UCAS Extra 2026: What it is and how it can help you secure a University Place

If you’re still waiting for university offers or your plans have changed, you’re not alone.

Every year, thousands of students find themselves without a confirmed place after the main UCAS application decisions.

That’s where UCAS Extra comes in — a free option that gives students another chance to secure a university place before Clearing opens.

In this article, we explain what UCAS Extra is, who can use it, and what to think about next if you receive an offer.

What is UCAS Extra?

UCAS Extra is a free service that gives eligible students another chance to apply for an undergraduate course after hearing back from all their original UCAS choices — and before Clearing opens.

• Opens: 26 February 2026
• Closes: 1 July 2026
• Key point: you can only have one Extra choice at a time

UCAS Extra is not about extra UCAS points. It’s designed for students who don’t currently hold an offer and want to keep moving forward without waiting for Clearing.

Who can use UCAS Extra?

You can use UCAS Extra if you:

• Used all five choices in your UCAS application
• Have received decisions from all five choices
• Are not holding any offers (either you received none, or you declined the offers you got)

If you didn’t use all five choices in your original application, you may be able to add another course directly in your UCAS Hub instead of using Extra (as long as it’s within the UCAS timeline).

Why students use UCAS Extra

Students typically use UCAS Extra in a few common situations:

All five choices were unsuccessful

If you received rejections from all your UCAS choices, Extra gives you another route to apply without waiting for Clearing.

Your plans have changed

Sometimes students change their subject, career direction, or preferred location after applying. UCAS Extra can help you pivot without delaying university for another year.

You don’t want to wait for Clearing

If you’re ready to take action and secure a place earlier, Extra can help you try for an offer before Clearing begins.

How UCAS Extra works

UCAS Extra is simple, but there are a few important rules:

• You can only apply for one course at a time in Extra.
• You won’t have an insurance choice while using Extra.
• If a university doesn’t respond within 21 days, you can choose to keep waiting or replace that choice with another.
• If you receive an offer, you can accept it or decline it.

Once you accept an offer through Extra, that becomes your firm choice.

Related: UCAS Clearing and what to do next

If UCAS Extra isn’t the right option (or the timing doesn’t work), Clearing can be another route to secure a university place later in the cycle. Hallbookers has a dedicated article explaining how Clearing works and what students should prepare — and it will be updated for 2026 so you always have the latest timeline and advice.

For more support, students can also explore Hallbookers’ city guides and student accommodation tips, including what to look for when booking a room near the university and how to compare room types and locations.

UCAS Extra vs Clearing

Both UCAS Extra and Clearing help students who don’t currently have a place — but they work differently.

• UCAS Extra runs before Clearing and lets you try one choice at a time.
• Clearing opens later and is often faster-moving, with course availability changing frequently.

If you’re eligible, Extra is often a calmer way to secure an offer before Clearing starts.

What to do if you receive an offer

Getting an offer is a big step — but it’s not the only decision to make. Once a place is secured, many students quickly start thinking about the practical next steps, including student accommodation.

In popular university cities, accommodation can become limited as more students confirm their plans. Planning early helps you compare options and avoid last-minute pressure.

Student accommodation after UCAS Extra

If you secure a place through UCAS Extra, these steps can help:

• Shortlist areas near your university and key transport routes
• Compare room types and what’s included (bills, wifi, on-site support)
• Check contract length and move-in dates
• Read reviews to understand what daily life is really like

Hallbookers helps students compare student accommodation options across UK cities, making it easier to move from “offer received” to “room booked” with confidence.

Common questions about UCAS Extra

Can I use UCAS Extra if I still have decisions pending?

To be eligible, you need to have decisions from all your original choices and not be holding any offers. If you still have pending decisions, you’ll need to wait — or cancel outstanding choices if you’re certain you don’t want them.

Can I apply to more than one course in UCAS Extra?

You can only have one Extra choice active at a time, but you can make multiple Extra choices during the Extra period if you decline an offer or don’t receive one.

Can I change my personal statement in UCAS Extra?

UCAS Extra doesn’t allow you to submit a new personal statement through the system. If you’re changing subject, it’s recommended to contact the university and ask whether you should send a revised statement directly.

If I accept an offer in Extra, can I still use Clearing?

If you accept an offer through Extra, you are committing to that place (subject to conditions). If you don’t meet the conditions, you may become eligible for Clearing.

What you need to know

UCAS Extra is a practical second chance for students who want to secure a university place before Clearing. If you’re eligible, it can be a calmer, more controlled way to keep your plans on track.

And once your place is confirmed, it’s worth thinking ahead about student accommodation so you can choose the right location, room type, and setup for your university life.

Rate & review your student accommodation on Hallbookers to help other students make better decisions.