Types of University Offers
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Conditional Offer: Dependent on students achieving certain grades.
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Unconditional Offer: The place is secured regardless of final grades.
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Students choose a Firm (first choice) and Insurance (backup) offer.
RESEARCH: You can see the University League Tables here. To filter the best university by course, you’ll find the option to filter the ‘Subject League Tables’ at the top of the screen
University Offers via UCAS
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Offers are made through UCAS Hub and can be:
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Conditional – student must meet specific grades.
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Unconditional – place is confirmed regardless of final results.
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Students may also see that they have not been accepted by one or more of their choices.
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Students usually receive university decisions before Results Day and must respond to offers by the deadline shown in UCAS Hub.
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Students typically select two offers:
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Firm Choice – their preferred university; if they meet the conditions, their place becomes unconditional.
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Insurance Choice – a backup; if they miss the Firm offer but meet this one, they get in here.
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Students must respond to offers by a deadline in May.
UCAS Clearing Process
Clearing helps students find a university or college place after results are released, especially if they:
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did not meet the conditions of their offers;
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did not receive or accept any offers;
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applied late and are using Clearing after it opens on 2 July 2026;
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declined their confirmed place using the “Decline my place” button in UCAS Hub.
Key Dates:
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Clearing opens on 2 July 2026.
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A level / JCQ Results Day is Thursday 13 August 2026.
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Eligible students can add a Clearing choice in UCAS from 13:00 on Results Day.
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The last date to add a 2026 Clearing choice is 19 October 2026.
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Universities and colleges have until 21 October 2026 to make final decisions.
When Students Can Use Clearing:
Students may be able to use Clearing if they:
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are not holding a confirmed place;
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did not receive any offers;
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declined their offers;
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did not meet the conditions of their Firm or Insurance offer;
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applied late and are applying through Clearing;
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have paid the relevant UCAS application fee;
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have declined their confirmed place using “Decline my place” in UCAS Hub.
Exceeded Grades? Consider "Decline my place"
If a student exceeds the conditions of their Firm offer, they may want to explore other courses or universities through Clearing.
Before using “Decline my place”, students should:
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check whether they are happy with their confirmed place;
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research alternative courses carefully;
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contact universities before making changes in UCAS;
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secure a new offer where possible;
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understand that declining a confirmed place means they may lose that place.
⚠️ Important: Students should not decline their place unless they’re certain they want to pursue a different university or course.
Understanding the UK Education System and UCAS
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UCAS is the main service for UK undergraduate university applications.
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Students apply using predicted grades, then manage and respond to offers through their UCAS application in UCAS Hub.
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Each student needs their UCAS login details and UCAS Personal ID to access their account.
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Visit: UCAS guidance on “What your application status means” explains the options students may see once they receive their results.
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Contact UCAS:
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UCAS adviser line: 0345 123 8001
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UCAS applicant line: 0371 468 0 468
Students should have their UCAS Personal ID ready before calling.