How Does University Clearing Work?
Back
If your university plans haven’t quite gone the way you expected, don’t panic. University clearing gives thousands of students a second chance to find a course that’s right for them every year. Whether your exam results were different from what you hoped for, you’ve changed your mind about where you want to study, or you’ve only just decided that university is the right path, clearing could help you secure a place.
While the university clearing process might seem overwhelming at first, it’s actually much more straightforward than you might expect. With a little prep, some light research, and a positive mindset, you could be starting your uni journey sooner than you think.
In this clearing guide, we’ll explain exactly how clearing works, who can use it, how to apply, and our top tips for making the most of your options.
What is Clearing?
University clearing is a UCAS service that helps universities fill any remaining course places before the academic year begins. Whether you’ve applied for the easiest or the hardest universities to get into in the UK, it gives you another opportunity to secure a university place if your original plans have changed.
You may be eligible for clearing university if you:
- Didn’t receive any offers
- Didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
- Declined your firm and insurance choices
- Applied after the main UCAS deadline
- Have changed your mind about where or what you’d like to study
Think of clearing as a matchmaking service between universities with available places and students looking for a course.
Although many universities participate, it’s worth remembering that Oxford and Cambridge do not take part in clearing, and some highly competitive courses, such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, rarely have vacancies.
How Does Clearing Work on Results Day and Beyond?
Results day can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s important to remember that one set of grades doesn’t define your future.
If you’re eligible for A level clearing, UCAS will update your application status. If you don’t already hold a confirmed university place, you’ll usually be able to search for available courses.
From there, the process is fairly simple:
- Check whether you’re eligible
- Browse available courses
- Contact universities directly
- Receive a verbal offer (if successful)
- Add your chosen course on UCAS
- Wait for confirmation
Many universities move quickly during clearing for university, so it’s a good idea to have a shortlist ready before results day arrives.
Remember, universities don’t just look at your clearing grades. Admissions teams often consider your personal statement, enthusiasm for the course and available spaces when making decisions.
Important Dates for University Clearing
Although the exact dates change each year slightly, the overall timeline stays fairly consistent. Here’s what you can expect…
Early July: Clearing Opens
University clearing officially opens in early July.
This allows eligible students to start exploring available courses before the busiest period arrives.
While many students won’t know whether they’ll need clearing until results day, it’s a great opportunity to begin researching universities and making a shortlist.
Early August: SQA Results Day
Students receiving Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results will often begin applying through clearing before A Level students receive their results.
This means some universities may begin filling vacancies slightly earlier, although many places remain available throughout the main clearing period.
Early-Mid August: A Level Results Day
This is the busiest day in the university clearing process.
Thousands of students receive their results and start contacting universities, so phone lines can become busy. If you think you may need clearing, having your documents, notes and course shortlist ready can make the day much less stressful.
How to Apply Through Clearing
A lot of students around this time don’t actually know how to apply for clearing on UCAS, but don’t worry; we’re here to help!
Check Your Eligibility
Before anything else, log into your UCAS Hub and check your application status.
If you’re eligible, you’ll usually see that you’re able to enter Clearing. You may be eligible if you:
- Have no confirmed place
- Applied after the main deadline
- Declined all their offers
- Didn’t meet their offer conditions
Use the UCAS Clearing Search Tool
The UCAS Clearing search tool is the easiest place to start looking for available courses. You can filter results by:
- Subject
- University
- Location
- Entry requirements
This helps narrow your options and makes applying to university through clearing much easier.
Don’t forget to consider practical factors alongside course content, such as accommodation, travel links and campus facilities.
Search University Websites
While UCAS is an excellent starting point, many universities also publish their available clearing vacancies directly on their websites.
Some institutions update these lists regularly throughout the clearing period, so it’s worth checking back if your preferred course isn’t immediately available.
You may also find additional information about accommodation guarantees, scholarships or support services that aren’t shown on UCAS.
Contact the University Directly
Once you’ve found a course you’re interested in, it’s time to contact the university.
This usually involves calling the admissions team, although some universities now offer live chat or online enquiry forms.
Admissions staff are there to help, so don’t be nervous; they speak to thousands of students every clearing season.
Have Your Details On Hand
Before making the call, make sure you have:
- Your UCAS ID
- Your exam results
- Your personal statement
- A list of any questions
- Pen and paper for notes
Being organised can make the conversation much smoother.
Be Prepared for an Interview
Some universities may ask a few additional questions before making a decision. This isn’t usually a formal interview, but they may ask:
- Why you’re interested in the course
- Why you’ve chosen their university
- What career goals you have
- Why your grades may differ from expectations
Be honest, confident and enthusiastic. Universities want students who are genuinely excited to study with them.
Add Your Clearing Choice on UCAS
Once a university has offered you a place and asked you to accept it, you’ll need to log into UCAS and add it as your Clearing choice.
You can only add one Clearing choice at a time, so make sure you’ve received confirmation that the university is happy to offer you a place before submitting it.
Wait for the University to Confirm
After you’ve added your choice, the university will review your application and, if everything is in order, confirm your place.
Once confirmed, congratulations! You’ve officially secured your university place.
Prepare For University Living!
Now comes the exciting part.
Once your place is confirmed, it’s time to organise everything you’ll need before moving away from home. That might include:
- Applying for accommodation
- Registering with student finance
- Buying university essentials
- Planning your move
- Meeting future coursemates online
The earlier you start preparing, the smoother your transition into university life will be.
University Clearing Tips
University clearing can feel fast-paced, especially on results day, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you’ll be in a much stronger position to make informed decisions and secure a university place that suits your goals.
Research Your Options Well in Advance
It’s always best to research a variety of different courses that offer a high return on investment well in advance of results day. Even if you’re confident you’ll get your first choice, it’s always worth having a backup plan.
Spend a little time exploring the courses, universities, and accommodation options; it can make decision-making much less stressful if your plans change unexpectedly. Whether it’s finding another of the best universities in the UK for a degree in Art, Maths, or anything in between, having this information in the bank will make you feel much more confident, no matter what results day brings.
Stay Calm
It’s completely normal to feel disappointed if things don’t go exactly as planned.
Take a few deep breaths, give yourself time to process your results, and avoid rushing into a decision you’ll regret later.
Many students find fantastic courses through clearing that they hadn’t originally considered.
Prepare a Script for Calling Universities
Having a few notes written down beforehand can really help if you’re feeling nervous. You might want to include:
- Why you’re interested in the course
- Questions you’d like to ask
- Details about your qualifications
- Any achievements you’d like to mention
Don’t forget; a little preparation goes a long way.
Be Enthusiastic and Honest
Admissions tutors appreciate genuine enthusiasm.
Be yourself, explain why you’re interested in studying there, and answer any questions honestly.
There’s no need to exaggerate; your excitement will speak for itself.
If Unsuccessful, Reassess Your Options
Not every conversation will result in an offer, and that’s okay.
There are often hundreds of other courses available through clearing, so don’t let one rejection knock your confidence.
Stay flexible and keep exploring your options.
FAQs on University Clearing: How Does it Work?
Still have a few questions? Here are some of the most common things students ask about university clearing before they begin the process.
When Does Clearing Start?
Clearing usually opens in early July and remains available until universities have filled their remaining places.
What Time Does Clearing Open on Results Day?
Most universities begin taking Clearing enquiries early on results day, although opening times vary between institutions. It’s worth checking university websites in advance so you know exactly when to call.
When Does Clearing End?
Clearing remains open until universities fill their available places, usually towards the beginning of the academic year. Popular courses may close much earlier once they’re full.
What are Clearing Courses?
Clearing courses are simply university courses that still have spaces available after the main admissions cycle.
These could be brand-new courses, courses where students declined their offers, or courses where universities have capacity for additional students.
How Do I Add My Clearing Choice on UCAS?
If you’re wondering how to add a clearing choice on UCAS, simply log into your UCAS Hub once you’ve received a verbal offer from a university.
You’ll then be able to add the course as your clearing choice, after which the university can officially confirm your place.
Is Clearing First Come, First Served?
Not exactly.
While universities do fill places as applications come in, they’ll still assess whether applicants meet their entry requirements and are suitable for the course.
Applying early can improve your chances, but decisions aren’t made solely on who calls first.
How Easy is it to Get into Uni Through Clearing?
It depends on the course and university.
Some universities have plenty of available places, while others may only have a handful. Less competitive courses generally have more vacancies, whereas highly competitive subjects often fill very quickly.
The key is to stay flexible, research your options and contact universities as soon as you’re ready.
Found Your University? Find Your Student Home Too!
Securing your university place is a huge milestone, but your next step is finding somewhere you’ll love to live.
At Here! Student Living, we offer modern student accommodation designed to help you settle into university life from day one. With comfortable rooms, great locations, and welcoming communities, you’ll have everything you need to make yourself at home while focusing on your studies.
Whether you’ve accepted your first-choice university or found the perfect course through university clearing, it’s worth arranging your accommodation as early as possible to give yourself the best choice of rooms. Explore our student accommodation today and get ready for your next adventure with confidence.
