Yes. If you have changed your mind about where or what you want to study, you can reject your firm choice and apply through Clearing.
Rejecting your firm choice, sometimes called self-release, means giving up your confirmed place, so it is important to check your options before you make a final decision. Look at courses available in Clearing, speak to the university you are interested in, and make sure you understand what you need to do in UCAS.
Before you reject your firm choice?
Can I now apply to Brighton?
Practical things to consider
How to reject your firm choice in UCAS
What happens after you receive your Clearing offer?
Last updated: June 2026 to reflect latest UCAS and Clearing guidance.
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Before giving up your confirmed place, take time to compare your options.
You may want to:
You do not need to rush. Changing your mind does not mean you have failed or made a mistake, but you should feel confident before declining a confirmed place.
Yes. If you are interested in studying at Brighton, you can search for available Clearing courses and contact us to discuss your options.
We can talk you through the courses available, what we need from you, and what your next steps could be.Search Clearing coursesFind out how to apply through Clearing
Changing university can affect practical things like accommodation, travel and finances.
Before applying through Clearing, it is worth checking:
Explore accommodation options Find out about financial support during Clearing
If you decide to reject your firm place, you can do this through your UCAS account. This is sometimes called self-release.
Once you have declined your place, you can use Clearing to apply for another course. You should only add a Clearing choice in UCAS once a university has confirmed that they can make you an offer.
Before taking action, check the latest UCAS guidance and make sure you understand the next steps.
If you receive a Clearing offer from a university, they will explain what you need to do next.
This usually includes adding the course as your Clearing choice in UCAS. You should only do this once the university has confirmed that they can make you an offer.
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No. Declining your firm choice makes you eligible for Clearing, but you still need to contact universities and add a Clearing choice in UCAS.
Yes. If you have accepted a firm choice but now want to study somewhere else, you may be able to reject your firm place and apply through Clearing.
Make sure you understand what this means before giving up your confirmed place.
No. Once you reject your firm choice, your original place is no longer available. You should be confident before declining it.
If your results are better than expected, you may want to look again at your options. You may be able to reject your firm choice and explore other courses or universities through Clearing.
Before giving up your confirmed place, check available courses and speak to universities before making a decision.
You can self-release, from 2 July 2026 when Clearing opens, if you hold an unconditional firm offer. But you should contact universities before making your decision.
Clearing can be a whirlwind — especially if things haven’t gone to plan.
It’s more common than you think to change your mind after applying to university — even after you’ve accepted an offer.
You’ve probably heard rumours about Clearing — that it’s only for people who failed, that it’s a backup, that it’s your last resort.
When results day is just around the corner, it’s not only students who feel the pressure — parents, guardians, and supporters do too.
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