UCAS Clearing Explained
- Revision Notes
- Jul 31
- 24 min read
Updated: Aug 17
UCAS Clearing is the process that connects students with university and college courses that still have places available.
You might use Clearing because:
You did not receive any university offers
You did not meet the conditions of your firm or insurance offer
You applied after 30 June
You declined all your original offers
You have changed your mind about your course or university
Your grades were better than expected and you want to explore other options
You have only recently decided that you want to attend university
Clearing is not a separate category of lower-quality university places.
It is simply another stage of the UCAS admissions process.
Universities use it to fill remaining vacancies, while students use it to find courses that suit their results, interests and circumstances.
For 2026 entry, Clearing opened on 2 July 2026 and the final date to add a Clearing choice is 19 October 2026. Students receiving JCQ results on Thursday 13 August can add an agreed Clearing choice from 13:00 on Results Day.
This guide explains who can use Clearing, how the process works and how to choose a course without allowing Results Day panic to make a three-year decision on your behalf.
UCAS Clearing at a Glance
Question | Answer |
What is Clearing? | A UCAS process for applying to courses with remaining places |
When does Clearing open in 2026? | 2 July 2026 |
When is A-Level Results Day? | Thursday 13 August 2026 |
What time does UCAS Hub open on Results Day? | 08:00 |
What time can A-Level students add a Clearing choice? | 13:00 |
When does Clearing close? | 19 October 2026 |
Do you contact the university first? | Yes |
Can you speak to several universities? | Yes |
Can you add several Clearing choices? | No, only one at a time |
Does a telephone offer confirm your place? | Not by itself |
Can you use Clearing with higher grades? | Yes |
Is accommodation guaranteed? | Not necessarily |
Must student finance be updated? | Yes, when your course or university changes |
The official Clearing vacancy search opened on 2 July. On 13 August, UCAS Hub opens to applicants at 08:00 and eligible students can add their choice from 13:00.
What Is UCAS Clearing?
Clearing allows universities and colleges to advertise courses that still have places.
Students can:
Search for available courses.
Contact universities directly.
Discuss their qualifications and application.
Receive informal or provisional offers.
Choose one course.
Add it as a Clearing choice in UCAS Hub.
Wait for the university to confirm the place.
UCAS describes the process in three main stages:
Find available courses
Contact the university or college
Add the agreed course to your application
More than 50,000 students find a university place through Clearing each year, and almost every university takes part in some form.
Is Clearing Only for Students Who Miss Their Grades?
No.
Clearing can be used by students in several different situations.
You might have:
Missed an offer
Received no offers
Declined your original offers
Applied late
Changed your mind
Exceeded your offer
Decided to apply for the first time after receiving your results
UCAS confirms that Clearing is available to applicants who apply after 30 June, receive no offers, fail to meet their offer conditions or decline their confirmed place.
Is Clearing a Sign That You Have Failed?
No.
Clearing is an established admissions route.
The application process may not have followed your original plan, but that does not mean the available courses are inferior or that you have failed.
A course might have vacancies because:
More places became available
Some offer-holders chose another university
Students deferred
Applicants changed course
The university expanded the course
Fewer students met the offer conditions than expected
The university intentionally recruits through Clearing
The important question is not:
Why is this course in Clearing?
It is:
Is this course right for me?
UCAS Clearing Dates for 2026
Date | What happens |
30 June 2026 at 18:00 | Applications received after this time enter Clearing |
1 July 2026 | Final day to add an Extra choice |
2 July 2026 | Clearing opens and vacancies appear |
4 August 2026 | Qualifications Scotland Results Day |
13 August 2026 | A-Level, T Level and relevant Level 3 Results Day |
13 August at 08:00 | UCAS Hub opens to applicants |
13 August at 13:00 | Eligible JCQ applicants can add a Clearing choice |
2 September 2026 | Final date to use Decline my place |
24 September 2026 at 18:00 | Final date to submit a 2026 UCAS application |
19 October 2026 | Final date to add a Clearing choice |
21 October 2026 | Final date for universities to make decisions |
These dates come from the official UCAS Confirmation and Clearing timetable for 2026.
Does Clearing Finish on Results Day?
No.
Clearing continues until 19 October 2026.
However, individual courses can fill much earlier.
Some vacancies may disappear during Results Day, while others may:
Remain open for several weeks
Reappear when places become available
Be added later
Change their entry requirements
Close temporarily while applications are assessed
UCAS advises students to keep checking because universities regularly update their available course information.
You should act promptly when you find a suitable option, but you do not necessarily have to accept the first course that answers the telephone.
Who Can Use Clearing?
You can normally use Clearing when your UCAS application shows that you are eligible.
This may happen when:
You have no offers
Your firm and insurance choices are unsuccessful
You decline your confirmed place
You apply after 30 June
You submit a new application directly into Clearing
All your choices have been withdrawn
You decline all your original offers
You Missed Your Firm and Insurance Offers
When neither university confirms you, UCAS should make you eligible for Clearing.
Before assuming this has happened, check whether:
Your firm accepted you despite lower grades
Your insurance accepted you
A decision is still pending
You received a changed course offer
A university is waiting for another result
Read What If You Miss Your UCAS Offer? before taking any action.
You Did Not Receive Any Offers
When all five choices are unsuccessful and you do not hold an offer, you can use Clearing once it opens.
Before Clearing, eligible students may have been able to use UCAS Extra, which ran until 1 July 2026.
You Applied After 30 June
Undergraduate applications received after 18:00 on 30 June 2026 are automatically entered into Clearing.
You must still:
Complete the UCAS application
Submit it
Receive your Personal ID and Clearing number
Contact universities
Add an agreed course choice
A university cannot formally confirm you through Clearing until you have completed the UCAS step.
You Have Changed Your Mind
You may hold a confirmed place but decide that you want:
A different subject
A different university
A university closer to home
A course with a placement
A different campus
A lower-cost location
You can research and contact other universities while keeping your confirmed place.
To apply formally elsewhere, you may need to use Decline my place and enter Clearing.
Do not decline your current place merely to browse.
You Exceeded Your Offer
Students who achieve better grades than expected can also explore Clearing vacancies.
The former UCAS Adjustment service no longer exists.
This means you should:
Keep your confirmed place while researching.
Contact possible new universities.
Obtain a clear alternative offer.
Check accommodation and funding.
Decline the original place only when certain.
Add the agreed Clearing choice.
You Have Not Applied Through UCAS Yet
You can still apply directly through Clearing.
You must first create and submit a UCAS application.
Once it has been processed, you should receive:
UCAS Personal ID
Clearing number
Access to UCAS Hub
You can then contact universities and add a course after receiving permission.
How Do You Know If You Are in Clearing?
Check your UCAS Hub.
Your application should say something such as:
You are in Clearing
Clearing has started
You are eligible for Clearing
Your Clearing number will appear in your application when you become eligible.
Where Is Your Clearing Number?
Your Clearing number appears under your application status or Clearing section.
It is different from your UCAS Personal ID.
Number | What it is |
UCAS Personal ID | Your main ten-digit UCAS application number |
Clearing number | A separate number shown only when you are eligible for Clearing |
Universities may ask for both so that they can locate and assess your application.
What If You Expected to Be in Clearing but Have No Number?
Your university decision may still be pending.
Check:
UCAS messages
University emails
Spam folder
Applicant portal
Missing qualification results
Contact the university holding your conditional offer.
It may still be considering you, even when your grades are below the original conditions.
Do not ask to be released until you understand why the application remains pending.
How UCAS Clearing Works: Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your UCAS Status
Before contacting universities, establish whether:
You already have a confirmed place
Your insurance place has been confirmed
A decision remains pending
You have received a changed course offer
You are eligible for Clearing
Do not enter Clearing unnecessarily when you already have a suitable confirmed course.
Step 2: Collect Your Results
UCAS Hub mainly shows your university decision.
You still need your actual grades from your school, college or exam centre.
Universities may ask for:
A-Level grades
BTEC results
T Level result
GCSE English and maths
Admissions-test result
English-language qualification
International qualification
Diploma or Access course results
Keep the full results statement nearby.
Step 3: Search for Courses
Use the official UCAS Clearing course search.
Search by:
Subject
University
Location
Course type
Foundation year
Placement year
Study abroad
Entry requirements
Official vacancy information is published through the UCAS search tool and updated by universities during Clearing.
Do not rely entirely on:
Old search-engine results
Unofficial course lists
Social media comments
Last year’s Clearing pages
Screenshots shared by other students
A vacancy can change quickly.
Step 4: Research the Course
Before calling, check:
Course title
Course code
Modules
Assessment methods
Accreditation
Placement opportunities
Study-abroad options
Campus
Course length
Entry requirements
Additional costs
A course that sounds similar to your original choice may have very different content.
For example:
Psychology may not be professionally accredited.
Engineering may be a BEng rather than an MEng.
Business may include a compulsory foundation year.
Law may not include the modules you expected.
Biology may be taught at a separate campus.
Step 5: Contact the University
You must contact the university before adding it as a Clearing choice.
Give the admissions team:
Your name
UCAS Personal ID
Clearing number
Achieved grades
Course name
Course code
Contact details
The university can then:
Review your UCAS application
Discuss your results
Ask why you want the course
Check subject requirements
Request certificates
Make an informal offer
Recommend another course
Decline the application
UCAS requires applicants to contact the university and receive permission before adding a Clearing choice.
Step 6: Receive and Check the Offer
A university may make:
Verbal offer
Email offer
Provisional offer
Conditional offer
Unconditional offer
Confirm exactly what has been offered.
Ask:
Are you definitely offering me a place?
Is the offer unconditional?
What evidence do you need?
What is the deadline?
Which course code should I use?
Which campus is the course on?
Is a foundation year included?
Will you send the details in writing?
A verbal offer is not itself the final UCAS confirmation. You must add the course in your application and the university must formally accept it.
Step 7: Compare Your Offers
You can speak to more than one university before choosing.
You may receive several verbal or informal offers.
Compare:
Course
Campus
Modules
Accreditation
Placement
Accommodation
Rent
Travel
Living costs
Student support
Career relevance
Do not add a course immediately merely because the university has offered it.
Ask about the deadline and compare your options.
Step 8: Add One Clearing Choice
Once you have chosen an offer, go to the Your choices section of UCAS Hub and select Add Clearing choice.
Enter:
University
Course code
Campus code where required
Start date
Entry point
Adding the choice means you are accepting that Clearing offer.
You can add only one choice at a time. When that university confirms you, the place becomes official. If it does not confirm you, you can add another choice.
Step 9: Wait for Formal Confirmation
After adding the choice, monitor:
UCAS Hub
Email
University applicant portal
Telephone
The university may need to:
Verify your grades
Check certificates
Confirm a department decision
Complete an English-language check
Review immigration documents
Process the UCAS choice
Once the university confirms you, your UCAS status should show your accepted place.
Step 10: Arrange the Practical Details
After confirmation:
Apply for accommodation
Update student finance
Complete enrolment
Check course dates
Arrange travel
Check scholarships and bursaries
Complete health or disclosure checks
What Do You Need for a Clearing Call?
Prepare:
UCAS Personal ID
Clearing number
Full qualification results
GCSE English and maths grades
Course name
Course code
Contact details
Pen and paper
Short explanation of why you want the course
UCAS specifically recommends having your Personal ID, Clearing number, grades and reasons for wanting the course ready before calling.
You may also need:
Portfolio
Personal statement
Reference
English-language result
Passport information
Immigration status
Work experience details
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?
Do not read it in one continuous breath.
The script is a prompt, not an audition for the world’s fastest university applicant.
Questions to Ask During a Clearing Call
Questions About the Offer
Are you offering me a place?
Is the offer definite or provisional?
Is it unconditional?
Do you need certificates?
What is the deadline?
Will you send confirmation by email?
Which UCAS code should I enter?
When should the choice appear as confirmed?
Questions About the Course
What are the compulsory modules?
Which optional modules are available?
How is the course assessed?
Is a foundation year included?
Is the course professionally accredited?
Can I add a placement year?
Can I study abroad?
Which campus is it taught at?
Are there extra course costs?
Questions About Accommodation
Is university accommodation available?
Is it guaranteed for Clearing students?
Which rooms remain?
What is the rent?
How long is the contract?
When must I apply?
Is a payment required immediately?
What private alternatives do you recommend?
Questions About Student Support
What academic support is available?
Is disability support available before arrival?
Are bursaries still open?
Is financial support available?
Can I attend a Clearing open day?
Can I speak to the course department?
Can You Contact Several Universities?
Yes.
You can:
Call several universities
Complete several university enquiry forms
Receive several verbal offers
Compare the options
You can only add one formal Clearing choice at a time through UCAS Hub.
This means you should do your research and make your comparison before adding the choice.
How Many Clearing Offers Can You Hold?
You may have several informal or verbal offers.
Only one can be entered into UCAS Hub at a time.
Make a table:
University | Course | Offer | Deadline | Accommodation | Notes |
University A | |||||
University B | |||||
University C |
Do not rely on memory after several similar telephone calls.
By the third conversation, every adviser may appear to be called Alex and every course code may contain an entirely unreasonable number of letters.
What Are UCAS Clearing Matches?
Eligible applicants may see Clearing matches in UCAS Hub.
UCAS compares:
Your qualifications
Your application details
What universities say they want
Courses with vacancies
You may see a list of possible course matches.
You can express interest in up to five matched courses at a time. A university may then contact you if it has places and believes you meet its requirements.
Does a Clearing Match Mean You Have an Offer?
No.
A match means the course may be relevant.
The university still needs to:
Review your application
Check your qualifications
Decide whether to contact you
Make an offer
You can also ignore the matches and search for other courses yourself.
Can a University Contact You During Clearing?
Yes.
When you express interest in a Clearing match, a university may contact you.
Universities may also contact students who:
Completed their own Clearing form
Registered interest on the university website
Previously applied to them
Asked for a callback
Check:
Email
Spam folder
Voicemail
Unknown calls
Be cautious about scams.
Verify that the caller represents the university before sharing:
Passport information
Bank information
Copies of documents
Payment details
Use the university’s official contact details when uncertain.
What If the University Says No?
A rejection from one Clearing course does not end the process.
Ask whether:
A foundation year is available
A related course has places
Another campus has vacancies
A joint honours course is available
A placement-year route has places
The university would reconsider another qualification profile
Then continue contacting other universities.
Do not spend several hours repeatedly arguing with one admissions team when several suitable alternatives remain.
What If You Have Already Applied to the University?
You can contact a university that rejected you or that you declined earlier in the cycle.
It may reconsider you through Clearing, possibly:
For the same course
For a related course
With different grades
At another campus
UCAS confirms that universities may reconsider applicants, including for a course they previously applied to, when Clearing vacancies are available.
A previous unsuccessful decision does not prevent you from asking.
It also does not require the university to change its mind.
What Is “Decline My Place”?
If you hold an unconditional firm place but no longer want it, you can use Decline my place to release yourself into Clearing.
For 2026, the option is available from 2 July until 2 September.
What Happens When You Decline Your Place?
Your:
Confirmed place is cancelled
University contract is cancelled
Insurance choice is lost
Application enters Clearing
Connected arrangements may also be affected, including:
University accommodation
Scholarships
Bursaries
Course-specific support
UCAS advises students to speak to their university first when they want to change course at the same institution. Using the button can cancel arrangements linked to the confirmed place.
Can You Undo It?
Not automatically.
If you decline by mistake, contact the university immediately.
It may be able to restore the place, but it may already have offered it to another applicant.
Before Using Decline My Place
Confirm that:
You do not want your current course.
You have researched a suitable alternative.
You have contacted the new university.
You have a clear offer.
You know the course code.
You have checked accommodation.
You have checked finance.
You understand the old place may not return.
The button should be the final administrative step in a decision, not the opening move in a morning of curious browsing.
Can You Swap Your Firm and Insurance Choices?
No.
Once your firm place is confirmed, your insurance choice is no longer held.
When you decide that you now prefer the insurance university, you must:
Contact the insurance university.
Ask whether it can accept you through Clearing.
Obtain permission or an offer.
Decline your confirmed firm place when certain.
Add the insurance university as a Clearing choice.
UCAS confirms that firm and insurance choices cannot simply be swapped after results.
What If Your Firm Choice Is Still Conditional?
Do not immediately request release into Clearing.
First check whether the university is waiting for:
A-Level result
GCSE result
International qualification
Certificate
English-language result
Health check
Disclosure check
Contact the university and ask whether it is still considering you.
For 2026, students who still want to leave a pending conditional firm choice can contact UCAS between 08:00 on 13 August and 2 September to request release. This removes both firm and insurance choices.
Only do this when you are certain you do not want either option.
Can You Apply Through Clearing Before Results Day?
Yes, when:
You already have your results
You are eligible for Clearing
You are applying after 30 June
You do not hold an offer
Clearing opens on 2 July.
Students waiting for A-Level or equivalent results normally use it once their results and university decisions are released.
Can You Contact Universities Before You Are Eligible?
You can research courses and contact universities to discuss possible availability.
However, you cannot formally add a Clearing choice until:
You are eligible
Your Clearing number appears
The relevant UCAS functionality is open
The university has given permission
Can You Apply Directly to a University Without UCAS?
Universities may allow you to:
Complete a Clearing enquiry form
Register interest
Receive an initial assessment
Receive a provisional offer
However, most undergraduate Clearing places still need to be formally accepted through UCAS.
UCAS states that students must add the Clearing choice in UCAS Hub after receiving an offer from the university.
Do not assume a university website form has completed the full admissions process.
How Quickly Do You Need to Decide?
It depends on the university and course.
A university may give you:
A few hours
Until the end of the day
Twenty-four hours
Several days
Ask for the exact deadline.
Vacancies can fill, so do not ignore an offer.
However, you should still take enough time to check:
Course content
Campus
Accommodation
Costs
Accreditation
Career fit
Move promptly, not blindly.
How to Compare Clearing Courses
Compare the Modules
Look beyond the degree title.
Check:
First-year compulsory modules
Later specialisms
Optional choices
Dissertation or final project
Assessment types
Laboratory or practical work
Compare Professional Accreditation
This can matter for subjects including:
Psychology
Engineering
Architecture
Accounting
Surveying
Healthcare
Computing
Ask whether the exact course route is accredited.
A foundation-year or joint honours route may have different accreditation.
Compare Placement Opportunities
Check:
Is a placement guaranteed?
Must you find it yourself?
Is it paid?
Is there a placement fee?
Can you transfer to the placement route later?
Compare Campuses
Find out:
Where teaching takes place
Where halls are located
Travel times
Transport costs
Whether teaching moves between campuses
Compare Costs
Calculate:
Rent
Contract length
Travel
Food
Course materials
Deposit
Moving expenses
Additional course fees
A course with lower entry requirements in an expensive city may cost substantially more than a higher-entry course elsewhere.
Compare Student Support
Check:
Academic support
Careers service
Disability support
Mental health support
Financial support
Personal tutoring
Study-skills provision
Compare Your Actual Preference
Ask:
If both courses had the same entry requirements and university ranking, which one would I choose?
That question often reveals whether you are choosing the course or reacting to prestige.
Clearing and University Accommodation
A Clearing place does not automatically include accommodation.
Availability varies between universities.
Some may:
Guarantee rooms
Reserve rooms for Clearing applicants
Operate a waiting list
Offer private-halls nominations
Provide approved landlord lists
Help students find housemates
Offer temporary accommodation
UCAS advises applicants to ask universities about on-campus accommodation when discussing Clearing offers. Accommodation guarantees and deadlines differ between providers.
Questions to Ask
Is accommodation currently available?
Is it guaranteed?
Which buildings have rooms?
Is the accommodation near my campus?
What is the total rent?
How long is the contract?
Are bills included?
When must I apply?
Is an advance payment required?
What happens if my course offer changes?
Do Not Rush into Private Accommodation
Before signing, check:
Total rent
Deposit
Guarantor
Bills
Contract dates
Cancellation policy
Location
Provider identity
Clearing and Student Finance
When your university or course changes, update your student finance application.
For Student Finance England, Clearing-related university and course changes can be made through the student’s online account.
Check:
University
Course
Course length
Tuition fee
Living location
Study location
Bank details
A change in UCAS does not remove the need to update student finance.
What If You Have Not Applied for Finance?
Apply as soon as possible.
Student Finance England applications for 2026 to 2027 remain possible after the recommended deadline, although a late application may delay payment. Applications can generally be made up to nine months after the first day of the academic year.
What If Your Funding Is Delayed?
Contact:
Student finance provider
University money team
Accommodation provider
Students’ union advice service
Ask about:
Payment plans
Emergency funds
Short-term loans
Hardship support
Delayed accommodation payments
Clearing for International Students
International students, including EU and other overseas applicants, can use Clearing in the same way as UK applicants.
You may need additional time for:
Qualification checks
English-language evidence
Passport documents
Immigration status
Tuition deposit
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
Student visa
Financial evidence
Travel
Accommodation
Documents
For 2026 entry, UCAS has introduced document-upload support for applicants applying directly through Clearing, including documents such as English-language certificates and proof of passport or immigration status.
The university may also require documents through its own secure portal.
Before Accepting
Ask:
Will the university sponsor my Student visa?
When can it issue my CAS?
Is a tuition deposit required?
Are scholarships still available?
Is accommodation available?
What is the latest arrival date?
Are my qualifications accepted?
Do I meet the English-language requirement?
Do not decline another confirmed place until the new university has clearly confirmed that it can support your application.
Clearing for Disabled Students
When you require support, ask before accepting:
Is accessible accommodation available?
Can adjustments be arranged before term?
Who should receive medical evidence?
Is assistive technology available?
What support is provided on placements?
Can you speak to the disability team?
A late application does not remove the university’s responsibility to consider reasonable support.
However, some arrangements take time.
Contact the disability or inclusion team as soon as the place is confirmed.
Can Parents Make Clearing Calls?
Universities normally prefer to speak directly to the applicant.
They may want to discuss:
Grades
Motivation
Course choice
Personal circumstances
Application details
A parent or supporter can help by:
Researching courses
Taking notes
Checking accommodation
Comparing costs
Tracking deadlines
Preparing questions
The applicant should usually lead the call.
What Happens After You Add a Clearing Choice?
The university reviews the formal choice and either:
Confirms your place
Requests more information
Leaves the decision pending temporarily
Makes you unsuccessful
When the place is confirmed:
UCAS Hub updates
The university contacts you
You begin enrolment
You arrange accommodation
You update student finance
You prepare to start the course
When the university does not confirm you, you can add another Clearing choice.
What If the University Is Taking a Long Time?
Contact admissions.
Ask:
Has my Clearing choice been received?
Do you need evidence?
Is my place still being processed?
When should I expect a decision?
Is there a deadline I need to meet?
Do not add a second course while the first choice remains active.
UCAS allows only one active Clearing choice at a time.
What If You Change Your Mind After Adding a Choice?
You normally need to wait for the university to:
Confirm the choice, after which you can decline the place, or
Make you unsuccessful, allowing you to use Clearing again
UCAS states that applicants cannot simply remove a pending Clearing choice themselves while the university is considering it.
Contact the university immediately and explain that you no longer want the course.
Ask it to update the application promptly.
What If You Change Your Mind After Being Confirmed?
You may be able to use Decline my place and return to Clearing, provided the option is still available.
Before doing so:
Check the new university will accept you.
Check accommodation.
Check finance.
Understand the original place may be lost permanently.
Contact your current university when you want an internal course change.
Repeatedly switching courses through Clearing can create problems with:
Accommodation
Student finance
Scholarships
Enrolment
Visa arrangements
Make each change deliberately.
Does Clearing Affect Your Degree or Certificate?
No.
Your degree certificate will not normally state that you entered through Clearing.
You study:
The same course
With the same students
Under the same academic regulations
For the same qualification
Clearing is an admissions route, not a different version of the degree.
Clearing Myths
“Clearing Only Has Bad Universities”
False.
Universities across the sector participate, although the exact vacancies change each year. UCAS says almost every university offers some Clearing places.
“Clearing Only Has Unpopular Courses”
False.
Courses can have vacancies for many reasons.
Popular courses may appear, disappear or reopen as decisions change.
“You Must Accept the First Offer”
False.
You can speak to several universities before adding one choice.
“You Need Terrible Grades to Use Clearing”
False.
Students use Clearing after lower, expected or higher-than-expected results.
“You Cannot Use Clearing If You Already Have a Place”
False.
You may decline a confirmed place and enter Clearing, but should secure a suitable alternative first.
“A Verbal Offer Means You Are Definitely In”
Not yet.
You need to add the choice through UCAS, and the university needs to confirm it formally.
“Clearing Students Cannot Get Accommodation”
False.
Options may be more limited, but universities can still offer rooms, waiting lists or private-accommodation support.
“Your Degree Will Say You Entered Through Clearing”
No.
Clearing does not change the qualification you receive.
“Everything Is Gone by Lunchtime”
False.
Some courses fill quickly, but Clearing continues into October and vacancies can change.
Common Clearing Mistakes
Adding a Choice Without an Offer
Contact the university and obtain permission first.
Declining a Confirmed Place Too Early
Research and secure the alternative before using Decline my place.
Assuming a Positive Conversation Is a Definite Offer
Ask whether the university is formally offering you a place.
Entering the Wrong Course Code
Repeat the code and campus before submitting.
Choosing by University Name Alone
Read the course modules and accreditation.
Forgetting the Campus
Check where the course is actually taught.
Ignoring Accommodation
Ask what is available before accepting.
Forgetting Student Finance
Update the application after a university or course change.
Failing to Record Deadlines
Write down when each offer expires.
Letting Someone Else Make Every Call
Universities usually want to speak to the applicant.
Hiding Your Actual Grades
Give accurate information.
The university will verify your qualifications.
Accepting a Foundation Year Without Checking It
Confirm:
Course length
Progression conditions
Student finance
Accreditation
Total cost
Believing You Must Go to University This Year
You can choose:
Gap year
Resits
Apprenticeship
Employment
Reapplication
A poor course choice is not automatically better than waiting.
Clearing Checklist
Before Results Day
☐ Check your UCAS login☐ Record your Personal ID☐ Review your firm and insurance offers☐ Research alternative universities☐ Create a course shortlist☐ Save admissions numbers☐ Check accommodation☐ Check student finance☐ Prepare your qualification results☐ Write down questions
When You Become Eligible
☐ Check your Clearing number☐ Collect your grades☐ Search official vacancies☐ Read the course details☐ Check the campus☐ Check accreditation☐ Check entry requirements☐ Prepare for calls
During University Calls
☐ Give your Personal ID☐ Give your Clearing number☐ Give accurate grades☐ Explain why you want the course☐ Ask whether you have an offer☐ Confirm any conditions☐ Confirm the course code☐ Ask about accommodation☐ Record the deadline☐ Ask for written confirmation
Before Adding a Choice
☐ Compare your offers☐ Check modules☐ Check accreditation☐ Check the campus☐ Check accommodation☐ Calculate costs☐ Check student finance☐ Confirm the university’s permission☐ Enter the correct course details
After Confirmation
☐ Save the UCAS confirmation☐ Read university emails☐ Complete enrolment☐ Apply for accommodation☐ Update student finance☐ Check scholarships☐ Review your budget☐ Arrange travel☐ Prepare for your course
Frequently Asked Questions About UCAS Clearing
When does Clearing open in 2026?
Clearing opened on 2 July 2026.
When does Clearing close in 2026?
The final date to add a Clearing choice is 19 October 2026. Universities have until 21 October to make their final decisions.
When is A-Level Results Day 2026?
A-Level and relevant JCQ Level 3 Results Day is Thursday 13 August 2026.
What time does UCAS open on Results Day?
Applicants can access UCAS Hub from 08:00.
What time can you add a Clearing choice?
Eligible students receiving JCQ results can add a choice from 13:00 on 13 August 2026.
Who can use Clearing?
Students can use Clearing when they do not hold an offer, apply late, miss offer conditions, decline a confirmed place or want to change their plans.
Is Clearing free?
You do not pay a separate Clearing fee when you already have a completed UCAS application. Students applying for the first time need to complete the normal UCAS application process.
How do I know whether I am in Clearing?
Your UCAS status will state that you are in Clearing, and your Clearing number will appear.
Is a Clearing number the same as a UCAS ID?
No. Your Personal ID is your main ten-digit UCAS number. Your Clearing number appears only when you become eligible.
Can you use Clearing before Results Day?
Yes, when you already have your results and are eligible, or when you apply after 30 June.
Can you apply through Clearing without an existing UCAS application?
Yes, but you must first register, complete and submit a UCAS application.
Do you contact the university before adding a choice?
Yes. You need the university’s permission or offer before adding the course.
Can you call more than one university?
Yes. You can contact as many universities as you wish.
Can you receive several Clearing offers?
You can receive several informal or verbal offers, but you can add only one UCAS choice at a time.
Is a verbal Clearing offer binding?
It is not the final formal UCAS confirmation. You must add it through UCAS Hub and wait for the university to confirm you.
How long does a Clearing offer last?
The university sets the deadline. Ask for the exact date and time.
Can a university withdraw a verbal offer?
A university may be unable to confirm the place if you miss its deadline, provide incorrect information or fail to meet an outstanding condition. Add the choice promptly and follow its instructions.
What information do I need for a Clearing call?
Prepare your Personal ID, Clearing number, full grades, course code and reasons for choosing the course.
Do universities interview students during Clearing?
Some may conduct a short discussion or interview, particularly for courses involving portfolios, professional requirements or limited places.
Can I apply to a university that rejected me earlier?
Yes. It may reconsider you for the same or a related course when it has vacancies.
Can I apply to my former insurance university?
Possibly. Contact it and ask whether it can offer you a place through Clearing.
Can I swap my firm and insurance choices?
No. You need to contact the insurance university and, if accepted, move through Clearing.
Can I use Clearing if I exceeded my offer?
Yes. Keep your confirmed place while researching and decline it only after finding a suitable alternative.
Does UCAS Adjustment still exist?
No. Students with higher grades now normally explore alternatives through Clearing.
Can I keep my current place while looking?
You can keep it while researching and contacting universities. You need to decline it before formally adding a new Clearing choice.
What does Decline my place do?
It cancels your confirmed place and releases you into Clearing. It may also affect accommodation and scholarships.
Can I undo Decline my place?
Not automatically. Contact the university immediately, but the original place may no longer be available.
Can I add more than one Clearing choice?
Only one at a time. If the university does not confirm you, you can add another.
What happens after I add the choice?
The university checks and formally confirms the course through UCAS.
Can I remove a pending Clearing choice?
You usually need to contact the university and wait for it to accept you or make you unsuccessful before you can use Clearing again.
Does Clearing guarantee accommodation?
No. Ask the university what rooms or private alternatives are available.
Should I arrange accommodation before accepting?
At minimum, confirm that a realistic and affordable option exists before committing to the course.
Do I need to update student finance?
Yes, when your university or course changes. Student Finance England applicants can make changes through their online account.
Can I apply for student finance after Clearing?
Yes. Apply immediately, as late applications may delay payment. For Student Finance England, applications can generally be made up to nine months after the academic year begins.
Can international students use Clearing?
Yes. International and EU students can use the same Clearing process, although visa and document checks may take additional time.
Do Clearing students study a different degree?
No. Once accepted, you join the same course and receive the same qualification as other students.
Is Clearing only open on Results Day?
No. It operates from July until October, although course availability changes throughout the period.
What if no Clearing course suits me?
You do not have to accept one.
You can consider:
Gap year
Resits
Apprenticeship
Employment
Reapplication
Further study
Can parents speak to universities?
They can help, but universities normally prefer to speak directly to the applicant.
Should I accept the first Clearing offer?
Only when it is genuinely the right course and you have checked the practical details.
Final Thoughts on UCAS Clearing
Clearing is not a race to claim whatever course is left.
It is a second opportunity to make a university choice using information you did not have earlier, including:
Your achieved grades
Current course vacancies
Your final priorities
Your financial position
Your feelings about your original choices
Follow this order:
Check your UCAS status.
Collect your results.
Search official vacancies.
Research each course.
Contact universities.
Receive and record offers.
Compare the course, campus, accommodation and cost.
Add only a course you have been offered.
Update student finance.
Prepare for university.
Do not decline a useful confirmed place before another option is secure.
Do not add a course without speaking to the university.
Do not choose solely because the telephone line answered quickly or the university name sounds impressive.
Clearing can move fast, but a good decision still requires you to stop, read the course details and ask whether you would genuinely be happy studying there.
The objective is not to escape Clearing as quickly as possible.
It is to leave Clearing with a course you actually want.
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