Whether you didn’t quite get the results you were aiming for, you've changed your mind about your university or course choice, you’ve exceeded your predicted grades, or you've only just decided to apply to uni, Clearing is your second chance to get onto a course that’s right for you.
It can feel like an intense, last-minute scramble, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to explore new paths, discover unexpected options, and secure your place in higher education.
While the Clearing process can be confusing, our guide is here to walk you through it, step-by-step. We'll cover everything from what Clearing actually is to how it works, and how to find your new home once you’ve secured your spot.
What is University Clearing in the UK?
University Clearing is run by UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), and is designed to connect students without a confirmed university place to courses that still have spaces. It’s essentially a matching service between universities looking to fill vacancies and students looking for a place before the academic year begins.
It’s called “Clearing” because it helps universities ‘clear’ their available spots before the academic year starts. Students can enter Clearing if:
They didn’t receive any offers.
They didn’t meet the entry conditions of their offers.
They declined all their offers.
They applied after 30 June.
They’ve had a change of heart about their original choice.
Think of it less as a backup plan and more as a different route. It’s a second chance to reflect on what you want and find a course and university that truly feels right for you. This route is not a “lesser” option – many top universities offer courses through Clearing, and students who get their place this way go on to have the same opportunities as anyone else.
When is Clearing?
While Clearing is most associated with A-level results day, it actually runs for several months.
For the 2025 entry, UCAS Clearing opens on 5th July 2025 and closes on 20th October 2025.
Although it's open from early July, most students will use the service from their respective results days. Different qualifications have different results days, for example:
International Baccalaureate (IB) results are typically released early July
Scottish Highers (SQA) results are typically released early August
A-level results are typically released around mid-August
Because of this, the busiest period for student clearing happens in waves. While IB students can start right away in July, the most intense period for many begins on SQA results day and peaks from A-level results day onwards, as this is when the largest number of course vacancies are confirmed and available.
It’s important to remember that these specific dates can vary slightly each year, so always double-check the official UCAS website for the most current information.
When to apply for Clearing
You can apply through Clearing as soon as you have your exam results and are eligible. You’ll know you’re in Clearing if your UCAS Hub status says ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’.
If you already have your results before results day (for example, if you’re an international student or took a BTEC), you can start using Clearing from the day it opens in July. If you’re waiting for A-level results, you’ll need to wait until results day to begin.
The final deadline to add a Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub is in October, but some courses are filled within hours of becoming available. The sooner you start, the more choices you will have.
Declining your place
What if you met the grades for your firm or insurance choice, but you’ve had a change of heart? Maybe you want to study a different subject, or you’ve found a course at another university that seems like a better fit.
In this situation, you can choose to release yourself into Clearing using the 'Decline my place' button in your UCAS Hub. This is a big decision. Once you decline your confirmed place, there is no guarantee you will get it back if you change your mind again. Only do this after careful research and ideally securing another informal offer.
How to apply through Clearing
Applying through Clearing is a proactive process. Unlike your initial UCAS application where you wait for universities to come to you, in Clearing, you are the one who needs to reach out.
The process involves researching available courses using the UCAS search tool and then contacting universities directly by phone or through their online forms to discuss your application and, hopefully, secure an informal offer. Once you have an offer you want to accept, you officially add it as your Clearing choice in the UCAS Hub.
Our advice: Do not decline your place until you have spoken to another university and have a verbal, informal offer from them. This ensures you have a new place secured before you let go of your existing one. Be 100% certain before you click that button!
The Clearing process: How does Clearing work?
Understanding how Clearing works is key to feeling in control, so let’s break it down. Here is a simple step-by-step overview of the process on results day…
Step 1: Check your UCAS Hub
Log in early on results day. Your Hub will show the status of your application. If you haven't been accepted by your firm or insurance choice, your status will show that you are in Clearing and you'll be given a Clearing Number (sometimes called a Clearing ID). Keep this number safe – you’ll need it for every call you make.
Step 2: Research available courses
Use the official UCAS search tool to see which courses have vacancies. Be open-minded! You might not find your exact original course, but you could discover a joint honours degree or a similar subject that captures your interest. Make a shortlist of 5-10 courses at different universities that you like the look of. Note down their course codes and the university’s Clearing telephone number.
Step 3: Prepare for the calls
Before you dial, gather everything you need:
Your Clearing Number and UCAS Personal ID.
Your A-level/BTEC/equivalent results.
Your GCSE results.
A copy of your personal statement.
A pen and paper to make notes.
A few bullet points on why you’re interested in their specific course.
Step 4: Start making phone calls
This is the most important part. Speak clearly and confidently. The person on the other end of the line wants to help you. You'll likely have a mini-interview with an admissions tutor. Be ready to explain why you’re a good candidate and show your passion for the subject.
Step 5: Get an informal offer (or several!)
If the university is happy with your grades and your interview, they may make you an informal offer over the phone. You can collect multiple informal offers from different universities. This allows you to weigh up your options without pressure. The university will give you a deadline by which you must add them on UCAS Hub.
Step 6: Add your Clearing choice
Once you’ve decided which offer you want to accept, log back into your UCAS Hub and click ‘Add Clearing choice’. Enter the course details for the university offer you want to formally accept. You can only add one choice. Submitting this is you officially accepting the offer.
Step 7: Get confirmation
The university will then formally accept your application through UCAS, and your Hub will be updated to show your new confirmed place. Congratulations!
Top tips to make the most out of Clearing
Prepare in advance: Don’t wait for results day. Do some research beforehand. Which universities would you consider if you had to go through Clearing? Make a shortlist of other courses you might be interested in.
Stay calm and positive: It’s a stressful time, but a positive mindset will come across on the phone. This is an opportunity, not a failure.
Be flexible: Your Plan A might be gone, but Plan B could be even better. Stay open-minded and consider different universities, cities, or related subjects that can lead to similar career paths.
Treat it like a job interview: Be polite, enthusiastic, and professional on the phone. Sell yourself and show them why they should offer you a place.
Don’t be rushed into a decision: While speed is a factor, don’t accept the first offer you receive just for the sake of it. Make sure it’s the right choice for you.
Think about accommodation early: As soon as you have a confirmed place, your next priority is finding somewhere to live.
Why not check out our handy Clearing Checklist?
Find student accommodation during Clearing
Once you’ve secured your university place, the next big question is: where are you going to live? The search for clearing accommodation can feel like another race, but there are still some great options available.
It’s important to do your research to find accommodation that matches your needs and budget, keeping you safe and comfortable while also being convenient and affordable. Whether you look at university halls or private providers, here are some tips for choosing accommodation during Clearing:
Check what’s included: Is the rent all-inclusive of bills like Wi-Fi, electricity, and heating? This can make budgeting much easier and saves you juggling multiple different bills.
Look for perks: Do they offer on-site support, laundry facilities, social events, gyms, or communal spaces?
Consider the location: How close is it to your campus, the city centre, and public transport links?
Rest assured, if you're in need of Clearing accommodation, Sanctuary Students have your back. We provide all the benefits of traditional university halls of residence – a ready-made community, 24/7 support, and social spaces – but often with more choice, including en-suite rooms and private student studios. Check out our range of student accommodation options to see what's available in various locations across the UK, or get in touch with our friendly team who are ready to help.
The key to successfully finding a student room during clearing is to act quickly. As soon as your university place is confirmed on UCAS Hub, start your search.
Clearing FAQs
Who is eligible for UCAS Clearing?
You are eligible for Clearing if you applied through UCAS and one of the following applies:
You didn't receive any offers.
You didn't meet the conditions of your firm or insurance offers.
You declined all your offers or didn't respond by the deadline.
You applied to UCAS after 30th June.
You have used the 'Decline my place' button to release yourself from a confirmed place.
I didn’t get a place at my first-choice uni. Now what?
First of all, don’t panic. It’s completely normal to feel disappointed, but this is far from the end of the road. It’s an opportunity to reassess your options and find a new path that could be even better for you. Take a deep breath, remember all the hard work you’ve put in, and get ready to explore the amazing possibilities that Clearing has to offer.
For more advice on what to do if you didn't get a place at your first-choice uni, check out our helpful blog article.
Is Clearing first come first serve?
Partially. Courses have a finite number of places, so they can fill up quickly. In that sense, it is first come, first served. However, universities won't just give a place to anyone who calls. They assess each student to ensure they are a good fit. So, while you need to be quick, you also need to be prepared to impress them.
Is student finance still available if I apply through Clearing?
Yes, absolutely. If you’ve already applied for student finance, you just need to log in to your student finance account and update your university and course details. If you haven't applied yet, you should do so immediately. It can take up to six weeks to process, so apply as soon as you can to ensure your funding is in place for the start of term. But don’t worry, applying late might mean your money is delayed, but you will still get it.
Do all universities offer Clearing?
Most do, but not all. It depends entirely on whether they have places left on their courses. This often includes top-tier Russell Group and Red Brick universities. Don’t assume a university is ‘bad’ because it’s in Clearing – it’s simply a process to fill remaining spots. The only universities that historically do not participate in Clearing are Oxford and Cambridge.
Is Clearing just for university courses?
Primarily, yes. Clearing is the UCAS system for undergraduate university degrees. However, some colleges that offer higher education courses (like HNDs or Foundation Degrees) that are listed on UCAS will also use Clearing to fill their places.
What courses are available during Clearing?
Courses change constantly. The full list is on the UCAS search tool and is updated in real-time. You can find everything from Law or Engineering to Media Studies or Psychology, but highly competitive courses like Medicine and Veterinary Science are rarely available. If a course you want isn't listed, it's almost certainly full, but you can always call the university's admissions office just to be sure.
Can I change my mind during Clearing?
Yes. You can get informal offers from multiple universities over the phone. You only commit once you add a choice to your UCAS Hub. If you add a choice and then change your mind, you must contact that university and ask them to release you back into Clearing, which can take time.
Is there a fee to apply via Clearing?
If you have already paid the full UCAS application fee (£28.50 for 2025 entry), there is no extra charge to use Clearing. If you are applying for the first time directly into Clearing, you will need to pay this application fee.
Do course entry requirements change for Clearing?
Sometimes, but not always. Universities can be more flexible during Clearing, especially if they are keen to fill a course. They might accept you with slightly lower grades than advertised, particularly if you impress them on the phone or have relevant experience. However, this is not guaranteed.
Can I take part in Clearing if I didn’t make any uni applications?
Yes. If you haven't applied to university at all, you can register with UCAS and make an application. As it's after the 30th June deadline (the final submission date for university applications through the main UCAS cycle), you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
How do you accept a UCAS Clearing offer?
You accept a Clearing offer by logging into your UCAS Hub and adding the university and course details in the 'Add Clearing choice' section. You can only do this once you have been given permission to do so by the university over the phone.
Can you apply for a university course through Clearing without UCAS?
While the vast majority of universities require you to go through UCAS, a small number may accept direct applications. However, this is uncommon for most major institutions. The standard and recommended route is to register with UCAS. Remember, you can only add one choice, and once you add it, that is you officially accepting the offer.
Will I be treated differently if I get my place through Clearing?
Not at all. Once you are on the course, you are just like any other student. No one will know you came through Clearing unless you tell them. You'll have access to all the same facilities, support, and opportunities.
Should I be worried that my course isn't full?
No, there are many reasons a course might still have places. It could be a brand-new course, a niche subject, or the university may have simply misjudged the number of firm/insurance offers that would be accepted. It is not a reflection of the course's quality.
How do I find student accommodation in clearing?
Start as soon as your place is confirmed! Your accommodation options are typically university-owned halls of residence, private halls, shared houses, or homestays. It's a good idea to explore all your options by contacting your university's accommodation team, looking at reputable student accommodation providers like Sanctuary Students, and checking local letting agents. We have dedicated pages on our website for clearing accommodation, and our friendly team is on hand to help you find the perfect room.