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What is UCAS Extra?

If you applied for five courses on your UCAS application and didn’t manage to secure an offer (or turned down the ones you received), you have a second chance to apply for a place, using Extra. The service starts at the end of February and runs until the end of June.

UCAS Track lets you keep up to date with the progress of your application online. If you become eligible for Extra, a button will appear on your Track screen which you can use to apply for a course.

• See who's eligible for UCAS Extra Opens new window
• UCAS Track service - follow your application Opens new window

Finding a course

To find a course through Extra, look for course vacancies on the UCAS website, or contact universities and colleges direct.

You can only apply for one course at a time through Extra. Once you’ve made an Extra application (through your Track screen), UCAS forwards your application to the university or college you’ve chosen.

If you change your mind, every 21 days the Track system allows you to refer your application elsewhere - as long as you're not holding an offer.

Get in touch with the place considering your application direct to let them know you no longer want to be considered before referring yourself to another university or college.

• Find a university course Opens new window
• Look for universities and colleges in each region of the UK Opens new window

Getting an offer

As soon as you accept an offer, whether it's conditional or unconditional, you are committed to the course and cannot apply for any more courses through Extra.

If you turn down an offer, or the university or college turns you down, you can apply for another course - as long as you have enough time to do so.

If you don't get an offer, you need to wait until you get your exam results and then look for a place through the Clearing system. Clearing is when universities and colleges advertise - and fill - last-minute course vacancies.

• Getting an offer from a university or college
• Clearing: last-minute places at university or college
• More about UCAS Extra Opens new window