We all know how stressful it can be if you are not accepted into a university and course you applied to. Many undergraduate students in the UK face this situation every year. However, UCAS Extra service can help in this situation.
UCAS Extra is an excellent opportunity for students who have applied to their five initial UCAS course choices but have not received an offer or have declined any offers received.
This service is available for free and gives students a chance to continue applying for courses for the upcoming academic year.
What is UCAS Extra?
UCAS Extra is a service that allows undergraduate applicants who have not secured a course place through the UCAS application process to apply for additional courses. This can provide an opportunity for those who did not receive an official offer from their first five choices or who have changed their minds about their preferred course or university.
With UCAS Extra, students have a second chance to find the right course and university for them.
If you are eligible for UCAS Extra you receive all details and available courses.
Who Can Apply for UCAS Extra?
To take advantage of the UCAS Extra process, students must first ensure that they have applied through UCAS and are not waiting for a decision or holding any offers on their initial five applications.
This service allows students to apply for additional courses and increase their chances of securing a place in their dream courses.
You can apply for UCAS Extra if:
- You have registered your five UCAS choices and have yet to receive a response as of February 25;
- You have applied to five choices and have not been accepted by any university;
- You have made five UCAS choices and received offers, but declined them all.
- You want to add a new course through UCAS Extra, as long as you have not accepted or declined any offers yet.
If you had paid the one-choice entry fee of £22, an additional £4.50 fee will be required to upgrade your account and add four new courses.
Recommended for reading:
- UCAS Deadlines
- UCAS Reference Letter: Ultimate Writing Guide
- UCAS Tariff Points Table: How does it work [Example table]
- UCAS Application Process Explained in Details
- UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
What is the start date for UCAS Extra?
Applications for undergraduate courses open on 28 February 2024 through UCAS Extra.
Only for eligible applicants.
What is the closing date for UCAS Extra?
UCAS Extra is closing on 4 July 2024. You have time until 4 July to apply for a course. After this point, if you do not have any offers, you can enter UCAS Clearing.
UCAS Extra Deadlines & Timeline
UCAS Extra opens: 28th February 2024
UCAS Extra closes: 4th July 2024
UCAS Clearing opens: 5th July 2024
Universities respond to applications submitted by 30th June – 12 July 2024
Deadline to reply to offers – 17th July 2024
A Level results day – 15th August 2024
Can You Apply to a Different Subject with UCAS Extra?
You can apply for a different subject through UCAS Extra. If, for instance, you initially applied to study Business management, you have the option to apply for Economics using UCAS Extra.
However, there’s no need to be apprehensive about this process. Most universities are quite open to receiving alternate course applications and see it as an opportunity to increase their student pool.
Applying for a different subject through UCAS Extra can be a great way to increase your chances of getting a place at university if the course you originally applied for is oversubscribed or highly competitive. So, don’t hesitate to explore this option if you’re looking to study a different subject.
Can I change my personal statement?
Unfortunately, you cannot change your personal statement through UCAS Extra. If you want to explain why you’ve changed your mind regarding your desired course, you’ll need to contact the institution directly.
How to apply for UCAS Extra?
If you’re looking to make an application through UCAS Extra, here’s what you need to do to succeed with the UCAS Extra application process:
- Look at courses via the UCAS search tool
- Choose a course that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Check with the university or course programme manager to confirm their willingness to consider your application and clear any doubts you may have.
- Once you receive the green light, submit your application through UCAS Hub.
- Wait patiently for the university to process your application.
- When you receive offers, make sure to respond by the deadline and accept if it’s suitable for you.
After 21 days, you have the option to either wait for a decision or switch your choice to another course through UCAS Extra.
Remember that when applying through UCAS Extra, the university visibility of your initial five choices. So, it’s essential to make sure they align with your career goals.
More guides to explore:
- How to Apply To University
- Personal Statement Examples UK
- Gap Year
- Accommodation for Students
- Advice for Students
How many choices do you get in UCAS Extra?
Students can only apply to one-course choice at a time.
It’s crucial to research the course and university thoroughly before making a decision and to ensure that the new choice aligns with your career goals and interests.
What are the options instead of UCAS Extra?
If you’re unable to secure a place at university through UCAS Extra, don’t despair! We recommend a few alternative paths you can explore:
- Take a gap year to reevaluate your options and reapply next year. Here is our guide on How To Apply To University After A Gap Year
- If your grades were the issue, consider resetting your A-Levels and submitting a new application.
- Look at a related course, and apply it to your initial course in future.
- Consider studying abroad and broadening your horizons while obtaining a degree.
Remember, there’s always more than one path to achieving your goals. Consider your strengths, interests, and long-term plans, and choose the option that aligns with them.
UCAS Extra is not Clearing
However, it’s important to understand that UCAS Extra is not the same as Clearing. The Clearing is for students who have met their exam results and didn’t receive an offer from any of their choices, or did not meet the conditions of their offers. UCAS Extra, on the other hand, is for students who have already received at least one offer and wish to apply for a different course.
Recommended guide:
Final Thoughts
UCAS Extra can be an invaluable opportunity for students who have not secured a university place through the main application process.
To make all the benefits of UCAS Extra, applicants should first check if their chosen universities are participating in the service and if they have any course places available.
Students can then make an additional course choice on their UCAS Hub (formerly UCAS Track) account, and their new choice will be sent to the university for consideration.
FAQ
UCAS Extra can be a valuable tool for those who have altered their career aspirations or are looking to attend a different university. If you have not received any offers from your initial five choices, you will have access to UCAS Extra if it is available to you, as indicated on your UCAS Hub.
You can secure your place at the university by applying through Clearing. Clearing starts in July.
Once accept an offer you will secure a palace at a university course. Keep in mind that by accepting an offer you become ineligible for the UCAS Clearing process.
All universities that have course places will be available in the UCAS search tool.