The Parents’ guide to university clearing

Results day is a huge deal for students. It’s when they find out whether they’ve received the required grades to get into their chosen university. Sometimes, things might not go to plan, and they may need some extra help to secure a spot. This is where university clearing comes in.

Clearing might sound complicated, but it’s a helpful way to ensure prospective students find a place at university. Supporting your child through clearing can help them to stay calm and remain positive throughout the process.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. This parents’ guide to university clearing will explain everything you need to know, including how clearing works, key dates, and how to find accommodation through clearing.

• University clearing is a process that allows students without confirmed places to obtain a spot on an available uni course.

• The UCAS clearing cycle typically runs from early July until late October, with slight variations year to year.

• Understanding the clearing process can help you to prepare your child for clearing, apply quickly, and secure clearing accommodation.

Jump to section:

• How university clearing works

• When does university clearing start?

• Supporting your child through university clearing

• How to apply for Unite Students accommodation through clearing

• FAQs

• Useful resources and guides

How university clearing works

University clearing matches students without confirmed offers to universities with available spaces. It’s part of the UCAS application process, and is available to students who didn’t get the grades they needed or changed their mind about a course.

Here’s how university clearing works, and how you can support your child through the process:

• Check your child is eligible. Your child will automatically go into clearing if they didn’t receive any uni offers, changed their mind about their firm choice, or didn’t get the required grades. They’ll also enter clearing if they submitted their UCAS application late (after June 30th).

• Help them find the course. Once their clearing status is confirmed, your child must search for available courses on the UCAS search tool or directly on university websites. Ensure they search specifically for clearing courses for the correct availability.

• Contact the university. When they find a course they like, it’s time for them to contact the university directly. Make sure they have their UCAS ID and clearing number to hand, and help get them prepared for the call and any potential questions.

• Receive their clearing offer. If the call is successful, the university may offer your child a clearing offer. This could happen during the call, but they might also contact them soon afterwards with their decision.

Accept the clearing offer: Your child must visit the UCAS Hub to accept their clearing offer. Here, they’ll need to enter their university and course details to complete the application. The university will then confirm their application to secure their spot on the course.

How to use the UCAS clearing search tool

The UCAS clearing search tool is an online portal where students can search for available clearing courses across the UK. It allows students to find direct contact details for universities to secure a place.

Here’s how your child can use the tool:

• Go to the UCAS website. Head to the UCAS website, then navigate to the UCAS course search portal to explore programs. They’ll need to sign in to the UCAS Hub.

• Filter your search. Enter keywords for specific subjects, use the map option to find desirable locations, filter by UCAS points, A-level/BTEC results, or search by academic year.

• Check eligibility. Click the available courses to see more detailed information, such as course structure, tuition fees, and placement opportunities.

• Save courses for later. If students like what they see, they can click the “heart” icon to add the course to their shortlist.

• Compare and decide. Once they weigh up their options, they can select the available course and apply.

When does university clearing start?

University clearing usually runs between early July and late October. The exact dates vary slightly year to year, so your child will need to verify specific dates on the official UCAS website to prepare.

Here are the key dates you’ll need to know for the 2026 clearing period:

June 30th

The final deadline for students to submit their UCAS application. Applications sent after this date automatically go into clearing.

July 2nd

The official clearing cycle opens, and vacancies are displayed in the UCAS clearing search tool.

August 4th

Results day in Scotland, where students receive their SQA results and can start applying through clearing.

August 13th

A-Level results day in the rest of the UK. This is the busiest day for clearing applications.

October 19th

The last day for students to add a clearing choice and for universities to make final decisions.

Students should sort their applications as soon as they receive their results to manage clearing as smoothly as possible.

Supporting your child through university clearing

Clearing can be a stressful time for students. As their parent or carer, you’ll want to support them as much as you can, so they can manage the process a little easier. From results day to application submission, there are many things you can do to ensure you’re by their side when it matters most.

Here are a few university clearing tips to get you started:

• Understand the process. Get to grips with the full clearing process before results day so you know exactly what to expect, and how you can advise your child if things don’t go as planned.

• Support them on results day. It’s normal for your child to be anxious on the big day. Focus on managing your own emotions to provide a calm, supportive presence throughout the day.

• Create a Plan B. Encourage them to create a shortlist of alternative courses and universities they might enjoy. They may discover a course more suitable than before.

• Encourage proactivity. Course vacancies get snapped up quickly. Advise your child to act fast to increase their chances of getting the course they want.

• Research accommodation. Once they accept their offer, take the time to research their clearing accommodation options.

• Be positive and reassuring. Ultimately, staying calm and positive can help your child manage stress. Always encourage them to take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

How will my child know if they need to use clearing?

Your child will know if they need to use clearing by checking their application status on the UCAS Hub. Their status will automatically update to “Clearing has started” or “You are in Clearing”.

However, university clearing isn’t just for students who missed their grades. Your child will also automatically enter clearing if they:

• Have a firm unconditional place, but have changed their mind

• Didn’t receive any offers, or declined the offers they received

• Didn’t meet the conditions of their firm or insurance offers

• Submitted their application late (after June 30th, 2026).

How to apply for Unite Students accommodation through clearing

Clearing can be stressful enough for students – the last thing they need to worry about is where they’ll live. Fortunately, most universities reserve rooms for clearing students, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers such as Unite Students also offer options.

Here’s how you can help your child find student accommodation:

• Confirm their university place. Your child will need to have a confirmed university place to apply for accommodation. Ensure they confirm their clearing offer on the UCAS portal.

• Search for accommodation. They should look for a dedicated "Clearing" or "Last Minute Availability" section, or use the main search function to find availability in their city.

• Choose their property type. They will have a range of accommodation to choose from, including studio, en-suite, and non-ensuite.

• Apply online. Once they’ve found their perfect place, they’ll need to complete the accommodation application form and provide personal details, such as:

• Personal details (name and contact info)

• University name and course.

• UCAS ID (or student ID once issued)

• Guarantor details (a parent/carer who can cover rent if they’re unable to)

• Payment preferences (Direct Debit, debit card, or UnionPay).

Submit and wait. Carefully review all the information with your child before they submit their application. If accepted, they should receive their booking confirmation and tenancy agreement (contract) via email, which they’ll need to sign.

Student accommodation can fill up fast – especially after results day. Encouraging your child to secure housing as soon as possible can give them the best chance of finding their new home away from home.

FAQs

What do parents need to know about clearing?

University clearing matches students to university courses still available between July and October. Parents should ensure their child has their clearing ID number and qualifications ready to call universities directly, and offer practical support by researching alternative courses, accommodation, and finance options.  

Is clearing hard to get into?

No, clearing is fairly straightforward and not necessarily hard to get into, with thousands of students securing places through clearing every year. It can be competitive depending on the course and university, and courses operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the nature of clearing, your child should act quickly to secure a spot in a related course.

How many offers can you get through clearing?

There’s no limit to the number of offers your child can receive from universities during clearing. However, they can only add one choice at a time in the UCAS Hub and accept one clearing offer to complete their application.

How can I help my child prepare for university clearing?

To help your child prepare for university clearing, create a shortlist of alternative courses and universities before results day. Ensure they have all the relevant information easily accessible. But most importantly, keep calm, be supportive, and encourage them throughout the process.

What should I do if my child doesn’t get the results they need?

If your child doesn’t get their required results, don’t panic. It’s important to stay calm and offer unconditional support. Encourage them to contact their school or college to discuss options, whether that’s exploring a different path like apprenticeships, or going through university clearing.