What is unconditional acceptance of an offer?

Ultimately, it's the job of the university admissions team to determine whether you can succeed on the course you have applied for.

When are you likely to hear back from unis?

The wait for decisions on your application can be agonising. It’s a good idea to use this time effectively by familiarising yourself with the decisions the unis you’ve applied to could make, so you know what to expect and what to do when the time comes.

Each university and college will make their decisions at different times, meaning you might hear back before your friends do, or vice versa. However, there are deadlines by which they will need to have decided:

If you're applying to study in 2022

• 19 May 2022 – if you send your application by 26 January 2022.
• 14 July 2022 – if you send your application by 30 June 2022.

If a uni you’ve applied to doesn’t make a decision by the appropriate deadline, that choice will be automatically made unsuccessful.

Decisions universities and colleges can make

Either a conditional or unconditional offer is good news.

• A conditional offer means you still need to meet the requirements – usually exam results.
• An unconditional offer means you've got a place, although there might still be a few things to arrange.
• An unsuccessful or withdrawn choice removes that option, but you could add more.

Conditional offers

These show the conditions you have to meet to get your place confirmed.

For most people, this means waiting for results day in summer to see if your exam results meet the conditions. They could be a combination of grades, scores or subjects – as explained in the entry requirements and Tariff info.

A conditional offer might look something like this:

• A levels grade AAB with A in chemistry and at least two other sciences or mathematics
• 112 UCAS Tariff points including BTEC National Diploma grade DM
• Scottish Higher grades of BBBB
• 36 points from your International Baccalaureate Diploma, to include six in Higher Level English
• AAA from three A levels, or AAB from three A levels and grade B in your Extended Project
• 88 UCAS Tariff points,of which at least 60 must be obtained from two A levels, excluding General Studies

You may also get a conditional offer that will change to unconditional if you firmly accept it.

Before you make your decision, here are some key things to think about to help you decide which is the right option for you.

Unconditional offers

Unconditional offers

• These mean you've already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it! But first check the offer to see if there's anything else you need to do.
• Check the offer carefully. Even if you've already got your qualifications and have met the academic requirements, you might still need to get a DBS or PVG check, provide proof of your results, or meet some financial/medical requirements. If it’s not clear, contact the uni or college.
• Remember, by accepting an unconditional offer, you are committing to go to that uni or college, so you can't make an insurance choice.
• If you change your mind, you can decline your place and apply using Clearing.
• If you're taking exams but have been made an unconditional offer, your results won't affect whether or not you get accepted. But, although your place won't be dependent on your grades, taking your exams is really important to prepare you for uni or college and could impact your future employment.
• Some graduate employers take A levels and other qualifications into account when reviewing job applications, so it's important you take this into consideration when preparing for your exams. 

Before you make your decision, here are some key things to think about to help you decide which is the right option for you. You might also be interested in reading the UCAS blog for additional advice.

Your consumer rights

You should have received specific information from your chosen universities to help you make an informed decision. They're required to make this available to you under consumer protection legislation – find out about the information you should receive.

Unsuccessful or withdrawn choices

A withdrawn application means a course choice has been withdrawn by either you or the university/college.

The reason will show up in on your application – maybe you didn't respond to emails/letters they sent, or missed an interview.

An unsuccessful application means they've decided not to offer you a place on the course.

Sometimes they'll give a reason, either with their decision or at a later date. If not, you can contact them to ask if they'll discuss the reason with you.

Don't worry if you don't get any offers though – you might be able to add extra choices now, or look for course availability later on.

Adding an Extra choice

You might be able to add another choice through our Extra service if you've received decisions from all five universities or colleges and weren't accepted, or if you declined the offers you received. Extra is a free service – available for you to apply to one course at a time between 25 February and 4 July. If Extra is available to you, it'll show up as an option when you sign in to track your application. 

Find out more about Extra

UCAS student discounts

Make your money go further with our student discounts! From offers on fashion brands to big savings on tech, we’ve got you covered.

All you need is the discount code for the offer you want to save cash on. And keep checking back – we’ll be adding more exclusive offers soon…

What does an unconditional offer mean?

Why should acceptance be unconditional?

What is better conditional or unconditional offer?

Why would a university give an unconditional offer?