ºÚÁÏÉç

Clearing starts in July and continues until September. You can only apply to university through Clearing once you’ve received your exam results. For the majority of students this will be on Results Day on Thursday 13 August 2026 although for some qualifications this may be sooner.

You can apply to university through Clearing if you: 

1. Wish to apply to university for the first time.
2. Don’t currently hold any offers from universities.
3. Have declined all current offers from universities.
4. Haven't met the grades of conditional or insurance offers.
5. Wish to switch to another university, even if you are holding an unconditional offer. 

 

How to apply through Clearing

Our clearing hints and tips will help you with Clearing: 

1. Start before Results Day

You can apply through Clearing once you have your exam results. A-level results day is 13 August, and this is the busiest day of Clearing, when lots of students are searching for university places. It will make results day easier if you start your Clearing research early.

2. Choose your course and check out clearing course availability

It’s a good idea to think about a few alternative courses you might be interested in, just to keep your options open. You might also decide on a course that wasn’t on your original UCAS application – that’s absolutely fine. Be ready to chat about why it interests you and what’s drawn you to it.

3. Choose your university

Decide which university you would like to study at. Research the universities and make a note of their clearing telephone number and opening hours, including live chat options.

4. Be prepared before you call the university

Before you call, it’s helpful to have the following to hand: 

• Your exam results (Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, BTEC or equivalent), as well as your GCSE results – particularly English and Maths if required.
• The name(s) of the course(s) you’re interested in, including any alternatives you’re considering.
• Your UCAS Personal ID (if you’ve applied) and your personal details, including your email address.
• A few questions you’d like to ask, such as course structure, modules, facilities, accommodation, wellbeing or disability support, student finance, or campus visits.
• Details of any relevant experience (e.g. work experience, placements or achievements).
• Something to take notes with during the call.
• Access to your email and phone in case the university needs to follow up quickly.
• A quiet space where you can focus and have a clear conversation.

 

5. Secure your offer in UCAS Hub

If you’d like to accept your offer, simply and add it as your Clearing choice. If you’re not already using UCAS, you’ll just need to apply first. When applying to us, use institution code H60 and your chosen course details.

6. Visiting the university

You may wish to visit the university again once you have been made an offer. Many universities will offer a Clearing Open Day - the ºÚÁÏÉç is holding one on Saturday 15 August. 

 

Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Many students join ºÚÁÏÉç through Clearing, so you’re not alone. 

 

Useful Clearing resources when searching for course vacancies

• Check out the university websites and social media. 
• Search or use within your UCAS Hub. It’s a UCAS tool which provides you with ideas on courses matched to your original preferences.

 

Things to consider if you're applying to start university this September 

Clearing is a great opportunity to apply for university to start this September, whether you've already applied in the main cycle or not. Below are some common scenarios that you might find yourself in: 

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I’m holding my firm place, but I’ve changed my mind 

If you have been accepted by your firm choice university (unconditional firm), it’s not too late to change your mind. You can release yourself from your unconditional firm place on  and select ‘Decline my place’ or contact your firm university who can do this on your behalf. However, it is important that there is a place for you on your preferred course elsewhere, so do chat with the university you're interested in first. 

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I'm holding my insurance place, but I've changed my mind 

If you have been rejected from your firm choice, but have been accepted by your insurance choice, you can still change your mind. You can release yourself from your insurance place on  and select ‘Decline my place’ or contact your insurance university who can do this on your behalf, at which point, you will then be entered into Clearing by UCAS and will be free to accept a place at another university. However, it is important that you ensure that there is a place for you on your preferred course elsewhere, so shop around first. 

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I haven't met the conditions of my offers 

You may still be accepted by your firm and/or insurance university, even if you haven’t met all the conditions of your offers. Before doing anything else, check on  to see if you still have your place. Emails will be sent out from UCAS and text messages will be sent out from the ºÚÁÏÉç on Results Day morning to let you know if your place has been confirmed. 

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I'm not holding any places 

You will automatically be entered into Clearing by UCAS if you have been rejected by your firm and insurance universities. To find out more visit the . 

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I don’t currently hold an offer and I’m thinking of applying to start uni in September; what do I do next? 

If you haven’t applied to any universities yet, you can apply straight through Clearing. You need to register with UCAS and make an application, but you’ll only be able to add a choice after you’ve submitted it. UCAS will send you a welcome email, with details of how to access , and your UCAS Personal ID Number. They will also explain the steps you need to follow. Once you have permission from a uni you want to go to, you can add the course in . 

  

Have another question or situation? 

°ä³ó±ð³¦°ì&²Ô²ú²õ±è;´Ç³Ü°ù Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.