Still thinking about university? Options after the 2026 UCAS deadline

If you haven't applied to university yet, but are thinking about it, it might not be too late. This guide explores the different routes for September 2026 entry.

Equally, if you applied to university back in the autumn and now feel uncertain about your choices, you're not alone. Many students apply early - sometimes under pressure from school - and only start to question their decision once offers arrive and it all starts to feel more real. 

The good news is that either way, you still have plenty of options!

Can I still apply to university if I missed the January UCAS deadline?

Yes, for many courses you can still apply to university after the January deadline. Although the main UCAS deadline for equal consideration was 14 January 2026, you can still apply to most courses until 30 June 2026. After that date, applications go directly into Clearing, which officially opens on 2 July. However, at the University of Dundee, we're launching Clearing on 1 July.

The University of Dundee accepts late undergraduate applications through UCAS for most courses. The exceptions are Medicine, Dentistry, Child Nursing, and Art and Design, which either have earlier deadlines or fill quickly. 

For all other courses, apply through UCAS as normal. Late applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's a good idea to submit yours as soon as you're ready rather than waiting.

Can I change my course to something different at the same university after applying?

This will depend on the university and the demand for places. If you're worried you chose the wrong subject, it's worth contacting the university directly before making any changes through UCAS. 

At Scottish universities like Dundee, our four year degrees mean that there can also be some flexibility within your first two years to explore related areas before you specialise, and even change your actual degree subject. Look at your course structure and talk to the university before deciding to do anything formal.

However, if you're unable to change your course in this way, you'll need to follow the same process as changing university, using UCAS Extra now, or Clearing from July.

Can I change my choice of university after applying through UCAS?

Yes, you can change your choice of university after applying. It may be less complicated than you think, depending on where you are in the application process.

You have offers but haven't accepted any, or have declined all your offers

If you haven't accepted anything, you still have flexibility. If you didn't use all five of your UCAS choices originally, you can add another choice directly in your UCAS Hub - just sign in and add it before 30 June 2026.

If you have used all five choices and want to explore different options, you can decline your offers and use UCAS Extra. Extra runs until 1 July 2026. It allows you to apply to one extra course at a time. Universities have up to 21 days to respond, after which you can add a new choice if needed. If you use Extra, you won't have an insurance choice.

You've accepted an offer but have changed your mind

If you have an unconditional offer, then from 5 July 2026, UCAS allows you to release yourself from your confirmed place through a process called self-release. This puts you into Clearing, where you can apply for a different course or university. Bear in mind that declining your place will also cancel any arrangements you've made for accommodation or scholarships. 

If you're holding a conditional offer, you'll need to wait until results day before you can make any formal changes through UCAS and enter Clearing at that point. 

In both cases, it's worth using the time to research your options so you're ready to act quickly if you need to. Our Clearing pages explain what to expect. 

You can also contact universities directly in the meantime - including Dundee - to have a chat about what might be available to you.

What if my grades for university are likely to be better than predicted?

If you're on track to do much better than your predicted grades – maybe you did really well in your mocks and are more confident than your teachers expected - you might want to reconsider whether the course and university you applied for is still the right fit. 

Clearing isn't just for people who missed their grades - it's also a way to find a place at a university you might have ruled out previously as the entry requirements seemed too high for you. 

Folllow the steps for changing your choice of university.

I'm worried my grades won't be good enough to get into university

Although it's really common to feel you haven't done as well in your exams as you'd have liked, if you genuinely think you might not meet the conditions of your offer, there are a few things you can do to prepare in the meantime. 

It's worth bearing in mind that if your results do come in below your offer conditions, your university may still accept you, particularly if you're only just below. If they can't, Clearing will already be open and gives you access to available places at universities across the UK.

Make a plan before results day rather than trying to figure everything out on the day itself. A few things that help:

• Check what Clearing involves and how it works before results day so you're not learning the process under pressure. Our Clearing pages explain what to expect.
• Research universities where you might like to study - look at the course itself, the town or city, and also whether they can guarantee accommodation or offer scholarships if this is important to you. Dundee, for example, can offer accommodation to every student who gets a place through Clearing and also has scholarships set aside specifically for Clearing entrants.  
• Look at whether universities have places available in your subject area. You can do this before results day.
• Be prepared to be available to speak to someone on the phone, as some universities only make Clearing offers via a phonecall. We understand that this method doesn't suit everyone, so we also offer an online form at Dundee. 
• Gather together all the required information so it's easy to access when you need it. This includes your 10-digit UCAS Personal ID, your Clearing number (found on the UCAS Hub), your final exam grades, and a copy of your personal statement.

I applied to university but didn't get any offers: what are my options?

Not receiving any offers is disappointing, but it doesn't mean your options are closed. 

If you didn't use all five UCAS choices

If you didn't use all five of your UCAS choices, you can simply add another choice directly in your UCAS Hub. You can do this up until 30 June 2026.

If you used all five UCAS choices but either recieved no offers or declined all offers

If you used all five choices and weren't offered a place, or if you declined the offers you received, you can use UCAS Extra to apply to one more course at a time. Extra runs until 1 July 2026. 

If you don't hold any offers after 2 July, you'll need to use Clearing. Clearing gives you access to available places across the UK and runs until mid-October.

At Dundee, we're happy to talk through with you whether there's a route to a place here before Clearing opens formally. Get in touch with our admissions team.

Can I go to university and still live at home?

Yes, you can go to university while still living at home. Many Dundee students commute from Fife, Angus, Perthshire, and across Tayside rather than living on campus. Our city campus is well connected by public transport, and under-22s in Scotland travel free by bus, so it can be a great option financially.

If cost or family circumstances mean moving away isn't an option, studying locally is a practical and increasingly common choice.

Learn more about life as a commuting student

Can I apply to university as a mature student or career changer?

Yes, you can apply to university as a mature student or career changer. In fact, around 30% of new undergraduates at Dundee each year are mature students, and we welcome applications from people returning to education at any stage. 

Applying to Dundee as a mature student