Questions to Ask Universities During Clearing
- Revision Notes
- Jul 31
- 22 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Speaking to a university during Clearing is not only about persuading it to offer you a place.
It is also your opportunity to decide whether you should accept that place.
A university may be willing to admit you, but you still need to check:
Which course it is offering
Whether a foundation year is included
Where the course is taught
What conditions remain
Whether the course is accredited
Whether accommodation is available
How much the course and living arrangements will cost
How long you have to decide
What you need to do next
Before adding a Clearing choice, UCAS says you should contact the university, provide your Personal ID and Clearing number, and ask whether it will accept you. You should add the choice only after the university has given you permission.
You can speak to several universities and receive more than one informal offer before making your decision. However, you can add only one Clearing choice at a time through UCAS Hub.
For students receiving A-Level and other JCQ results in 2026, Clearing choices can be added from 13:00 on Thursday 13 August 2026. The final date to add a 2026 Clearing choice is 19 October 2026.
This guide provides the questions you should ask during Clearing, from the first conversation with admissions to checking accommodation, finance and formal confirmation.
The 15 Most Important Clearing Questions
When you have only a short conversation, prioritise these questions:
Do you still have places on this exact course?
Would you accept my achieved grades and subjects?
Are you formally offering me a place?
Is the offer unconditional or are there further conditions?
What is the exact course title and course code?
Does the course include a foundation year?
Which campus is the course taught at?
What is the deadline for accepting the offer?
Will you send the offer details in writing?
What do I need to do in UCAS Hub?
Do you need any certificates or other evidence?
Is university accommodation still available?
How much does the accommodation cost?
Are Clearing applicants eligible for scholarships or bursaries?
Who should I contact if my UCAS status does not update?
Do not end the conversation until you understand:
What has been offered
Whether the offer is definite
What conditions remain
When the offer expires
What you need to do next
A friendly conversation is helpful.
A clear offer, correct course code and written deadline are considerably more helpful.
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What to Prepare Before Asking Clearing Questions
UCAS recommends having your Personal ID, Clearing number, grades or UCAS Tariff points and notes about why you want the course ready before contacting universities. It is also sensible to have a pen and a separate notes sheet for each institution.
Prepare:
UCAS Personal ID
Clearing number
Full A-Level or Level 3 results
GCSE English and mathematics grades
Other relevant GCSE results
Course title
Course code
University Clearing telephone number
Short reasons for choosing the course
Questions you want answered
Pen and paper
Charged telephone
Reliable internet connection
Create a Separate Record for Each University
Use this table during each conversation:
Information | Answer |
University | |
Adviser’s name | |
Date and time | |
Course title | |
Course code | |
Campus | |
Offer made | |
Offer conditions | |
Evidence required | |
Offer deadline | |
Accommodation available | |
Accommodation cost | |
Scholarships available | |
Next action |
After several conversations, the details can become surprisingly difficult to separate.
By the fourth call, every course may sound as though it includes a placement, every adviser may appear to be called Sam and every deadline may have become “sometime this afternoon”.
Write everything down.
Questions to Ask About Course Availability
Start by checking that you are discussing a current vacancy.
Is the course still available through Clearing?
Course vacancies can change during the Clearing period.
A course may:
Fill
Close temporarily
Reopen
Add more places
Be available only on another route or campus
UCAS advises applicants to use its current Clearing search and contact universities directly because vacancies are updated throughout the process.
Ask:
Is the course still accepting Clearing applications today?
Follow with:
Are places available on the standard course, or only on another route?
Is this the exact course advertised?
Universities may offer several similar courses, such as:
Psychology
Psychology with Counselling
Psychology with a foundation year
Psychology with a placement year
Psychology at a partner college
Psychology on another campus
Ask:
Could you confirm the full course title and UCAS course code?
Are there places on a related course?
When your first-choice course is full, ask:
Are any related courses available?
Is there a joint honours version?
Is there a foundation-year route?
Is the course available at another campus?
Can I join a placement-year version?
Is a similar degree available within the same department?
Do not accept the alternative immediately.
First check what it contains and whether you would genuinely choose it.
Questions to Ask About Your Grades
Would you accept my achieved grades?
Give the exact grades and subjects.
For example:
I achieved BCC in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. Would those results meet the current Clearing requirements for this course?
Do not give only your UCAS Tariff total when the university may have:
Subject-specific requirements
GCSE requirements
Required practical endorsements
Admissions-test requirements
Are specific subjects required?
Ask:
Do I need a particular A-Level subject?
Is a minimum grade required in that subject?
Will you accept an alternative qualification?
Does my subject combination meet the requirements?
Are GCSE English and mathematics grades required?
A student may have a strong overall result but still miss a named subject condition.
Will you consider me below the advertised Clearing grades?
You can ask.
Say:
I am one grade below the published requirement. Would the department still consider my application?
The university may:
Accept the near miss
Ask to review your full application
Offer another course
Suggest a foundation year
Decline
Give honest results and allow the admissions team to decide.
Does a pending review of marking affect the decision?
When a result is being reviewed, say:
My current official grade is [grade], and my school has submitted a priority review of marking. Can you consider me using my current grades, or would you wait for the outcome?
Also ask:
Would you hold an offer while the review is pending?
What evidence do you require?
What deadline applies?
What happens if the grade increases later?
Do not present a possible higher grade as though it has already been awarded.
Questions to Confirm Whether You Have an Offer
This is one of the most important parts of the conversation.
Positive language does not always mean that an offer has been made.
Are you formally offering me a place?
Ask directly:
To confirm, are you offering me a place on this course?
Do not rely only on phrases such as:
“Your grades look promising.”
“You should be suitable.”
“The department will probably accept you.”
“We would be interested in your application.”
“You meet the general profile.”
These may mean that another person or department still needs to decide.
Is the offer definite or provisional?
Ask:
Is this a definite offer?
Does anyone else need to approve it?
Is the department still reviewing my application?
Is the offer subject to checking my certificates?
Is an interview required?
Is the offer unconditional?
An unconditional Clearing offer normally means the university is satisfied with the academic information provided.
However, further administrative checks may still be required.
Ask:
Are there any academic conditions left?
Do you need proof of my results?
Are there health, disclosure or identity checks?
Is English-language evidence required?
Do I need to complete an interview or portfolio assessment?
What could cause the offer not to be confirmed?
This is a useful direct question:
Is there anything that could prevent the offer from being confirmed after I add it through UCAS?
Possible reasons might include:
Incorrect grades
Missing evidence
Missed deadline
Unmet GCSE condition
Unsuccessful document check
Course code entered incorrectly
Professional suitability requirement
Questions to Ask About the Offer Deadline
How long do I have to decide?
Ask for the exact:
Date
Time
Time zone, when applying internationally
Do not settle for:
“Later today”
“As soon as possible”
“Before places fill”
“Quite soon”
Ask:
What is the exact date and time by which I must add the course through UCAS?
Will the offer remain available until that deadline?
Ask:
Is my offer reserved until the deadline, or could it be withdrawn if the course fills sooner?
This distinguishes:
A protected personal offer
A general indication that places are currently available
Can the deadline be extended?
When you are waiting for another university, accommodation information or a review result, ask:
Is there any flexibility in the deadline while I confirm [specific issue]?
The university may agree or refuse.
Do not assume an extension exists unless it is confirmed.
Can you send the deadline in writing?
Ask for an email showing:
Course
Course code
Campus
Conditions
Deadline
Next step
Keep this email.
Questions to Ask About the UCAS Process
What exactly do I need to enter in UCAS Hub?
Confirm:
University name
Course code
Campus code
Start year
Entry point
UCAS tells applicants to go to the Your choices section and select Add Clearing choice, but only after the university has given permission.
Ask:
Could you confirm the exact course code and campus code I should enter?
Do I have your permission to add the course?
Ask directly:
Am I now authorised to add this as my Clearing choice?
This avoids adding a course after only an initial enquiry.
When should I add it?
For JCQ Results Day applicants in 2026, UCAS allows an agreed Clearing choice to be added from 13:00 on 13 August.
Ask:
Should I add the course immediately when the service opens?
Should I wait for an email?
Must you check documents first?
Does your internal form need completing before UCAS?
How long will formal confirmation take?
Ask:
Once I add the choice, how long do you expect the formal UCAS confirmation to take?
The university may need to:
Match your application
Verify qualifications
Review documents
Process the departmental decision
Who should I contact if UCAS does not update?
Record:
Admissions telephone number
Email address
Applicant reference
Department contact
Ask how long you should wait before getting in touch.
Questions to Ask About the Course Content
A university offering you a place does not automatically make the course suitable.
What are the compulsory modules?
Ask about:
First-year modules
Second-year modules
Final-year requirements
Dissertation or major project
Practical or laboratory work
You can say:
Which modules will every student on this course have to take?
Which optional modules are actually available?
Universities may list a large selection of optional modules, but not every module necessarily runs every year.
Ask:
Which options usually run?
Are places on popular modules limited?
How are options allocated?
Are any modules shared with another department?
How is the course assessed?
Ask what proportion involves:
Examinations
Essays
Coursework
Presentations
Practical work
Group projects
Portfolios
Online assessments
A course can be academically suitable but still use assessment methods that do not play to your strengths.
How many teaching hours are typical?
Ask:
How many contact hours are there each week?
How much independent study is expected?
Are lectures in person?
How much teaching is online?
Are practical sessions compulsory?
How large is the course?
Ask:
How many students are in the year?
How large are lectures?
How large are seminars?
Are tutorials available?
Can I speak to the department?
Admissions staff can explain the offer, but an academic department may provide more detail about:
Modules
Assessment
Facilities
Placements
Career preparation
Ask whether you can speak to:
Course leader
Department adviser
Current student
Admissions tutor
Questions to Ask About a Foundation Year
A foundation year can be an excellent route, but it usually adds another year of study and living costs.
Is a foundation year included?
Ask:
Is this offer for direct entry to Year 1 or for a foundation year?
Check the course code carefully.
How long is the complete course?
Confirm whether the route lasts:
Four years rather than three
Five years with a placement
Longer when an integrated master’s is included
What happens after the foundation year?
Ask:
Is progression automatic?
What marks must I achieve?
Which degree routes can I progress to?
Can I change subject after the foundation year?
Are places on the main degree guaranteed?
Can I progress to an accredited course?
Is the foundation year taught by the university?
It might be taught:
At the main university
On another campus
By a partner college
Through a separate provider
Ask where you will study and which institution will enrol you.
Is student finance available for the full route?
Ask the university to confirm:
Course length
Tuition fee for each year
Whether the foundation year is an integrated part of the course
What information should be entered in the student finance application
Questions to Ask About Professional Accreditation
Accreditation may matter for subjects such as:
Psychology
Engineering
Architecture
Accounting
Surveying
Healthcare
Computing
Is this exact course accredited?
Ask:
Is this specific course route accredited, including the foundation year or placement option?
Do not assume that every course with the same subject name has identical accreditation.
Which professional body accredits it?
Record the name of the body.
Do I need to choose particular modules?
Some professional recognition may depend on:
Required modules
Placement experience
Minimum degree classification
Further postgraduate training
Ask what the accreditation actually allows graduates to do.
Is accreditation currently confirmed?
Ask whether accreditation is:
Fully confirmed
Under review
Expected
Available only to certain cohorts
“Designed to meet accreditation requirements” is not the same as “currently accredited”.
Questions to Ask About Placements
Does the course include a placement?
Ask whether it is:
Compulsory
Optional
Guaranteed
Competitive
Does the university find the placement?
Clarify whether:
The university allocates placements.
You apply to employers yourself.
Support is provided.
A placement is guaranteed.
Students can continue without one.
Is the placement paid?
Ask:
Are placements usually paid?
What happens when they are unpaid?
Are travel expenses covered?
Is financial support available?
Is there a reduced tuition fee during the placement year?
Check the fee and funding arrangements for that year.
Can I add the placement route later?
When the offer is for the standard course, ask whether you can transfer after starting.
Questions to Ask About Study Abroad
Ask:
Is study abroad available on this course?
Is it guaranteed or competitive?
Which countries and universities are available?
What grades are required?
Are there language requirements?
How are tuition fees handled?
What additional travel and visa costs should I expect?
Can student finance support the year abroad?
Do not choose the course solely because a year abroad appears in the marketing material.
Check whether students on your exact programme can actually access it.
Questions to Ask About the Campus
Which campus is the course taught at?
Ask for the full:
Campus name
Town or city
Address where possible
A university may have courses taught:
On its main campus
At a specialist site
In another town
At a partner college
Is all teaching on the same campus?
Ask:
Are lectures elsewhere?
Where are laboratories?
Where is the library?
Where are placement briefings?
Will I need to travel between sites?
Where is accommodation located?
Check the travel time between:
Halls and teaching
Campus and city centre
Campus and railway station
Different teaching sites
Is transport provided?
Ask about:
University bus
Cost
Frequency
Evening service
Weekend service
A course marketed using photographs of the central campus may be rather less central in everyday life.
Questions to Ask About Accommodation
Accommodation availability should be checked before accepting the course.
UCAS advises students to ask whether university accommodation remains available during Clearing because options differ between institutions.
Is university accommodation available?
Ask:
Do you currently have university-managed accommodation available for Clearing applicants?
Is it guaranteed?
Clarify:
Is every Clearing student guaranteed a room?
Does the guarantee depend on applying by a deadline?
Does it apply to all campuses?
Does it include international students?
Does it include foundation-year students?
Which rooms are available?
Ask about:
En-suite
Shared bathroom
Catered
Self-catered
Studio
Standard room
Accessible room
How much does it cost?
Ask for:
Weekly rent
Total contract cost
Contract length
Deposit
Advance rent
Bills
Laundry costs
Do not compare weekly rents without comparing contract lengths.
When must I apply?
Ask for the exact accommodation deadline.
Also ask:
Is allocation first come, first served?
Do I need my academic offer confirmed first?
Is payment required immediately?
What happens if the course confirmation is delayed?
What if university halls are full?
Ask about:
Waiting lists
Private halls
Approved landlords
Housemate-finding services
Temporary accommodation
Support from the housing team
Is the accommodation near my campus?
This is especially important at multi-campus universities.
What happens to accommodation if I change course?
Check whether a course or campus change affects your booking.
Read How to Apply for Student Accommodation and Student Accommodation Contracts Explained before signing anything.
Questions to Ask About Tuition Fees and Additional Costs
What is the tuition fee?
Confirm the tuition fee for:
Home students
International students
Foundation year
Placement year
Study-abroad year
Are there additional compulsory costs?
Ask about:
Field trips
Laboratory equipment
Art materials
Software
Uniform
Clinical clothing
Disclosure checks
Occupational health checks
Placement travel
Books
Printing
Professional registration
Is specialist equipment required?
Ask whether you need:
High-specification laptop
Calculator
Protective clothing
Camera
Art equipment
Software licence
Can the university help with these costs?
Ask about:
Equipment loans
Laptop schemes
Hardship funds
Department grants
Travel support
Questions to Ask About Scholarships and Bursaries
Are Clearing applicants eligible?
Do not assume that a scholarship advertised during the main application cycle remains available.
Ask:
Can students entering through Clearing receive this scholarship or bursary?
Is the award automatic?
Ask whether you must:
Apply separately
Submit evidence
Complete a personal statement
Meet an income threshold
Accept before a deadline
What is the deadline?
Some financial-support deadlines may be close to Results Day.
Is the scholarship attached to the course?
Check whether it changes when you:
Change course
Add a foundation year
Move campus
Defer
Take a placement year
Scholarships from another university are not generally transferable to a new institution, so applicants should check the funding arrangements attached to their new Clearing place.
Questions to Ask About Student Finance
You normally update your student finance provider after accepting a different university or course.
Student Finance England says students going through Clearing can change their university, college or course through their online account. Your student finance application does not update merely because your UCAS application has changed.
What course details should I enter?
Ask the university to confirm:
Official course title
Course code
Course length
Tuition fee
Start date
Foundation year
Placement year
Has the course already started?
If the course has begun, updating Student Finance England may require action from the university as well as the student.
What if my funding is delayed?
Ask the university about:
Instalment plans
Delayed fee arrangements
Emergency loans
Hardship funds
Short-term accommodation support
What if I have not applied for student finance?
You can still apply.
For 2026 to 2027 courses, Student Finance England applications may generally be submitted up to nine months after the first day of the academic year, although late applications may delay payment.
Questions to Ask About Student Support
What academic support is available?
Ask about:
Personal tutors
Study-skills support
Mathematics support
Writing support
Peer mentoring
Library help
Academic advisers
What careers support is available?
Ask:
Does the course include career planning?
Are internships advertised?
Are employers involved?
Is placement support available?
Can graduates still use the careers service?
What wellbeing support is available?
Ask about:
Counselling
Mental health advisers
Wellbeing appointments
Crisis support
GP or health centre
Peer support
What support is available for commuting students?
Ask about:
Timetabling
Commuter spaces
Evening transport
Lockers
Online participation
Commuter societies
Questions for Disabled Students
You do not need to provide every personal detail to a general admissions adviser.
However, you should confirm whether the necessary support can be arranged.
Ask:
Is accessible accommodation available?
Who should I contact in the disability team?
Can adjustments be arranged before teaching begins?
What medical evidence is required?
Is assistive technology available?
Can placement adjustments be arranged?
Are lecture recordings available?
What is the process for exam adjustments?
When accessible accommodation is essential, speak to the disability and accommodation teams before accepting.
A general statement that the university is “inclusive” is not the same as confirming that the room, equipment or adjustment you need will be available.
Questions for International Students
International students follow the same core Clearing process, but may also need additional qualification, document and immigration checks.
Will you sponsor my Student visa?
Ask whether the university can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies for this course.
When can you issue the CAS?
Check:
Documents required
Deposit required
Processing time
Latest arrival date
Do you accept my qualifications?
Ask:
Are my grades equivalent to the course requirements?
Do you need certified translations?
Do you require original certificates?
How should I upload documents?
Do I meet the English-language requirement?
Ask whether the university accepts your:
School qualification
IELTS result
Other English-language test
Previous degree taught in English
Is a tuition deposit required?
Check:
Amount
Payment deadline
Refund rules
Payment method
Is accommodation available?
Also ask whether:
International students are guaranteed rooms.
Contracts cover holidays.
Early or late arrival is possible.
Temporary accommodation is available.
Questions to Ask About Open Days and Visiting
Can I visit before deciding?
Ask whether the university offers:
Clearing open day
Campus tour
Virtual event
Department webinar
Accommodation tour
Can I speak to a current student?
Current students may help answer questions about:
Teaching
Accommodation
Campus life
Transport
Workload
Can I speak to the course leader?
This can be useful when you are choosing between similar courses.
What if the offer deadline comes before the open day?
Ask whether:
The deadline can be extended
A virtual tour is available
You can speak to the department first
Accommodation videos or plans can be sent
Questions to Ask About Changing Course Later
Do not accept a course on the assumption that you can definitely transfer.
Ask:
Can students transfer to my preferred course later?
When can a transfer be requested?
What grades would I need?
Is a place guaranteed?
Would I need to restart the year?
Would student finance be affected?
Could I transfer between campuses?
Can I add a placement year later?
Treat a possible transfer as a possibility, not a promise, unless the university confirms it in writing.
Questions to Ask About Deferral
When you may want to begin in 2027, ask:
Can this Clearing offer be deferred?
Does the course allow deferred entry?
Will I need to reapply?
Will the offer conditions change?
Will accommodation or scholarships carry over?
When must I decide?
A university does not have to allow a Clearing place to be deferred.
Get the decision in writing.
Questions to Ask When You Already Hold a Place
You can research and speak to other universities while keeping your confirmed place.
Before leaving the existing university, ask the new one:
Are you definitely offering me a place?
Do I have permission to add the course?
How long is the offer valid?
Is accommodation available?
What evidence remains?
What happens if my UCAS release is delayed?
Do not use Decline my place merely to investigate vacancies.
Secure the alternative first.
Read What If You Exceed Your Offer? before changing university after higher-than-expected grades.
Questions to Ask Before Ending the Call
Before saying goodbye, summarise:
Just to confirm, you are offering me [course title], course code [code], at [campus]. The offer is [unconditional or conditional], and I need to add it through UCAS by [deadline]. You also require [documents]. Is that correct?
Then ask:
Will you email these details?
Who should I contact if the email does not arrive?
What is the next step?
When should UCAS update?
Is there anything else I must complete today?
This final summary catches misunderstandings while the adviser is still on the line.
What Good Clearing Answers Sound Like
A clear answer
We can offer you an unconditional place on BA History, course code V100, at our main campus. The offer is valid until 17:00 tomorrow. We will email the details, and you should add the course through UCAS Hub before the deadline.
This answer identifies:
Course
Code
Campus
Offer type
Deadline
Next step
A clear provisional answer
The department is willing to offer you a place subject to receiving evidence of your GCSE English grade. Please upload the certificate by 12:00 tomorrow. Once verified, we will tell you when to add the course.
This identifies the remaining condition and process.
A clear accommodation answer
Clearing applicants are not guaranteed halls, but rooms are currently available. You need to apply within 48 hours of your course confirmation. Standard rooms cost £7,200 for a 42-week contract, including utilities.
This does not promise a guarantee, but it gives useful information.
Warning Signs in Clearing Answers
Pause and ask for clarification when you hear:
“You should probably be accepted.”
“Add the course and we will look at it.”
“Accommodation usually works itself out.”
“The campus is somewhere nearby.”
“It might include a foundation year.”
“You can probably transfer later.”
“We cannot tell you when the offer expires.”
“Pay this private account immediately.”
“Do not worry about reading the course details.”
“You do not need anything in writing.”
A vague answer is not always evidence of a problem.
The adviser may simply need to check.
However, you should not make an irreversible decision until the answer is clear.
Questions You Do Not Need to Ask Immediately
Some questions can wait until after the offer is confirmed.
You do not need to use the first admissions call to ask about:
Every society
Specific Welcome Week events
Nearest supermarket
Exact library opening hours
Gym membership
Individual optional modules three years ahead
Which halls have the best social atmosphere
These questions may matter later.
During the first call, prioritise:
Offer
Course
Conditions
Campus
Deadline
Accommodation
Costs
Next step
The admissions adviser may be excellent, but they are unlikely to have a reliable ranking of which residence contains the quietest washing machines.
Clearing Questions Comparison Table
Use this table when you receive more than one offer:
Question | University A | University B | University C |
Exact course | |||
Course code | |||
Campus | |||
Direct entry or foundation year | |||
Offer conditions | |||
Offer deadline | |||
Accreditation | |||
Placement available | |||
Accommodation guaranteed | |||
Total accommodation cost | |||
Scholarships | |||
Additional course costs | |||
Student support | |||
Your preference |
Do not compare universities using only:
Entry requirements
League-table position
How enthusiastic the adviser sounded
How quickly the telephone was answered
Compare the actual course and practical arrangements.
Ready-to-Use Clearing Question Script
Hello, my name is [full name].My UCAS Personal ID is [number], and my Clearing number is [number].I achieved [grades] in [subjects], and I am interested in [course title and code].Is the course still accepting Clearing applications, and would you consider my grades?
If the answer is positive:
Are you formally offering me a place?Is the offer unconditional, or are there any remaining conditions?Could you confirm the exact course code, campus and entry point?Does the course include a foundation year?What is the deadline for adding the course through UCAS?Will you send the offer details in writing?Is university accommodation available for Clearing applicants?Is there anything else I need to submit?
Before ending:
Just to confirm, the offer is for [course], code [code], at [campus]. I need to add it through UCAS by [deadline], and you require [documents]. Is that correct?
Clearing Questions Checklist
About availability
☐ Is the course still available?☐ Is this the standard course?☐ Are related courses available?☐ Is another campus available?
About your grades
☐ Would you accept my achieved grades?☐ Are specific subjects required?☐ Are GCSE conditions required?☐ Will you consider a near miss?☐ How will a pending review be treated?
About the offer
☐ Are you formally offering me a place?☐ Is the offer unconditional?☐ Are further checks required?☐ What evidence is needed?☐ Will the offer be sent in writing?
About the deadline
☐ What is the exact deadline?☐ Is the offer protected until then?☐ Can the deadline be extended?☐ When should I add the course?
About UCAS
☐ Do I have permission to add the course?☐ What is the course code?☐ What is the campus code?☐ What entry point should I enter?☐ How long will confirmation take?
About the course
☐ What are the compulsory modules?☐ Which options normally run?☐ How is the course assessed?☐ How many teaching hours are typical?☐ Can I speak to the department?
About the course route
☐ Is a foundation year included?☐ How long is the course?☐ Is progression guaranteed?☐ Is the course accredited?☐ Is a placement available?☐ Can I study abroad?
About the location
☐ Which campus is it taught at?☐ Is all teaching there?☐ Where is accommodation?☐ Is transport required?
About accommodation
☐ Are rooms available?☐ Are they guaranteed?☐ What types remain?☐ What is the total rent?☐ What is included?☐ When is the deadline?☐ What alternatives exist?
About money
☐ What is the tuition fee?☐ Are there additional costs?☐ Are scholarships available?☐ Are Clearing applicants eligible?☐ What course details go to student finance?
Before ending
☐ Repeat the course details☐ Repeat the deadline☐ Confirm outstanding evidence☐ Ask for written confirmation☐ Record the adviser’s name☐ Record the next step
Common Mistakes When Asking Clearing Questions
Asking Only Whether You Can Get In
Admission is only one part of the decision.
Check the course, campus, accommodation and cost.
Assuming Positive Language Is an Offer
Ask directly whether the university is offering you a place.
Forgetting the Course Code
You need the correct code when adding the choice.
Not Checking for a Foundation Year
A foundation-year route adds time and cost.
Forgetting the Campus
The course may not be taught at the university’s main location.
Not Asking About Conditions
An offer may still depend on documents, interviews or GCSE results.
Failing to Ask About the Deadline
A verbal offer may expire.
Assuming Accommodation Is Guaranteed
Check availability before accepting.
Asking About Weekly Rent but Not Contract Length
Compare total costs.
Assuming Scholarships Transfer
Funding attached to another university may be lost.
Believing You Can Definitely Transfer Course Later
Ask for the actual transfer policy.
Letting Somebody Else Ask Every Question
A parent or supporter can take notes, but the applicant should usually lead the conversation.
Failing to Record the Answers
Use a separate notes sheet for each university.
Adding the Course Without Permission
UCAS says to add the choice only after the university has authorised it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Questions to Ask in Clearing
What is the first question to ask a Clearing university?
Ask whether the exact course is still available and whether the university would consider your achieved grades.
What information should I prepare?
Have your Personal ID, Clearing number, qualification results, relevant GCSE grades, course details and reasons for choosing the course ready.
Should I ask whether I have a formal offer?
Yes. Do not assume that positive or encouraging language means an offer has been made.
What is the most important question before ending the call?
Ask for the exact course, code, campus, conditions, deadline and next step to be confirmed.
Should I ask for the offer in writing?
Yes. Ask for an email confirming the course details, conditions and deadline.
Should I ask about accommodation during the Clearing call?
Yes. Accommodation can be limited or subject to separate deadlines, so check what is actually available.
Is university accommodation guaranteed through Clearing?
Not automatically. The answer depends on the university, campus and date of application.
Should I ask about the total rent or weekly rent?
Ask for both, including the contract length and what is included.
Should I ask whether the course is accredited?
Yes, particularly when accreditation matters for your intended career.
Should I ask whether a foundation year is included?
Yes. Confirm whether the offer is for direct entry or an additional foundation year.
Should I ask about placements?
Yes. Find out whether the placement is optional, compulsory, guaranteed or competitive.
Can I ask whether the university will accept lower grades?
Yes. Give your exact results and ask whether the department would consider you.
What if the university says my application looks promising?
Ask whether that means you have an offer or whether another decision is still required.
How long does a Clearing offer last?
The university decides. Ask for the exact date and time.
Can I ask for more time?
Yes. The university may agree or refuse, but you should ask before the existing deadline.
What should I ask about UCAS?
Confirm that you have permission to add the choice and ask for the exact course and campus codes.
Can I add a course before calling?
You should not. UCAS says you must contact the university and receive permission before adding the choice.
Can I ask several universities the same questions?
Yes. You can contact several institutions and compare their informal offers before adding one choice.
Can I add several Clearing choices?
No. You can add only one at a time through UCAS Hub.
What time can I add a Clearing choice on A-Level Results Day 2026?
Eligible applicants can add a choice from 13:00 on Thursday 13 August 2026.
When does 2026 Clearing close?
The final date to add a 2026 Clearing choice is 19 October 2026.
Should I ask about student finance?
Ask for the official course title, fee, length and start date so that you can update your finance application accurately.
Does UCAS automatically update Student Finance England?
No. Students who change university or course through Clearing must update their finance application separately.
Can I ask about scholarships?
Yes. Check whether Clearing applicants are eligible, whether a separate application is needed and what deadline applies.
What should international students ask?
Ask about qualification equivalence, English-language requirements, tuition deposits, CAS timing, visa sponsorship, latest arrival dates and accommodation.
What should disabled students ask?
Ask whether accessible accommodation and required adjustments can be arranged before the course begins, and request direct contact with the disability team.
Can a parent ask the questions for me?
A parent can help prepare questions and take notes, but universities generally prefer to speak to the applicant.
What if the university cannot answer immediately?
Ask who will check, when you will receive the answer and whether your offer or vacancy will be protected while you wait.
What if I receive conflicting answers?
Ask for clarification in writing and confirm the course details with the admissions team before adding anything through UCAS.
Should I accept the first university that offers me a place?
Not automatically. Ask for the deadline, compare suitable offers and check the course, campus, accommodation and cost.
Final Thoughts on Questions to Ask in Clearing
The right Clearing questions help you do two things:
Confirm that the university is genuinely offering you a place.
Decide whether you should accept it.
Before ending a conversation, you should know:
The exact course
The course code
The campus
Whether a foundation year is included
Whether the offer is unconditional
What evidence is required
When the offer expires
Whether accommodation is available
What the course costs
What to do in UCAS Hub
Do not allow an encouraging telephone call to remain vague.
Ask:
Are you formally offering me a place?
Then confirm:
Which course, which campus, what conditions and what deadline?
Clearing can move quickly, but asking questions is not wasting time.
It is how you avoid discovering after accepting that the course includes an unexpected foundation year, the teaching takes place on another campus and the only remaining accommodation costs more than your entire Maintenance Loan.
Write the questions down, record the answers and compare the facts before choosing.
You are not merely asking a university whether it will take you.
You are deciding whether you should choose it.
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