If we apply for five universities, can we apply to more later or change universities in UK?
Yes. For undergraduate UCAS applications you get 14 days from your welcome email to swap a choice, and later options like UCAS Extra or Clearing if you hold no offers. Postgraduate applicants are not capped at five and can apply directly to as many universities as they choose.
Yes, you do have flexibility even after submitting your five UCAS choices, though the exact route depends on whether you applied for undergraduate or postgraduate study. Undergraduate applicants get a short window to swap choices, then fallback options later in the cycle, while postgraduate applicants are not capped at five at all.
Your Options After Submitting UCAS Choices
| Route | When It Applies | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| 14 day window | From your UCAS welcome email date | Substitute a choice that has not received a decision yet |
| UCAS Extra | February to July | Apply to one more university at a time if you hold no offers |
| Clearing | July to October | Contact universities with live vacancies if you miss your grades |
| Postgraduate applications | Any time | Apply directly to unlimited universities, no UCAS cap |
Steps To Take If You Want To Change Your Choices
- Check the date on your UCAS welcome email to know exactly when your 14 day window closes.
- Only swap a choice if that university has not already made a decision on your application.
- If you decline an offer to free up a slot, remember you give up that place for good.
- For a Master's application, skip UCAS entirely and apply straight to each university's own portal.
My Advice
Lock in your five choices carefully the first time, since the 14 day swap window closes fast. If you are applying for postgraduate study, use your freedom to apply to more universities to keep a realistic mix of ambitious, moderate and safe options open.
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