UCAS Clearing Timeline 2026
- Revision Notes
- Jul 31
- 21 min read
Updated: Aug 17
UCAS Clearing runs for more than three months, but most students encounter it during a much shorter and busier period around Results Day.
The key 2026 Clearing dates are:
30 June at 18:00: applications received after this point enter Clearing
1 July: final day to add a UCAS Extra choice
2 July: Clearing opens
4 August: Qualifications Scotland Results Day
13 August: A-Level and other JCQ Level 3 Results Day
13 August at 08:00: students can check updated UCAS decisions
13 August at 13:00: eligible students can add a Clearing choice
20 August: GCSE Results Day
2 September: final day to use Decline my place
24 September at 18:00: final date to submit a new application for 2026 entry
19 October: final date to add a Clearing choice
21 October: final date for universities to make Clearing decisions
Clearing officially runs from 2 July to 19 October 2026. It is available to eligible applicants who do not hold a university offer, apply late, miss their offer conditions or decline a confirmed place.
This guide explains what happens at every stage of the Clearing timeline, including what students should do before Results Day, during the first few hours and after accepting a new university place.
Clearing Timeline 2026 at a Glance
Date | Clearing event | What students should do |
30 June, 18:00 | Main late-application point | Applications received after this enter Clearing |
1 July | UCAS Extra closes | Prepare to use Clearing if still unplaced |
2 July | Clearing opens | Search vacancies and contact universities |
28 July to 3 August | UCAS records temporarily stop updating | Continue researching but note service restrictions |
4 August | Qualifications Scotland Results Day | Scottish applicants check decisions and contact universities |
7 to 12 August | JCQ results processing period | Prepare for Results Day; application records are not updated |
12 August, 18:00 | UCAS applications temporarily close | Wait for the Results Day update |
13 August, 08:00 | A-Level Results Day and UCAS Hub update | Check status and collect grades |
13 August, morning | University calls and offer research | Contact universities and compare options |
13 August, 13:00 | Add Clearing choice opens | Add one agreed course |
14 August onwards | Formal confirmations continue | Arrange accommodation and update finance |
20 August | GCSE Results Day | Send outstanding GCSE results where required |
2 September | Decline my place closes | Final day to release a confirmed place into Clearing |
24 September, 18:00 | New UCAS applications close | Submit any first application before this point |
19 October | Clearing choices close | Final day to enter a Clearing choice |
21 October | University decisions close | Universities make their final decisions |
Official UCAS dates confirm that Clearing opens on 2 July, new applications close on 24 September, Clearing choices close on 19 October and universities have until 21 October to make their final decisions.
Before the Clearing Timeline Begins
Most university applicants apply before the main January equal-consideration deadline.
However, students may still need Clearing because they:
Receive no offers
Decline their offers
Miss their offer conditions
Apply late
Change their mind
Decide to apply after receiving results
Clearing should therefore be treated as part of the normal UCAS cycle rather than an emergency process that suddenly appears on Results Day.
Before 30 June: Prepare for Possible Clearing
Even when you expect to meet your offer, it is sensible to prepare.
Before the end of June:
Check your UCAS login.
Record your Personal ID.
Review your firm and insurance offers.
Check subject-specific conditions.
Research a small number of alternative courses.
Save admissions telephone numbers.
Check accommodation arrangements.
Make sure your student finance application is progressing.
You do not need to behave as though failure is inevitable.
You simply need enough information to avoid researching an entire degree, city and accommodation market while several people wait for you to make a decision over the telephone.
Read Clearing Explained for a full overview of eligibility and the application process.
30 June 2026 at 18:00: Late Applications Enter Clearing
UCAS applications received by 18:00 on 30 June 2026 are sent to universities and colleges in the normal way.
Applications received after that time are automatically entered into Clearing.
What Does This Mean?
After 30 June, new applicants no longer add up to five standard course choices in the usual way.
Instead, they:
Complete and submit a UCAS application.
Receive a Personal ID and Clearing number.
Search for courses with vacancies.
Contact universities directly.
Add one agreed Clearing choice.
Applying late does not mean that no university places remain.
It means you need to use the Clearing process to find them.
What Should Late Applicants Do?
Before submitting:
Check which universities have vacancies.
Ask whether they will consider you.
Prepare your qualification information.
Arrange a reference.
Complete the personal statement questions.
Gather any supporting documents.
For applicants applying directly through Clearing, UCAS normally requires a completed application, including a reference and personal statement information unless the university has specifically agreed otherwise. Once submitted, the applicant can add an agreed Clearing choice.
1 July 2026: UCAS Extra Closes
UCAS Extra allows eligible applicants who used all five choices but hold no offer to add another course before Clearing begins.
The final day to add an Extra choice for 2026 entry is 1 July 2026.
What Happens After Extra Closes?
Students who remain unplaced can use Clearing from 2 July.
The process changes from:
Adding one Extra choice and waiting for a decision
to:
Contacting several universities
Receiving informal offers
Choosing one
Adding that course through Clearing
Read UCAS Extra Explained for the differences between the two routes.
2 July 2026: Clearing Opens
Clearing officially opens on Thursday 2 July 2026.
From this date:
Official Clearing vacancies appear in the UCAS search tool.
Eligible applicants can search for courses.
Students with achieved results can contact universities.
Late applicants can begin applying.
Students holding an unconditional place can use Decline my place to release themselves into Clearing.
UCAS describes its course search as the official and most up-to-date list of Clearing vacancies. Universities update course availability throughout the period.
Who Can Use Clearing from 2 July?
You may be able to use it immediately if:
You already have your results.
You hold no offers.
You declined all your choices.
You applied after 30 June.
You no longer want a confirmed unconditional place.
You are returning after a gap year with achieved qualifications.
Students still waiting for A-Level, BTEC, T Level or other results may search and prepare, but universities may wait until the qualifications are released before making a final offer.
What Should You Do from 2 July?
Search current vacancies.
Research course modules.
Check campuses.
Look at foundation-year and joint honours options.
Contact universities where you already hold results.
Check accommodation availability.
Record course codes and telephone numbers.
Vacancies continue changing between 2 July and A-Level Results Day, so a course that is unavailable early in July may appear later.
Early July: International and Achieved-Grade Applicants
Some applicants receive their results before the main UK Results Days.
For example:
International Baccalaureate results begin to be released on 6 July.
Some mature, gap-year and resit applicants already hold their qualifications.
International qualification dates vary.
These students may start contacting universities as soon as they:
Are eligible for Clearing
Have the relevant results
Find a suitable vacancy
They do not need to wait until A-Level Results Day merely because many other applicants do.
Should You Accept an Early Clearing Offer?
You can accept when:
The course is right for you.
The offer is clear.
You have checked accommodation.
You understand the costs.
You are not waiting for another result that could materially change your decision.
You might choose to wait when:
You expect more vacancies to appear.
Your preferred courses have not yet opened.
You still hold an unresolved university offer.
You are awaiting an important result.
There is no universal benefit to applying as early or as late as possible.
The best time is when a suitable course is available and you have enough information to make a good decision.
Late July: Prepare for Results Day
By late July, students waiting for Level 3 results should prepare their Clearing information.
Create a Shortlist
Aim for around five to ten realistic options.
For each course, record:
University
Course title
Course code
Campus
Indicative entry requirements
Admissions number
Accommodation information
Why you would consider it
UCAS advises students and families to prepare a small, well-researched shortlist rather than a huge collection of courses they know little about.
Check Your UCAS Details
Make sure you know:
Sign-in email
Password
UCAS Personal ID
Firm offer
Insurance offer
Course codes
Prepare Your Qualification Details
Have available:
A-Level subjects
BTEC or T Level details
GCSE results
Admissions tests
English-language qualifications
Other Level 3 results
Universities may ask for GCSE English, maths or subject grades even when you are calling about an undergraduate course.
Research Accommodation Before Results Day
For each likely Clearing university, check:
Whether halls are available
Whether rooms are guaranteed
Typical rent
Application deadline
Campus location
Private alternatives
Waiting until after accepting the course to discover that all affordable accommodation is forty miles away is not the ideal order of events.
28 July to 3 August: UCAS Records Stop Updating Temporarily
From 08:00 on 28 July until 18:00 on 3 August, UCAS applications remain accessible, but the records displayed are not updated.
During this period, applicants cannot add a Clearing choice.
What Can You Still Do?
You can:
Research vacancies.
Contact universities.
Compare courses.
Prepare supporting documents.
Check accommodation.
Wait for the service to reopen.
Do not assume that an unchanged UCAS status during this period means nothing is happening.
The system is temporarily paused while qualification results are processed.
3 August to 4 August: UCAS Temporarily Closes
From 18:00 on 3 August until 09:00 on 4 August, UCAS applications are unavailable while the service prepares for Qualifications Scotland Results Day.
This is a planned closure.
It does not indicate a problem with your individual application.
4 August 2026: Qualifications Scotland Results Day
Qualifications Scotland Results Day is Tuesday 4 August 2026.
Scottish applicants receive results from around 08:00 through the qualification service, while UCAS begins updating application records from 09:00. Eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 10:00.
Scottish Results Day Timeline
From 08:00
Access your qualification results.
Check every grade.
Prepare your course details.
From 09:00
Check the updated UCAS application.
Find out whether your firm or insurance place is confirmed.
Check whether you are eligible for Clearing.
From 10:00
Eligible applicants can add an agreed Clearing choice.
What Should Scottish Applicants Do?
Follow the same process as other Clearing students:
Check UCAS.
Collect results.
Contact universities.
Receive informal offers.
Compare courses.
Add one agreed choice.
4 to 7 August: Full UCAS Service Reopens
From 10:00 on 4 August until 08:00 on 7 August, the full UCAS application service is available.
Eligible students can:
Add Clearing choices
Reply to offers
Check updated decisions
This period mainly serves Scottish and already-qualified applicants before the JCQ Results Day embargo begins.
7 August to 13 August: Results Embargo Period
The JCQ results embargo runs from 08:00 on 7 August until 08:00 on 13 August 2026.
During this period:
Universities receive and process results.
UCAS matches results with applications.
Schools and advisers may receive controlled early access.
Applicants cannot receive early confirmation information.
UCAS application records are not updated for students.
Clearing choices cannot be added.
UCAS applications remain available until the evening of 12 August, but the details shown are frozen as they appeared at 08:00 on 7 August.
Why Is the Application Frozen?
Universities need time to decide whether to:
Confirm students who met their offers
Accept applicants who narrowly missed
Refer applications to insurance choices
Offer a changed course
Make applicants eligible for Clearing
You will not gain useful information by refreshing the application repeatedly during the embargo.
It will display the older status until Results Day.
What Should Students Do During the Embargo?
Confirm how results will be collected.
Check your UCAS login.
Finalise your Clearing shortlist.
Save university contact numbers.
Charge devices.
Prepare your grades and GCSE information.
Discuss possible outcomes.
Get some sleep.
The final suggestion is often the least popular and among the most useful.
12 August at 18:00: UCAS Hub Temporarily Closes
UCAS applications are unavailable from 18:00 on Wednesday 12 August until 08:00 on Thursday 13 August while the Results Day service is prepared.
What Does This Mean?
You cannot:
Check your application.
Add a Clearing choice.
Access a new decision.
This is a planned system closure.
There is no advantage to remaining awake and attempting to sign in repeatedly through the night.
13 August 2026: A-Level Results Day
Thursday 13 August is the busiest day in the Clearing timeline.
Students receive:
A-Level results
AS Level results
T Level results
Relevant BTEC and Level 3 vocational results
Welsh A-Level and Welsh Baccalaureate results
Results are generally available from 08:00, although each school or college sets its own arrangements.
Results Day Clearing Timeline
Before 08:00
Prepare:
UCAS login
Personal ID
Firm and insurance offer details
Telephone
Charger
Clearing shortlist
University numbers
Pen and paper
Water and breakfast
Do not start calling Clearing universities before you know your actual application status and results.
08:00: UCAS Hub Opens
At 08:00:
UCAS Hub becomes available.
Application records begin updating.
Students can check whether their university place is confirmed.
The Clearing number appears for eligible applicants.
UCAS support opens for applicants.
Eligible students cannot yet add a Clearing choice, but they can search vacancies and contact universities.
What Might UCAS Show?
Firm place confirmed
Your firm university has accepted you.
You do not need Clearing unless you genuinely want to give up the confirmed place and apply elsewhere.
Insurance place confirmed
Your firm choice did not accept you, but your insurance university did.
Review the course before considering Clearing.
Decision pending
The university may still be:
Considering your results
Waiting for a qualification
Checking a condition
Processing an alternative offer
Contact the university before asking to enter Clearing.
Changed course offer
You may have been offered:
A related degree
A foundation year
Another campus
Another start date
Compare it with your insurance and Clearing options.
Eligible for Clearing
You do not currently hold a confirmed place.
Your Clearing number should appear, and you can begin contacting universities.
Read What Happens on A-Level Results Day? for a full explanation of each status.
08:00 to Mid-Morning: Collect Your Grades
UCAS shows the admissions decision rather than replacing your actual results statement.
Collect or download your grades through your:
School
College
Exam centre
Awarding organisation
Check:
Every qualification
Subject grades
Missing results
Unexpected entries
Relevant component marks
You need the actual grades for Clearing calls.
Mid-Morning: Search and Contact Universities
Once you know that you are eligible:
Search current vacancies.
Research the courses.
Contact universities.
Give your Personal ID and Clearing number.
Discuss your grades.
Receive informal offers.
Ask about accommodation.
Record deadlines.
UCAS advises students to contact universities before adding a Clearing choice, receive informal offers and then choose which one to accept.
What Should You Ask During a Call?
Ask:
Are you offering me a place?
Is the offer definite?
What conditions remain?
What is the course code?
Which campus is it on?
Is a foundation year included?
What is the deadline?
Is accommodation available?
Will you send the offer in writing?
A conversation that “sounds positive” is not always a formal offer.
Ask directly.
11:00 to 13:00: Compare Offers
Students can receive several informal offers before entering a choice.
Compare:
Modules
Accreditation
Placement opportunities
Campus
Accommodation
Rent
Travel
Support
Offer deadline
Do not add the first available course merely because you are frightened that every university will close for lunch and never reopen.
The 13:00 restriction deliberately gives students time to speak to universities and compare options before making the formal choice.
13:00: Add a Clearing Choice
From 13:00, eligible applicants can add one Clearing choice through UCAS Hub.
Only add a choice when:
The university has offered you a place.
You have checked the course.
You know the correct code.
You understand the deadline.
You want to accept it.
Adding the Clearing choice counts as accepting the offer. If the university confirms it, the course appears as your accepted place.
Afternoon: Wait for Formal Confirmation
The university may confirm quickly or may need to:
Verify grades
Check documents
Complete a departmental decision
Process a large number of applications
Confirm another condition
Monitor:
UCAS Hub
Email
Spam folder
University portal
Telephone
Do not add a second course while the first Clearing choice remains active.
Only one Clearing choice can be held at a time. If the university does not confirm you, you can add another.
Evening: Review What Still Needs Doing
If the place is confirmed:
Save the confirmation.
Contact accommodation.
Update student finance.
Read enrolment information.
Record any deadlines.
If the decision is still pending:
Check whether documents are missing.
Contact the university.
Confirm that the informal offer remains valid.
Ask when the decision is expected.
14 August Onwards: Clearing Continues
Clearing does not end after Results Day.
During the following days:
More applicants contact universities.
Some courses fill.
Other courses reopen.
Students decline places.
Accommodation availability changes.
Universities hold Clearing open days.
Late applicants continue applying.
Keep checking the official UCAS search because universities update course information regularly.
What If You Did Not Find a Course on Results Day?
You can continue:
Searching vacancies
Contacting universities
Attending open days
Exploring related subjects
Considering foundation years
Checking new accommodation options
Do not assume that failing to secure a place before the evening news means the entire process has finished.
13 to 28 August: Exam Results Helpline
For students in England, the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline runs from 13 to 28 August 2026.
The planned opening hours are:
08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday
10:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays
Students and parents can contact professionally qualified careers advisers on 0800 100 900 for help with next steps.
The helpline may be useful when you are considering:
Clearing
Apprenticeships
Resits
Gap years
Further education
Employment
20 August 2026: GCSE Results Day
GCSE Results Day is Thursday 20 August 2026.
Some university offers include GCSE conditions, particularly for:
English Language
Mathematics
Science
Subject-specific entry requirements
Applicants with outstanding GCSE results may need to send them directly to the university or college.
What Should You Do?
If your university place is still conditional because of a GCSE:
Collect the result.
Contact the university.
Send official evidence through its approved process.
Ask when the place will be confirmed.
Continue monitoring UCAS.
Do not assume that the university automatically receives every GCSE result immediately.
Late August: Finalise Your Place
By the end of August, many Clearing students should be moving from admissions decisions to practical preparation.
Complete These Tasks
Confirm accommodation.
Update student finance.
Complete online enrolment.
Upload identification.
Check course dates.
Arrange travel.
Contact disability support.
Review your budget.
Check scholarships and bursaries.
Read What Happens After Results Day? for the complete preparation guide.
2 September 2026: Decline My Place Deadline
The final day to use Decline my place for 2026 entry is 2 September 2026. This is also the date by which remaining offer conditions should normally be met.
What Is Decline My Place?
It allows an applicant holding an unconditional firm place to cancel it and enter Clearing.
The option is available from 2 July.
Using it:
Cancels the confirmed place
Cancels the contract with the university
Removes any insurance position
May affect accommodation
May affect scholarships
UCAS warns students to use the option only when they are certain they no longer want their confirmed place.
What Should You Do Before 2 September?
When you are considering changing university:
Research the alternative.
Contact the new university.
Receive a clear offer.
Check accommodation.
Check student finance.
Confirm the deadline.
Decline the existing place only when certain.
Add the new Clearing course.
Do not use the button simply to see what courses exist.
You can search and speak to universities while keeping your current place.
What If Your Firm Choice Is Still Conditional?
Students with a conditional firm place who know why the decision is pending but want to apply elsewhere can contact UCAS between 08:00 on 13 August and 2 September to request release into Clearing.
This removes both firm and insurance choices, so it should be used only when the applicant is certain they want neither.
September: Late Clearing
Clearing continues throughout September.
Students may still be applying because they:
Applied late
Changed plans
Deferred another opportunity
Received a delayed qualification
Did not find a suitable course earlier
Decided to attend university after all
Are Good Courses Still Available?
Potentially.
Availability is course-specific.
Some courses may be full, while others may still have:
Standard first-year places
Foundation-year places
Alternative campuses
Joint honours options
Later start dates
The important questions are:
Is the course still accepting applications?
Can the university process you before teaching starts?
Is accommodation available?
Can student finance be arranged?
Is late arrival permitted?
Contact the university directly.
24 September 2026 at 18:00: Final Application Deadline
The final time to submit a new UCAS application for 2026 entry is:
18:00 on Thursday 24 September 2026
After this deadline, new 2026 undergraduate applications cannot be submitted through the standard UCAS route.
Who Does This Affect?
It matters particularly to students who:
Have not applied before
Decide late that they want university
Return from a gap year
Want to apply directly through Clearing
You need enough time to:
Register
Complete the application
Add qualifications
Arrange a reference
Complete the personal statement questions
Submit before 18:00
Do not begin the entire application at 17:45 unless unnecessary excitement is one of your core personal values.
Late September to October: Final Clearing Period
After 24 September:
Existing applicants can continue using Clearing.
Universities can continue offering places.
Students can still add Clearing choices.
New UCAS applications can no longer be started for 2026 entry.
At this point, check:
Course start date
Whether late enrolment is allowed
Accommodation
Student finance
Missed induction
Visa timings for international applicants
A course appearing open does not automatically mean a student can arrive several weeks after teaching has begun.
Ask the university directly.
19 October 2026: Final Day to Add a Clearing Choice
The final date to add a Clearing choice for 2026 entry is:
Monday 19 October 2026
After this date, applicants cannot add another Clearing course through UCAS Hub.
What Should You Do Before the Deadline?
Make sure you have:
Contacted the university
Received permission
Confirmed the course code
Checked the campus
Entered the choice
Submitted any evidence
Recorded the offer deadline
Do not wait until the final evening when the university has not yet reviewed your qualifications or given permission.
The fact that UCAS remains technically open does not require every university admissions office to remain available until the final minute.
21 October 2026: Final University Decision Deadline
Universities and colleges have until 21 October 2026 to make final decisions on 2026 Clearing choices.
What If Your Choice Is Still Pending?
Contact the university and ask:
Has it received the choice?
Does it need evidence?
Is the course still available?
When will the decision be made?
Can you still begin the course?
Keep copies of:
Clearing offer
Emails
Course details
Documents submitted
Call notes
What Happens After the Clearing Timeline Ends?
If you do not secure a suitable 2026 place, you can consider:
Applying for 2027 entry
Resitting qualifications
Taking a planned gap year
Finding an apprenticeship
Working
Completing another course
Gaining relevant experience
Not entering university through Clearing does not mean the process has failed.
A decision not to accept an unsuitable course can be a very sensible outcome.
Use the time to build a stronger and more informed application.
Example A-Level Results Day Clearing Timeline
07:30
Wake up, eat breakfast and prepare:
UCAS login
Telephone
Grades information
Clearing shortlist
08:00
Check UCAS Hub.
The application shows that neither firm nor insurance choice confirmed the student, and a Clearing number appears.
08:30
Collect the actual results from school.
Speak to a teacher and confirm the grades.
09:00
Search the official vacancies and shortlist four suitable courses.
09:30
Call University A.
It offers a foundation-year route.
10:15
Call University B.
It offers the standard degree but cannot guarantee accommodation.
11:00
Call University C.
It offers the standard degree and has halls available.
11:45
Compare:
Modules
Course length
Accreditation
Rent
Travel
Accommodation
12:30
Choose University C and confirm the course code and deadline.
13:00
Add University C as the Clearing choice in UCAS Hub.
15:00
University C confirms the place.
16:00
Apply for accommodation and update student finance.
The important work happened before 13:00.
Adding the choice was the final formal step in a decision that had already been researched and agreed.
Clearing Timeline for Students with a Confirmed Place
Students who already hold a confirmed place follow a different sequence.
Stage 1: Keep the Place
Research other options while retaining your confirmed university.
Stage 2: Contact Other Universities
Ask whether they would offer you a course through Clearing.
Stage 3: Compare Everything
Check:
Course
Campus
Accommodation
Cost
Scholarship
Career fit
Stage 4: Secure the Alternative
Obtain clear written information and permission to add the course.
Stage 5: Use Decline My Place
Only when you definitely want to leave your existing university.
Stage 6: Add the Clearing Choice
Enter the new course correctly before the university’s deadline.
UCAS warns that declining a place cancels it and may also cancel connected accommodation or scholarship arrangements.
Read What If You Exceed Your Offer? when better-than-expected grades are prompting the change.
Clearing Timeline for New Applicants
Students who have not applied before should follow this order:
Before 24 September
Contact universities.
Check vacancies.
Register with UCAS.
Complete the application.
Arrange a reference.
Complete personal statement information.
Submit the application.
After Submission
Receive your Personal ID and Clearing number.
Contact universities with those details.
Obtain an offer.
Add one Clearing choice.
Wait for formal confirmation.
UCAS confirms that first-time applicants can apply directly through Clearing, but they still need a submitted UCAS application before formally adding and confirming a place.
What Can Change During the Clearing Timeline?
Course Vacancies
A course can:
Open
Fill
Close temporarily
Reopen
Add a foundation year
Change its indicative entry requirements
Keep checking the official search.
Accommodation
Rooms may become available when students:
Attend their insurance university
Change course
Defer
Withdraw
Choose private accommodation
Contact the university even when its website says availability is limited.
Offers
Universities may set short offer deadlines.
Record:
Date
Time
Course code
Conditions
Documents required
Your Preferences
You may learn more about:
Course modules
Location
Accommodation
Costs
Career options
Changing your mind after gaining new information is not indecisive.
It is part of making an informed decision.
Clearing Timeline Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Until Results Day to Research
Prepare possible courses in advance.
Assuming UCAS Will Update During the Embargo
Application records remain frozen during the processing period.
Calling Universities Before Checking Your Status
You may already have a confirmed place.
Treating 08:00 as the Time to Add a Choice
On A-Level Results Day, you can check your application from 08:00 but cannot add a Clearing choice until 13:00.
Adding a Course Without an Offer
Contact the university first.
Missing the University’s Offer Deadline
The final UCAS deadline does not override a shorter deadline attached to your individual offer.
Assuming Clearing Ends on Results Day
It continues until 19 October.
Assuming Every Course Remains Open Until October
Individual vacancies can close much earlier.
Declining a Confirmed Place Before Securing Another
Keep the existing place while researching.
Forgetting the 2 September Deadline
Decline my place closes before the overall Clearing service.
Applying for the First Time Too Late
New applications must be submitted by 18:00 on 24 September.
Forgetting Accommodation and Finance
A course confirmation is only one part of preparing for university.
Clearing Timeline Checklist
Before 30 June
☐ Check UCAS login☐ Review firm and insurance offers☐ Research alternative courses☐ Save admissions contacts☐ Check accommodation☐ Check student finance
From 2 July
☐ Search Clearing vacancies☐ Contact universities if you have results☐ Record course codes☐ Check campuses☐ Check accommodation☐ Keep monitoring vacancies
Before Results Day
☐ Confirm results collection☐ Prepare UCAS details☐ Create a shortlist☐ Prepare GCSE grades☐ Charge devices☐ Write down questions
On Results Day at 08:00
☐ Check UCAS Hub☐ Read the exact status☐ Find your Clearing number☐ Collect your grades☐ Speak to an adviser
During the Morning
☐ Search current vacancies☐ Contact universities☐ Give accurate grades☐ Receive offers☐ Ask about accommodation☐ Record deadlines☐ Compare courses
From 13:00
☐ Choose one offer☐ Confirm the course code☐ Add the Clearing choice☐ Monitor UCAS☐ Submit requested evidence
After Confirmation
☐ Save the offer☐ Apply for accommodation☐ Update student finance☐ Complete enrolment☐ Check course dates☐ Plan travel and moving
Before 2 September
☐ Decide whether to keep any confirmed place☐ Use Decline my place only when certain
Before 24 September
☐ Submit any first-time UCAS application
Before 19 October
☐ Add the final agreed Clearing choice
Frequently Asked Questions About the Clearing Timeline
When does Clearing open in 2026?
Clearing opens on 2 July 2026.
When does Clearing close in 2026?
The final date to add a Clearing choice is 19 October 2026.
When is A-Level Results Day 2026?
A-Level and JCQ Level 3 Results Day is Thursday 13 August 2026.
What time does UCAS Hub open on Results Day?
Students can access their applications from 08:00.
What time can you add a Clearing choice?
Eligible A-Level and JCQ applicants can add a choice from 13:00 on 13 August.
Why can’t I add a choice at 08:00?
The morning is used to check decisions, collect grades, contact universities and compare offers. Full choice functionality opens at 13:00.
Does Clearing begin on Results Day?
No. It opens on 2 July, although many A-Level students first become eligible on Results Day.
Can you use Clearing before Results Day?
Yes, when you already have your results and are eligible, or when you apply directly after 30 June.
What happens on 30 June?
Applications received after 18:00 on 30 June enter Clearing rather than being sent as a normal set of choices.
When does UCAS Extra close?
The last day to add an Extra choice is 1 July 2026.
Why does UCAS stop updating before Results Day?
UCAS and universities process qualification results and make confirmation decisions during the embargo period.
When is UCAS unavailable before A-Level Results Day?
The application service closes from 18:00 on 12 August until 08:00 on 13 August.
Can I contact universities during the embargo?
You can research courses and discuss general availability, but you cannot receive embargoed result or application information early.
What if my decision is still pending at 08:00?
Check messages and contact the university. It may still be considering you or waiting for information.
Can I call several universities on Results Day?
Yes. You can receive several informal offers before choosing one.
How many Clearing choices can I add?
Only one at a time.
Does a verbal offer reserve the place permanently?
Not necessarily. Check its deadline and add the course through UCAS as instructed.
How long does a university take to confirm a Clearing choice?
It varies. Contact admissions when the choice remains pending or evidence may be missing.
What if a university declines my Clearing choice?
You can add another agreed choice while Clearing remains open.
Does Clearing finish after Results Day weekend?
No. It remains open until 19 October.
Will courses still be available in September?
Some will. Availability depends on the subject and university.
When is the last date to use Decline my place?
2 September 2026.
Can I use Decline my place after 2 September?
The UCAS self-release option closes on that date. Contact the university and UCAS for advice about any later change.
When is the final date to submit a new 2026 UCAS application?
18:00 on 24 September 2026.
When must universities make their final Clearing decisions?
The final university decision date is 21 October 2026.
Does the course have to remain open until 19 October?
No. Individual courses can fill or close earlier.
Can a course reopen?
Yes. Universities update their vacancies throughout Clearing.
Should I wait for more courses to appear?
Only when you are comfortable risking the options currently available. Compare the course you have found with the realistic benefit of waiting.
Should I accept the first offer on Results Day?
Not automatically. Ask for the deadline and compare suitable offers.
What should I do after my Clearing place is confirmed?
Arrange accommodation, update student finance, complete enrolment and prepare for the course.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Clearing Timeline
The Clearing timeline has several distinct stages:
Before 30 June: prepare your application and backup options.
2 July: Clearing opens.
Early August: Scottish and other achieved-grade applicants begin making choices.
7 to 13 August: applications are processed under the results embargo.
13 August at 08:00: students check their university decisions.
13 August during the morning: eligible applicants contact universities.
13 August at 13:00: agreed Clearing choices can be added.
Late August and September: vacancies and applications continue.
2 September: Decline my place closes.
24 September: new UCAS applications close.
19 October: Clearing choices close.
21 October: universities make their final decisions.
The most important deadline is not always the final UCAS date.
A university may give you a much shorter offer deadline, an accommodation provider may require an earlier payment and your course may close long before October.
Record every date you are given.
Move promptly, but do not allow the clock to replace proper research.
Clearing is a timeline, not a sprint. The goal is not to add a course at the earliest possible second. It is to secure a university place you will still be pleased with once the Results Day adrenaline, repeated telephone hold music and slightly stale celebration cake have all worn off.
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