If you’re not holding any offers and have used up all your UCAS choices, then Extra could be for you.
UCAS Extra is a free service that allows you to apply for another university course, even if you’ve used up your initial five choices.
It gives you another opportunity to get a place at uni before your results are available, and without waiting until Clearing.
If you’re not able to find anything through Extra, don't worry as there are likely to be places available in Clearing. Clearing opens in July every year.
You can use Extra if:
In 2026, UCAS Extra is open from 26 February to 1 July.
If you don't receive an offer through UCAS Extra, you'll be able to apply for a university place through Clearing from July.
From 26 February 2026, log in to UCAS Hub.
Go to the Choices section of your UCAS tracking page and if you’re eligible the ‘Add Extra Choice’ option will automatically appear. From here, you can search for a course (use the filter 'Show courses with vacancies') and add your choice on UCAS Hub.
You can only apply for one course at a time, but if you withdraw your choice or are unsuccessful you’re able to choose another.
There's no limit to the number of courses you can apply for overall.
If you'd like to find out more about ARU courses, call us on 01245 686868 or take a look at our course pages.
Yes, you can.
Tip: you can’t change your personal statement, so if you’re applying for a different subject you might like to contact the university. Explain that you’ve changed your mind and offer to send them an updated personal statement.
Once you’ve sent off your application it’s over to the university or college to review. Your chosen university has 21 days to make a decision and get back to you. (if you haven't heard anything, it's worth contacting them to check that an offer isn’t on its way to you.)
When you receive an offer, you can firmly accept or decline it. The date you must reply by is shown in your application. After this date, all offers are automatically withdrawn and you'll be entered into Clearing.
If you accept your place and meet the entry requirements: congratulations, you're off to uni!
If you’re not offered a place at first, you can continue searching for a suitable course and add another Extra choice.
If you don't receive an offer through UCAS Extra, you'll still be able to apply to university through Clearing.
When you accept an offer through Extra you’ve committed to that university. If you meet the conditions of their offer, you'll be placed with them.
If you want to be released into Clearing, we suggest speaking to your university to see if they can arrange this.
If you don’t meet the conditions of their offer, you'll automatically be eligible for Clearing.
If you're interested in joining ARU and want to find out a bit more: