How Clearing Works
- Revision Notes
- Jul 31
- 19 min read
Updated: Aug 17
UCAS Clearing allows students to apply for university and college courses that still have places available.
The basic process is:
Check that you are eligible for Clearing.
Receive your results.
Search for available courses.
Contact universities directly.
Discuss your grades and application.
Receive one or more informal offers.
Choose your preferred course.
Add that course to UCAS Hub.
Wait for the university to confirm your place.
Arrange accommodation, student finance and enrolment.
The order matters.
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You should not add a Clearing course before speaking to the university, and you should not give up a useful confirmed place merely to see what else is available.
For 2026 entry, Clearing opened on 2 July 2026. Students receiving A-Level and other JCQ Level 3 results can check their UCAS applications from 08:00 on Thursday 13 August 2026 and add an agreed Clearing choice from 13:00. The final date to add a Clearing choice is 19 October 2026.
This guide explains each step, what universities may ask and what happens after you add your choice.
How Clearing Works at a Glance
Stage | What happens |
1. Eligibility | UCAS Hub shows that you can use Clearing |
2. Research | You search for courses with vacancies |
3. Contact | You call universities or complete their Clearing forms |
4. Assessment | Universities review your grades and application |
5. Informal offer | A university tells you that it is willing to accept you |
6. Comparison | You compare courses, campuses, costs and accommodation |
7. UCAS choice | You add one agreed course through UCAS Hub |
8. Formal decision | The university confirms or declines the choice |
9. Next steps | You arrange accommodation, funding and enrolment |
You can contact several universities and receive several verbal offers, but you can add only one Clearing choice to UCAS Hub at a time.
Step 1: Check Whether You Are Eligible for Clearing
You do not usually need to ask UCAS to place you into Clearing.
When you become eligible, your UCAS application should update automatically.
UCAS advises applicants to check their application status regularly. Eligible students can add a Clearing choice from the appropriate opening time once they have received any outstanding examination results.
You may be eligible because:
Your firm and insurance universities did not confirm you
You received no offers
You declined all your offers
You applied after the main application deadline
You applied for the first time after 30 June
You declined a confirmed university place
Your previous Clearing choice was unsuccessful
What Will UCAS Hub Show?
Your application may say that:
You are in Clearing
Clearing has started
You are eligible to add a Clearing choice
You should also see your Clearing number.
Universities may ask for:
Your UCAS Personal ID
Your Clearing number
These allow admissions staff to find and review your application.
What If You Expected to Be in Clearing?
Do not assume that a delayed university decision is a rejection.
Your application might still be conditional because the university is:
Reviewing your results
Considering a near miss
Waiting for another qualification
Checking a subject requirement
Waiting for a certificate
Considering an alternative course
UCAS advises students whose place remains unconfirmed to check messages and contact the university before withdrawing or making another decision.
Contact admissions and ask:
Hello, my name is [name], and my UCAS Personal ID is [number]. My application for [course] is still showing as conditional. Could you confirm whether I am still being considered and whether you need any further information?
Do not give up your firm and insurance choices until you understand their current status.
Read What Happens on A-Level Results Day? for an explanation of every common UCAS status.
Step 2: Collect Your Results
UCAS Hub mainly tells you what has happened to your university application.
You still need your actual qualification results from your:
School
College
Exam centre
Qualification provider
A Clearing university may want to know:
Your A-Level grades
BTEC or T Level result
GCSE English and maths grades
Other GCSE results
Admissions-test results
International qualifications
English-language result
Keep a full copy of your results nearby.
Do not rely on remembering your GCSE grades from several years ago while speaking to an admissions adviser who is trying to complete your assessment.
Check for Missing Results
When a qualification is missing:
Contact your school or exam centre.
Tell any university considering you.
Ask whether the university will accept temporary evidence.
Send certificates through the university’s official process.
A missing qualification can prevent a university from making a final offer even when the rest of your grades are suitable.
Step 3: Search for Clearing Courses
Use the current UCAS course search to find Clearing vacancies.
You can search by:
Subject
University
Location
Course type
Foundation year
Placement year
Study-abroad option
Entry requirements
UCAS describes finding available courses as the first part of the Clearing process, followed by contacting the universities directly and then adding an agreed choice.
Are All Available Courses Listed Immediately?
Course availability can change.
A vacancy might:
Appear on Results Day
Fill during the day
Close while applications are assessed
Reopen if students choose another university
Be added later in the Clearing period
Keep checking when a suitable course is not initially available.
Do not rely entirely on an old search result, social-media post or list created the previous year.
Search Beyond the Exact Course Title
Useful alternatives might include:
Joint honours courses
Foundation years
Courses with a placement year
Related subjects
A different degree award
Courses at another campus
For example, a student originally applying for Psychology might also consider:
Psychology with Sociology
Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience
Psychology with a foundation year
Applied Psychology
Education and Psychology
However, similar names do not guarantee identical content or professional accreditation.
Step 4: Research the Course Before Calling
Clearing can feel urgent, but you still need to know what you are applying for.
Check:
Course title
Course code
Campus
Course length
Foundation year
Modules
Assessment methods
Accreditation
Placement opportunities
Study abroad
Entry requirements
Additional costs
Read the Modules
Do not choose solely from the course title.
Two universities offering “Business Management” could have very different:
Compulsory modules
Optional subjects
Assessment methods
Placement opportunities
Professional exemptions
Check Professional Accreditation
Accreditation can matter for subjects including:
Psychology
Engineering
Architecture
Healthcare
Accounting
Surveying
Check the exact course route.
A standard degree, foundation-year route and joint honours course may not all carry the same accreditation.
Check the Campus
Universities may teach courses across several campuses or partner institutions.
Ask:
Where will teaching take place?
Is this the main campus?
Where is accommodation located?
How long is the journey between halls and teaching?
Are there additional travel costs?
The university name alone does not tell you where you will spend most of your week.
Step 5: Contact the University
Before adding a Clearing choice, you must contact the university or college.
Give it your:
Clearing number
UCAS Personal ID
Qualification results
Contact details
Course of interest
This allows admissions staff to access your application and decide whether they may offer you a place. UCAS specifically instructs applicants to contact the university and receive permission before adding a Clearing choice.
How Can You Contact a Clearing University?
Depending on the university, you may be able to use:
Telephone line
Online Clearing form
Live chat
Callback request
Email
University applicant portal
Some universities may assess you through an online form and then telephone or email with a decision.
Follow the institution’s official Clearing instructions.
Prepare Before Calling
Have ready:
Full name
Telephone number
Email address
UCAS Personal ID
Clearing number
A-Level or Level 3 results
GCSE results
Course title
Course code
Short explanation of your interest
Questions
Pen and paper
UCAS advises applicants to speak to universities before adding them as a choice and to prepare for these conversations carefully.
Clearing Call Script
Hello, my name is [name], and I am calling about Clearing places for [course name and course code].My UCAS Personal ID is [number], and my Clearing number is [number].I achieved [grades] in [subjects], and my relevant GCSE grades are [grades].I am interested in the course because [brief reason]. Could you tell me whether you would consider my application?
You do not need to deliver a speech.
Be clear, polite and honest.
Step 6: The University Assesses Your Application
The university may look at:
Your achieved grades
Subjects studied
GCSE requirements
Personal statement
Reference
Admissions-test results
Interview or portfolio
Relevant experience
Course capacity
It may then:
Offer you the course
Ask for more information
Invite you to an interview
Offer a related course
Offer a foundation year
Suggest another campus
Decline your application
Can Entry Requirements Change in Clearing?
The university decides which applicants it can accept.
A published Clearing requirement can provide guidance, but it does not guarantee an offer.
Similarly, being slightly below the stated grades does not necessarily prevent you from asking.
Contact the university and give accurate information.
Can a University See Your UCAS Application?
When you provide your Personal ID and Clearing number, the university can normally access the application information it needs to assess you.
UCAS advises direct Clearing applicants to give both numbers and to ask whether the university also needs a personal statement and reference.
Might You Have a Short Interview?
Possibly.
A university might ask:
Why do you want this course?
Why are you interested in this university?
What relevant topics have you studied?
What experience do you have?
What happened with your original choices?
Are you prepared to relocate?
Do you understand the course content?
Some professional, creative or competitive courses may require:
Portfolio
Audition
Formal interview
Occupational health check
Disclosure check
A Clearing call is not always a full interview, but you should be prepared to explain why the course suits you.
Step 7: Receive an Informal Clearing Offer
When the university is willing to accept you, it may make an:
Informal offer
Verbal offer
Provisional offer
Email offer
Conditional Clearing offer
This is an important stage, but it is not yet the final UCAS confirmation.
You must normally add the course through UCAS Hub before the university can formally confirm your place.
Confirm What Has Actually Been Offered
Ask:
Are you formally offering me a place?
Is the offer unconditional?
Are there outstanding conditions?
Do you need certificates?
What is the deadline?
What course code should I enter?
Which campus is it?
Is a foundation year included?
Will you email the details?
Do not rely on vague phrases such as:
“You should be fine.”
“We are interested.”
“It looks promising.”
“You meet the general requirements.”
Ask directly whether you have an offer.
Get the Offer in Writing
Where possible, ask the university to send an email showing:
Course
Course code
Campus
Conditions
Deadline
Next step
Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the time of the call.
Step 8: Compare Your Clearing Offers
You can contact several universities and receive more than one verbal offer before adding your UCAS choice.
UCAS confirms that students may receive multiple verbal offers but can add only one formal Clearing choice at a time.
Use the time before adding a choice to compare:
Course modules
Assessment
Accreditation
Placement opportunities
Campus
Accommodation
Rent
Travel
Scholarships
Student support
Career fit
Clearing Comparison Table
Factor | University A | University B | University C |
Course | |||
Campus | |||
Foundation year | |||
Accreditation | |||
Placement | |||
Accommodation | |||
Annual rent | |||
Travel costs | |||
Offer deadline | |||
Your preference |
Do You Need to Decide Immediately?
Ask each university for its deadline.
Some may give you:
Several hours
Until the end of the day
Twenty-four hours
Several days
Vacancies can fill, so do not ignore the deadline.
However, the ability to add a choice from 13:00 on JCQ Results Day creates time to speak to universities and compare offers before completing the formal UCAS step.
Move promptly, not blindly.
Step 9: Add Your Clearing Choice in UCAS Hub
Once you have chosen a course and the university has given permission, sign in to UCAS Hub.
Go to:
Your choices → Add Clearing choice
Enter the course details supplied by the university.
UCAS instructs applicants to add a Clearing choice through the Your choices section and to do this only after receiving permission from the university.
Check Every Detail
Enter the correct:
University or college
Course code
Campus code
Start year
Entry point
A university may offer several similar versions of a course, including:
Three-year degree
Foundation-year course
Placement-year route
Integrated master’s
Different campus
Use the code from the offer rather than guessing from the course search.
What Does Adding the Choice Mean?
Adding the Clearing choice tells UCAS and the university that you want to accept that offer.
You can have only one active Clearing choice at a time.
UCAS’s 2026 guidance states that applicants should add the course by the deadline given by the university and may add only one choice at a time.
Step 10: The University Formally Confirms You
After you add the choice, the university reviews and processes it through UCAS.
It may need to:
Match your application to the offer
Verify grades
Check certificates
Confirm an interview outcome
Complete an academic decision
Check another condition
Your UCAS Hub should eventually update to show whether the place has been confirmed.
How Long Does Confirmation Take?
Times vary.
Some universities may confirm quickly.
Others may take longer because:
Many applications are being processed
Evidence is outstanding
A department must approve the decision
Your qualification requires verification
An admissions condition remains
Monitor:
UCAS Hub
Email
Spam folder
University portal
Telephone
What If Nothing Changes?
Contact the university and ask:
Has my Clearing choice been received?
Is my offer still valid?
Do you need any evidence?
Is the decision being processed?
When should I expect an update?
Do not attempt to add a second choice while the first one remains active.
What If Your Clearing Choice Is Unsuccessful?
When the university does not confirm your choice, you should become eligible to add another Clearing course.
Return to the process:
Search again.
Contact other universities.
Receive another offer.
Add the new choice.
Applicants can continue searching, contacting universities and adding new choices after unsuccessful decisions until the Clearing deadline, provided they remain eligible.
A declined Clearing choice does not end your entire university application.
Ask What Happened
Contact the university when:
You believed you had an offer
You entered the agreed course code
The choice was declined unexpectedly
You think evidence is missing
There may have been:
Missed deadline
Incorrect course code
Outstanding condition
Qualification problem
Administrative error
Misunderstanding about the offer
Get an explanation before assuming the system has malfunctioned or adding the same course again.
What If You Change Your Mind After Adding a Choice?
Contact the university immediately.
While it is considering your Clearing choice, you may not be able to remove it yourself and add another one immediately.
Ask the university whether it can:
Withdraw the choice
Make you unsuccessful
Release the application promptly
Do not ignore the pending choice while trying to accept another offer.
Only one Clearing choice can be active at a time.
What If You Change Your Mind After Confirmation?
When the Clearing university formally confirms you, it becomes your unconditional firm place.
When the Decline my place option is available, you may be able to give it up and return to Clearing.
Before doing this:
Find a genuine alternative.
Contact the new university.
Receive an offer.
Check accommodation.
Check funding.
Understand the current place may not return.
Repeatedly changing universities can complicate:
Accommodation
Student finance
Scholarships
Enrolment
Visa arrangements
Make each move carefully.
How “Decline My Place” Works
Students who hold an unconditional firm place can use Decline my place to release themselves into Clearing from 2 July.
UCAS advises using the option only when you no longer want the confirmed course and after discussing your options when you are uncertain.
What Happens When You Use It?
Your confirmed place is cancelled, and you enter Clearing.
The decision can also affect:
Insurance choice
Accommodation
Scholarship
Bursary
Enrolment arrangements
UCAS guidance for the service states that once the action is completed, the firm and any applicable insurance position are declined, with no automatic option to reverse the decision.
Do Not Use It to Browse
You can search courses and contact universities while keeping your existing place.
The safer order is:
Research alternatives.
Contact the new university.
Receive an offer.
Check accommodation and finance.
Decide that you prefer the alternative.
Decline the original place.
Add the new Clearing choice.
Read What If You Exceed Your Offer? when you are considering changing university after higher-than-expected grades.
How Clearing Works When You Have Not Applied Yet
You can apply directly to Clearing even when you did not submit an earlier UCAS application.
You need to:
Create a UCAS account.
Complete the undergraduate application.
Add your qualifications.
Provide the required application information.
Submit the application.
Receive your Personal ID and Clearing details.
Contact universities.
Add an agreed choice.
UCAS confirms that new applicants must complete and submit an application before universities can formally confirm them through Clearing.
Can You Speak to Universities First?
You can ask about availability and requirements.
However, the university will normally need a completed UCAS application before the formal offer can be processed.
Ask whether it needs:
Personal statement
Reference
Qualification certificates
English-language evidence
Portfolio
How Clearing Works When You Already Have a Place
You may have a confirmed firm place but want to change because:
You prefer another course
You want another university
You want to live closer to home
You received higher grades
Your personal circumstances changed
You can research and contact other universities without giving up the confirmed place.
To add a new Clearing choice, you normally need to become unplaced by using Decline my place.
Ask Your Existing University First
When you want to change course but remain at the same university, contact it before using Clearing.
It may be able to:
Change your course internally
Move you to another campus
Add a placement year
Change a foundation-year route
Approve a deferral
Declining the place unnecessarily can remove options the university could have changed more easily.
Can You Swap Your Firm and Insurance Choices?
Not automatically.
Once your firm university confirms you, the insurance choice is no longer held as a backup.
When you now prefer the insurance university:
Contact it.
Ask whether it has a suitable Clearing vacancy.
Receive an offer.
Check accommodation.
Decline your confirmed firm place when certain.
Add the former insurance university through Clearing.
Do not assume that the original insurance offer is still waiting.
Clearing Offers Explained
Verbal Offer
The university tells you by telephone that it will accept you.
You must still add the course through UCAS.
Email Offer
The university sends written details of the course and deadline.
You still need to add the UCAS choice unless told otherwise through an official process.
Provisional Offer
The university is willing to offer you a place subject to something such as:
Certificate
Identity check
English-language evidence
Interview
Portfolio
Qualification verification
Unconditional Clearing Offer
The university is satisfied that you meet its academic requirements.
The place still needs to be processed formally through UCAS.
Alternative Course Offer
The university cannot offer the course you asked for but suggests:
Related subject
Foundation year
Different campus
Joint honours
Another course route
Check the exact details before accepting.
How Clearing Works for Accommodation
A Clearing course offer does not automatically come with accommodation.
Before choosing a university, ask:
Is university accommodation available?
Is it guaranteed?
Which halls have vacancies?
Which campus are they near?
What is the total rent?
How long is the contract?
Are bills included?
When must I apply?
Is an advance payment required?
Is there a waiting list?
What If Halls Are Full?
The university may offer:
Waiting list
Private halls
Approved landlord list
Housemate-finding service
Temporary accommodation
Support with private renting
Do not sign a private contract solely because somebody says rooms are disappearing.
Check:
Provider
Property
Total rent
Deposit
Guarantor
Bills
Contract length
Cancellation terms
How Clearing Works with Student Finance
When your university, course or living arrangements change, update your student finance application.
A UCAS change does not automatically update your Student Finance England application. GOV.UK instructs students who accept a Clearing place to sign in to their finance account and report the change separately.
Update:
University
Course
Course length
Tuition fee
Living location
Study location
Student Finance England’s 2026 guidance says applicants can change their university, college or course through the online account when going through Clearing.
Update It Promptly
Student Finance England advises that course or university changes can take time to approve, so students should make updates as soon as possible.
A late change could affect when funding is ready.
How Clearing Works for International Students
International students can use the same core process:
Become eligible or apply directly.
Search for courses.
Contact universities.
Provide qualifications.
Receive an offer.
Add the course through UCAS.
Receive formal confirmation.
Additional checks may include:
Qualification equivalency
English-language requirements
Passport
Immigration status
Tuition deposit
Student visa sponsorship
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
Financial evidence
International students can keep contacting universities and adding further choices after unsuccessful Clearing applications until the deadline, subject to remaining vacancies.
Before accepting, ask:
Will you sponsor my Student visa?
When can you issue my CAS?
Do I need to pay a deposit?
What is the latest arrival date?
Is accommodation available?
Which documents do you require?
How Clearing Works for Disabled Students
A late application does not mean you should ignore support needs.
Before accepting, ask:
Is accessible accommodation available?
Can adjustments be arranged before teaching?
Who should receive medical evidence?
What support is available on placements?
Is assistive technology available?
Can you speak to the disability team?
Contact the disability or inclusion service immediately after your place is confirmed.
Some adjustments can be organised quickly, while specialist accommodation or equipment may need more time.
Common Mistakes in the Clearing Process
Adding a Course Before Contacting the University
Always receive permission or an offer first.
Assuming a Verbal Offer Is Final Confirmation
Add the choice and wait for the formal UCAS decision.
Entering the Wrong Course Code
Use the exact code supplied by the university.
Adding a Choice After the Offer Deadline
Record the expiry date and time.
Declining a Confirmed Place Too Early
Research and secure an alternative first.
Assuming You Can Add Several Choices
Only one Clearing choice can be active at a time.
Choosing by University Name Alone
Check the course modules, campus and accreditation.
Forgetting Accommodation
Confirm that a suitable and affordable option exists.
Forgetting Student Finance
Update it separately after changing university or course.
Giving Incorrect Grades
Universities will verify your qualifications.
Failing to Record Calls
Write down the adviser’s name, course, conditions and deadline.
Accepting the First Offer Through Panic
Ask how long the offer remains open and compare your options.
Assuming Clearing Ends on Results Day
The service continues until October, although specific courses can fill much sooner.
Example: How Clearing Works on Results Day
Consider a student called Sam.
Sam’s firm offer is BBB, and the insurance offer is BCC.
Sam receives CCD.
08:00
Sam checks UCAS Hub.
Both original choices are unsuccessful, and the application says that Sam is eligible for Clearing.
08:30
Sam collects the full results and speaks to a school adviser.
09:00
Sam searches for relevant courses and identifies four realistic options.
09:30 to 11:30
Sam contacts the universities.
The responses are:
University A declines
University B offers a foundation year
University C offers the standard degree
University D asks for a short telephone interview
12:00
Sam compares:
Modules
Campus
Accommodation
Course length
Cost
12:30
Sam chooses University C and receives the course code and written offer deadline.
13:00
Sam adds University C as the Clearing choice in UCAS Hub.
Afternoon
The university verifies the application and formally confirms the place.
Following day
Sam:
Applies for accommodation
Updates student finance
Completes enrolment
Checks the course start date
This is the complete Clearing process.
The important decision was made before the UCAS choice was added, not after.
Clearing Process Checklist
Before Contacting Universities
☐ Check your UCAS status☐ Find your Clearing number☐ Collect your results☐ Prepare GCSE grades☐ Search official vacancies☐ Research course content☐ Check the campus☐ Check accreditation☐ Prepare questions☐ Charge your phone
During Calls
☐ Give your Personal ID☐ Give your Clearing number☐ Give accurate grades☐ Explain your interest☐ Ask whether you have an offer☐ Confirm outstanding conditions☐ Confirm the course code☐ Confirm the campus☐ Ask about accommodation☐ Record the deadline☐ Ask for written details
Before Adding a Choice
☐ Compare your offers☐ Read the modules☐ Check the course length☐ Check the campus☐ Check accreditation☐ Check accommodation☐ Calculate costs☐ Confirm the offer remains valid☐ Enter the correct code
After Adding the Choice
☐ Monitor UCAS Hub☐ Check email and spam☐ Provide requested evidence☐ Contact the university if delayed☐ Wait for formal confirmation
After Confirmation
☐ Save the confirmation☐ Complete enrolment☐ Apply for accommodation☐ Update student finance☐ Check scholarships☐ Review your budget☐ Arrange travel☐ Prepare for the course
Frequently Asked Questions About How Clearing Works
How does UCAS Clearing work?
You find courses with vacancies, contact universities, receive an offer, add one agreed course through UCAS Hub and wait for formal confirmation.
When does Clearing open in 2026?
Clearing opened on 2 July 2026.
When can A-Level students add a Clearing choice?
Eligible students can add a Clearing choice from 13:00 on Thursday 13 August 2026.
When does Clearing close?
The final date to add a 2026 Clearing choice is 19 October 2026.
How do I know whether I am eligible?
UCAS Hub should show that you are in Clearing and provide your Clearing number.
Do I need to ask UCAS to enter Clearing?
Not normally. Your application should update automatically when you are eligible.
Can I use Clearing while a university decision is pending?
You can research courses, but you cannot normally add a Clearing choice while you still hold a conditional offer. Contact the university before withdrawing.
Do I call universities before adding a choice?
Yes. You must contact the university and receive permission or an offer first.
What information will the university need?
Prepare your Personal ID, Clearing number, achieved grades, relevant GCSEs and course details.
Can universities see my UCAS application?
They can use your Personal ID and Clearing number to access the application information required for their decision.
Can I contact several universities?
Yes. You can contact several and receive multiple informal offers.
Can I add several Clearing choices?
No. You can add only one choice at a time.
Is a verbal offer guaranteed?
It is not the final UCAS confirmation. You must add the choice and the university must formally accept it.
Should I ask for the offer in writing?
Yes. Confirm the course, code, conditions and deadline.
What happens after I add a choice?
The university processes the application and confirms or declines the place through UCAS.
How long does formal confirmation take?
It varies. Contact the university if your choice remains pending and you have not been told why.
What if my Clearing choice is unsuccessful?
You can return to your search and add another agreed choice while Clearing remains open.
Can I remove a pending Clearing choice?
You may need to contact the university and ask it to withdraw or decline the choice before you can add another.
Can I use Clearing when I already have a place?
Yes, but you must normally decline the confirmed place before adding a different course formally.
Should I decline my place before searching?
No. You can research and contact other universities while keeping your current place.
Can “Decline my place” be reversed?
There is no automatic reversal. The original university might help, but the place may no longer be available.
Can I swap my firm and insurance universities?
Not automatically. Contact the former insurance university and ask whether it can accept you through Clearing.
Can I use Clearing with higher grades?
Yes. You can investigate other courses, but secure an alternative before declining your confirmed place.
Does UCAS Adjustment still exist?
No. Students wanting to change after higher-than-expected results now normally use Clearing.
Can I apply through Clearing without an earlier UCAS application?
Yes. You need to complete and submit a UCAS application before formally adding the course.
Can I apply directly on a university website?
You may complete a Clearing enquiry form or receive an initial offer, but the formal undergraduate place will usually still need to be processed through UCAS.
Does a Clearing offer include accommodation?
Not automatically. Ask what is available before accepting.
Should I arrange accommodation before adding the choice?
You should at least confirm that a realistic, safe and affordable option exists.
Do I need to update student finance?
Yes. Your student finance application is not automatically updated when UCAS changes.
How quickly should I update student finance?
As soon as your new course is settled. Student Finance England says university and course changes can take time to approve.
Can international students use Clearing?
Yes. They follow the same core process but may also need qualification, visa and immigration checks.
Do Clearing students receive a different degree?
No. Clearing is an admissions process. Once enrolled, you study the same course and work towards the same qualification as other students.
Does Clearing finish on Results Day?
No. It continues until 19 October 2026, although individual courses may close much earlier.
What if I cannot find a suitable course?
You do not have to accept one.
Other routes include:
Gap year
Resits
Reapplication
Apprenticeship
Employment
Further education
Starting an unsuitable degree immediately is not automatically better than taking time to choose another route.
Final Thoughts on How Clearing Works
The Clearing process is straightforward once you follow it in the correct order:
Check that UCAS says you are eligible.
Collect your full results.
Search for genuine vacancies.
Research each course.
Contact the university.
Give accurate information.
Receive and record an offer.
Compare your alternatives.
Add one agreed choice.
Wait for formal confirmation.
Arrange accommodation and student finance.
The university conversation comes before the UCAS choice.
The careful comparison comes before the final decision.
And, when you already hold a confirmed place, the alternative offer should come before you press Decline my place.
Clearing may move quickly, but it is not won by finishing first.
It works best when you use the information available, ask direct questions and choose a course you genuinely want to study.
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