More than 26,000 university and college courses are available through Clearing following A-level Results Day, giving students who missed their original offers thousands of alternative options for this autumn.
UCAS confirmed that students who did not achieve the grades required for their first-choice university, have changed their plans, or have not yet applied can still search for places through the Clearing system.
The admissions service said more than 26,000 courses were available through Clearing following Results Day on Thursday 13 August.
The figure comes as a record number of UK 18-year-olds have already secured university and college places for 2026.
A total of 262,820 UK 18-year-olds have been accepted onto undergraduate courses, up 3% from 255,130 at the same point last year.
Of those, 228,990 secured their first-choice university or college, while 31,770 were accepted by their insurance choice.
But thousands of students are now considering alternative options after receiving their results.
Thousands of courses still available
Clearing allows universities and colleges with remaining spaces to match with students who are still looking for a place.
Courses are available across a wide range of subjects and institutions, although availability can change quickly as places are filled.
Students can use Clearing if they did not meet the conditions of their original offer, did not receive any offers, declined their existing place or have decided to apply after the main UCAS deadlines.
Students who have changed their mind about their original course or university may also be able to explore alternative options.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive of UCAS, encouraged students whose plans had changed to consider the opportunities still available.
She said students who had not secured the grades they needed, were reconsidering their plans or had not yet applied should explore Clearing, adding that the large number of available courses meant there were still plenty of options.
Students urged not to panic
Results Day can be stressful for students who do not receive the grades they were expecting, but university admissions teams are continuing to recruit for courses with vacancies.
Students considering Clearing can search available courses through UCAS before contacting universities directly to discuss possible places.
Applicants are advised to have their exam results and UCAS details available when speaking to admissions teams.
Before accepting an alternative course, students may also want to consider factors such as accommodation, location, course content, living costs and whether the university is the right fit for them.
With more than 26,000 courses available immediately after Results Day, students whose original plans have changed still have a significant range of choices for the 2026 academic year.
Source: UCAS, figures published 13 August 2026.