The idea of going through clearing might sound stressful, as it can mean you didn’t get into the universities you applied for.
But, the UK university clearing process could give you a second chance at securing a spot at uni.
Whatever your situation, it helps to be prepared. Knowing your options can give you all the tools you need to find a suitable course, regardless of your results. That’s where clearing comes in – helping to find a course that fits you.
We’ve put together a handy guide on clearing, including how it works, key dates, applying for accommodation through clearing, and top university clearing tips.
UCAS clearing is a system that helps you find available courses if you didn’t get your firm or insurance choices.
The UK university clearing process usually runs from early July to late October, but changes slightly year to year.
You can book student accommodation through clearing – but you’ll need to accept your clearing offer first.
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What is university clearing?
University clearing is a system that matches uni applicants without a confirmed place to universities that still have available courses. It’s designed for students who:
Didn’t get an offer
Applied to university late
Didn’t get the grades they needed
Changed their mind about their course.
The UK university clearing process is an official part of the UCAS application cycle. It acts as the final stage for students to secure a place, and for universities to manage vacancies.
Through clearing, you have the flexibility to explore new options if your plans change. And, if you didn’t get the results you wanted – or you couldn’t meet the conditions of your offer – you still have options. Clearing can also give you a second chance to secure a spot on a relevant course.
While the process is fairly straightforward, you may need to do an interview for specific courses or sometimes submit a portfolio. But, don’t worry, you’ll have the support of university admissions staff and advisors along the way.
How does university clearing work?
Clearing allows you to get a spot on a uni course you might have already applied to, or somewhere else entirely. In other words, all hope isn’t lost!
Here’s how the UK university clearing process works from start to finish:
Check eligibility. If you have no offers, declined your firm choice, or didn’t meet the conditions, your UCAS Track status will automatically update. It may say “You are in Clearing” or “Clearing has started”.
Find courses. Use the UCAS search tool to find vacancies by course name, subject, or region. You can also check university websites directly for available courses.
Contact universities. Once you’ve found a course that suits you, call the university to discuss your options. You’ll need to have your grades, UCAS ID, and clearing number on hand. Be prepared to explain why you want the course.
Receive a verbal offer. If the university has a vacancy, they’ll take your details and either give you a verbal offer during the call or contact you soon afterwards with their decision.
Accept the offer. Once you’re accepted, head to the UCAS Hub, go to “Your choices”, then select “Add Clearing choice”. Enter your university and course details and complete your application.
Secure your spot. The university will confirm your application and secure your spot. Please note, you can only add one clearing choice at a time.
When does university clearing start and end?
Key dates:
The UK university clearing process typically runs from early July to mid-October. Here’s what the 2026 application cycle looks like in the UK:
July 2nd. The clearing cycle officially opens, and you can start researching available courses on the UCAS search tool.
August 4th. SQA results day in Scotland, where students can start applying through clearing early.
August 13th. A-Level results day, and the busiest period for clearing applications for students in the rest of the UK.
October 19th. The final day of clearing, and your last chance to add a clearing option in the UCAS hub before the cycle ends.
It’s important to check specific dates on the official UCAS website, as they can vary slightly year to year. Make sure you sort your application as soon as possible, especially after results day. This can give you the best chance of securing a related course much sooner.
Please note that if you submit your uni application after June 30th, you’ll automatically enter clearing.
How to apply for accommodation through clearing
Securing a course through clearing is the first step. The next? Finding somewhere to live. Some universities have a first-come, first-served policy, but others offer rooms for clearing students.
Here’s how it works:
Confirm your university place. You’ll first need to officially accept your clearing offer through UCAS.
Search for accommodation. Check the university’s “Clearing” or “Last Minute Availability” sections, or use the main search function to find availability in the city. You may have to give your top three choices from a range of student accommodation options.
Apply online. Complete the accommodation application form and provide personal details, including your:
Personal details (name, contact info)
University name and course
UCAS ID (or student ID once issued)
Guarantor details (someone who can cover rent if you’re unable to)
Payment preferences.
Submit and await confirmation. Carefully review all the information before submitting your application. If accepted, you should receive your booking confirmation and tenancy agreement (contract) via email, which you’ll need to sign.
University clearing tips
We’ve given you all the know-how on clearing, but it helps to get extra prepared. Here are some quick university clearing tips to give you the best chance at securing a course.
Do your research beforehand. Research unis and courses you’d consider, and prioritise them in case your top choices aren’t available.
Have your documents ready. Keep your UCAS ID, clearing number, results, and a copy of your personal statements on hand.
Act as soon as possible. Popular courses and universities can fill up quickly, so act quickly and call universities directly as soon as their hotlines open.
Prepare for possible interviews. Admissions staff may ask questions about your interest in the course, so get some answers prepared beforehand.
Don’t forget student accommodation. Search for uni accommodation as soon as you accept your clearing offer and secure your booking.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to handle the UK university clearing process. Remember, university advisors and admissions staff will be available to give you a helping hand.
FAQs
What’s the difference between clearing and adjustment?
Clearing is an official UCAS process that allows universities to fill any places they still have on their courses. UCAS Adjustment was a service that enabled students who got higher grades than expected to find courses with higher entry requirements. UCAS Adjustment no longer exists – instead, students can use UCAS Clearing to find their preferred course.
How much does clearing cost?
There’s no additional cost for the UK university clearing process itself. Instead, you pay a one-off fee of £28.95 as part of the standard UCAS application cost. So, if you already submitted a UCAS application, you won’t pay extra for clearing.
Is clearing first come first serve?
Yes, UCAS clearing works on a first-come, first-served basis. Universities have a limited number of spots and often fill up quickly. It’s crucial to apply for clearing as soon as you have your results, and contact universities directly to get a verbal offer.
Why do universities go into clearing?
Universities use clearing to fill any remaining spots on their courses. This allows them to find students who didn’t receive offers, declined their firm choices, or missed their required grades. Applicants who miss the June 30th deadline are automatically entered into clearing.
How likely are you to get into university through clearing?
You’re highly likely to get into university through clearing. There are over 30,000 courses available when clearing opens, giving you the chance of securing a spot. Over 35,000 students found uni places through clearing in 2023 alone.
