Missed the UCAS Deadline? Here’s What to do Next (2026 Guide)

So, the UCAS deadline has come and gone, and, for one reason or another, your application didn’t make it onto any university admissions desks.

Firstly – breathe. Missing the UCAS deadline can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean your university plans are over. You still have a number of options available to you, and depending on the subject you want to study, you may not be at a disadvantage at all.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to do next and how to get your application back on track.

It’s not too late

At the University of Chichester, we continue to process applications even after the UCAS deadline.

Your application will still be sent to us, and many of our courses will consider late applications as long as places remain available.

Consider UCAS Extra

From February until early July, UCAS Extra is available for students who:

• Used all five choices and;
• Are not holding any offers

If you missed the original deadline entirely, you may not be eligible right away – but once you submit your application and receive decisions, UCAS Extra offers another pathway to find the right course.

Keep Clearing on your radar

UCAS Clearing opens in July and is an ideal option if:

• You apply late and don’t receive the offers you hoped for
• You change your mind about your course or university
• You’re applying after all the main deadlines

Every year, thousands of courses enter Clearing, including many great options here at Chichester. Plenty of students secure places on their dream course during Clearing.

Don’t just take our word for it – hear from our current student, Andy, who shares his experience of applying through Clearing and landing a place on one of our Engineering courses.

Take time to strengthen your application

Applying late doesn’t mean your application has to feel rushed. Make sure to use this time to:

• Add or update relevant work experience
• Refine your personal statement
• Choose your courses carefully and intentionally

A thoughtful, well‑crafted late application is often far stronger than a rushed on‑time one.

Don’t panic – missing the deadline isn’t the end

It’s easy to feel frustrated or disappointed after missing the deadline, but try not to worry. At the University of Chichester, we’re still ready to receive and review your application!

Here are your next steps:

• Submit your UCAS application as soon as possible
• Use UCAS Extra or Clearing if needed
• Keep your options open – you may have more than you think!

Your journey to university isn’t over. In fact, it might just be getting started…