Your Ultimate Guide To UCAS Clearing

UCAS Clearing is your alternative way to enter university if your offers don’t work out. It’s like a second chance to find the right course.

What Is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is a second shot at getting admission into the university where you think you can thrive. In simple terms, UCAS clearing matches you and an open position at various universities. Anyone who has applied through the UCAS undergraduate application and has not yet received any offer can apply for Clearing! Additionally, clearing has replaced UCAS Adjustments after 2022. Between July 5 and October 20, you'll be eligible for Clearing if: 

1. You are applying after June 30

2. You haven't received any offer letters

3. You haven't met the conditions of your offer

4. You've paid the multiple choice application fee worth £26.50

5. You've declined your place using the 'decline my place' button in your application

Courses available through Clearing aren’t just open because no one wants them; rather, they exist to help students who either didn’t secure a place at their chosen university or who decided to change their college or course preferences at the last minute.

How Does UCAS Clearing Work?

Here is a step-by-step guide about how the university clearing process works-

1. Search for courses with available Clearing places on UCAS.

2. Contact the university to confirm entry requirements and vacancies.

3. If confirmed, add the course as your Clearing choice on UCAS.

4. Accept the offer if the university agrees to give you a place.

5. Click “Add Clearing Choice” and enter the course details provided by the university.

You can add only one Clearing choice at a time; if rejected, you may add another.
A £4.50 fee applies if your original UCAS application had only one choice.

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What Is UCAS Clearing Plus?

UCAS Clearing Plus helps match you with courses based on your application, predicted grades, and what universities are actively looking for.

How It Works:

• If you're in Clearing and haven't secured a place, a “My Matches” button will appear in your UCAS Hub.
  
  

• This shows up to 50 personalised course matches based on your profile and interests.
  
  

• You can express interest in a course, and if you meet the university’s entry requirements, they may contact you directly.

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How to Prepare for UCAS Clearing Before Results Day

If you're unsure about meeting your predicted grades, you can take simple steps before Results Day to stay in control and make Clearing work in your favour.

 1. Start with a Backup Plan

If you're feeling unsure about your results, don't wait until the last minute. Research alternative universities that offer the same (or similar) courses. Pay close attention to their typical grade requirements and see how they line up with your predicted grades.

 2. Get Your Info Organised

Before Clearing opens, make sure you’ve got all your key details in one place, including:

• Your UCAS ID
  
  

• Your Clearing number (if you become eligible)
  
  

• A list of your qualifications or predicted grades
  
  

Keep a notebook or notepad handy to jot down course details, contact names, and university decisions during phone calls.

 3. Prepare to Make the Call

When contacting universities, you'll often speak directly to admissions staff, and they might ask why you're interested in the course or what your future plans are. Think of it as a mini-interview. Practice speaking confidently about your goals and what draws you to that course or university.

 4. Stay Calm, Stay Open

Clearing isn’t just a backup option — for many students, it becomes the gateway to a course they end up loving. Whether you’re rethinking your subject, aiming for a different location, or just looking for a better fit, Clearing gives you the flexibility to explore new paths.

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Important UCAS Clearing Dates 2025

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How to Use UCAS Clearing

Deciding to apply late or decline your original university offer can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, you still have plenty of options. Each year, Clearing helps over 50,000 students secure university places, while others choose apprenticeships, internships, gap years, or work instead. This year will be no different!

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to using UCAS Clearing:

1. From July 5: Check Available UCAS Clearing Courses
   Nearly all UK universities and colleges participate in Clearing, offering thousands of courses with open spots. Start by browsing the available options to find a course that suits you.
   
   

2. Contact Your Preferred University or College
   Reach out directly to the admissions team of the institution offering your chosen course. Confirm whether they can offer you a place based on your qualifications.
   
   

3. Add Your Clearing Choice to Your UCAS Application
   Once you receive an offer, add the Clearing choice to your UCAS application to formalize your acceptance. Congratulations! You’ve secured your spot!

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Self-release

Any student who already has a seat at a university, even if the seat is fixed or is a second option, can self-release and go into UCAS Clearing and decline their spot. They can then use Clearing on their UCAS hub to apply to a university or course they want.

How to Use UCAS Self-Release

1. Log in to your UCAS Hub and go to your profile.
   
   

2. Click “Decline my place.”
   
   

3. Follow the instructions and answer the questions.
   
   

4. Confirm your choice.
   
   

5. You’ll receive an email confirming your Clearing status.
   
   

6. If you made a mistake, contact UCAS immediately.
   
   

Self-release is a simple process, but ensure you understand everything before self-releasing! 

Note: Before self-releasing into Clearing, carefully consider your decision. If you change your mind later and want to return to your previous university, there may be no available places. Also, switching universities means you’ll need to apply for new student housing and update your student funding application.

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UCAS Clearing Open Days

Many universities hold special Open Days during Clearing to help you explore the campus, meet staff and students, and get a feel for where you might be studying.

Even if there’s no official Clearing Open Day listed, it’s worth contacting the university directly — they may still allow individual visits before you accept an offer.

Why Attend a Clearing Open Day?

• Tour the campus and student accommodation
  
  

• Meet lecturers and ask course-specific questions
  
  

• Explore facilities like libraries, labs, or studios
  
  

• Get a real sense of student life before committing

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UK Universities That Accept Applications Through Clearing

Clearing isn’t just for lesser-known institutions; many prestigious UK universities offer places throughout Clearing. Here’s a quick look at the top-ranked universities where students can apply to uni through clearing:

Other UCAS Clearing Universities That Often Take Part

• University of Reading, Portsmouth, Lincoln, Essex, Bangor, Brunel, Aston, and Surrey frequently list a wide range of courses, often including mid-tier vocational and professional subjects.

Popular Courses Available During Clearing 2025

If you're thinking about Clearing, here are some of the subjects that traditionally offer the most opportunities:

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Can I Still Get Student Finance After UCAS Clearing?

Yes, you can still apply for or update your Student Finance after going through UCAS Clearing.

If you've already applied but are changing university or course, simply update your application through your online Student Finance account. This is crucial, as funding is linked to your course and university details.

If you haven’t applied for Student Finance yet, don’t panic — you still can! Just be aware that late applications may delay your first payment, so apply as soon as possible to avoid disruption at the start of the term.

Quick Steps:

• Log in to Student Finance (UK).
  
  

• Update your university/course details.
  
  

• Reapply if you haven’t already.
  
  

• Track your payment schedule and documents online.

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Key Things to Remember When Using UCAS Clearing

UCAS Clearing can feel overwhelming, especially if things didn’t go as planned. But with the right approach, it can be a great opportunity to find a course that suits you. Here are some important tips to help you navigate Clearing smoothly and confidently:

1. Do Your Research Early

Before Clearing opens, make a shortlist of courses and universities you’re genuinely interested in. Organise them by priority — this will save you a lot of time when vacancies are released.

2. Be Ready to Act Fast

Clearing moves quickly. Once you’ve found a course you want, don’t wait around — contact the university and apply right away. Also, make sure you're free and reachable on results day.

3. Top Universities Take Part

Clearing isn’t just for last-minute options — many top 20 UK universities offer places through Clearing, so don’t count yourself out.

4. Keep an Eye on Your UCAS Hub

If you're eligible for Clearing, your UCAS Hub will show a “Add Clearing choice” button. Check it regularly so you can act as soon as it appears.

5. Use Trusted Sources

The official UCAS website and individual university sites are the best places to find up-to-date Clearing vacancies.

6. Stay Flexible with Course Options

If your ideal course isn’t available, consider joint honours or related subjects — it could open up more opportunities and still align with your goals.

7. Call Universities Directly (and Early!)

Universities expect students to call and express interest themselves. Have your UCAS Clearing number ready. If you’re not able to call due to a disability, let them know.

8. Try Emailing

Phone lines can get jammed, especially early in the day. If you can't reach admissions teams, follow up by email — just be clear, polite, and include your details.

9. Only One Clearing Choice at a Time

Remember: you can only add one Clearing choice at a time in UCAS Hub. If it doesn’t work out, you can try another, but make each one count.

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