their intentions.
