Every August, thousands of students who don’t get the offer they expected, or who change their mind, find a university place through Clearing. It’s a normal, mainstream part of UK admissions, not a last resort. This guide explains how it works.
Quick Answer: What Is University Clearing?
Clearing is the UCAS system that matches students without a confirmed university place to courses that still have vacancies. It typically opens in early July and runs until mid-October, with the busiest period immediately following A-level results day in mid-August, when tens of thousands of students secure a place this way each year, including at well-regarded universities.
Who Uses Clearing?
- Students who missed their grades: didn’t meet the conditions of their firm or insurance offer.
- Students who exceeded expectations: got better results than predicted and want to explore stronger course options.
- Students without any offers: didn’t receive or accept any offers during the main application cycle.
- Late applicants: applied to UCAS after the standard deadline and enter Clearing automatically.
How Clearing Works, Step by Step
- Check your status: log into UCAS Hub on results day to see if you’re in Clearing and find your Clearing number.
- Research courses: use the UCAS Clearing search tool to find courses with genuine vacancies in your subject area.
- Call universities directly: speak to admissions teams, mention your grades, and ask whether they can make you an informal offer.
- Add your choice in UCAS Hub: once you’re happy with an informal offer, add it as your Clearing choice to formally accept it.
Tips for Making Clearing Calls
Have your Clearing number, grades, and a couple of backup course options ready before calling, since lines are busiest in the first few hours after results are released. Being ready to explain briefly why you’re interested in a specific course can help the conversation move more smoothly.
Common Misconceptions About Clearing
Clearing carries an outdated reputation as a fallback for students who “failed,” but it’s a mainstream route used by a wide range of students, including many with strong grades who simply change their minds. A significant number of well-regarded universities regularly list Clearing vacancies. It’s a similarly practical route for adults returning to study without traditional qualifications, alongside options like an Access to Higher Education course or a foundation year. Preparing your application itself? See our guides to personal statement tips and university interview questions. If Clearing isn’t right for you, our guide to career options after A-levels covers the other routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Clearing open?
Clearing typically opens in early July, though most activity happens after A-level results day, which always falls on a Thursday in mid-August. Exact dates vary slightly year to year, so it’s worth checking the current UCAS calendar.
Do good universities use Clearing?
Yes, a range of well-regarded universities, including several Russell Group institutions, regularly list Clearing vacancies, so it is worth researching options broadly rather than assuming only lower-ranked courses are available.
Can you go through Clearing if you already have a confirmed place?
Generally no, Clearing is for students without a confirmed firm or insurance place, though students who exceeded their offer conditions can sometimes use a separate process to explore alternatives before their place is confirmed.
