Top tips for Clearing and results day 2026: applying for a different course or uni

Alistair went through Clearing after changing his mind about his course choice. Hear his story.

You’ve chosen your firm and insurance options, but as time passes, you might start to reconsider your course or university. Perhaps your interests have changed, or further research has made another option seem more suitable.

If you want to change course but stay at the same university, contact the university first to ask whether a transfer is possible. If you want to move elsewhere, Clearing may be an option once you are eligible.

Giving up a confirmed place is a significant decision, so research the alternative course or university and speak to them before declining anything. These tips can help you work through your options.

Be absolutely sure

Think carefully about why you want to change and what the new course or university offers that your current choices do not. Consider the course content, career options, location, accommodation and any support you may need.

Research vacancies and contact the university you’re interested in before giving up a confirmed place. Ask whether it would consider you through Clearing and what information it needs. Only use Decline my place once you’re certain you no longer want your current place, as UCAS cannot reverse the decision for you.

Check the entry requirements for the course you want to change to

Check the entry requirements and whether the course still has vacancies before making any changes. Consider whether your predicted or achieved grades, subjects and experience meet what the university is looking for.

If the course is different from your original choices, be ready to explain why you want to study it and provide evidence of your interest, such as relevant reading, experience or activities. The university may ask you for additional information to support your application, so check what it needs when you contact it.

Talk to universities and your teachers

Talk through your options with a teacher, adviser or someone else you trust. They can help you think clearly about whether changing your course or university is the right decision.

Contact the university you’re interested in too. It can explain whether the course has vacancies, whether you meet the requirements and how to apply. If you want to change course but remain at your current university, speak to that institution first.

We spoke to Emily, a student at UEA, who recalled changing her mind about the course she wanted to study:

“I was in the position where I knew that I wanted to go into Clearing, even before results day. I’d changed my mind about the linguistics and creative writing course I’d applied for and decided on Speech and Language Therapy after doing some work experience shadowing a therapist.”

Her advice to students in a similar position is to simply speak to someone at the uni you’re interested in.

“My advice for students is to just pick up the phone. Waiting for emails to come through can be agonising and adds so much anxiety to an already stressful time. If you have an idea of which unis you'd like to apply for, phone them!”