Your ultimate guide to UCAS Clearing

If you’re feeling uncertain about your university plans or didn’t get the results you expected, UCAS Clearing could be your next best step. Explore this guide to understand all the essentials of UCAS Clearing, from key dates to tips on how to make the most of this opportunity. 

How does Clearing work?

If you’re a student preparing to go to uni, you’ve likely asked yourself, ‘What is university Clearing?’.

Clearing is how universities and colleges fill any remaining places they have for certain courses. You can apply for Clearing if you’re not holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has open places. The process of Clearing is managed by UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. They’re an independent charity acting as the national shared admissions service for students, universities and colleges. 

If you’re an international student, the process of Clearing works the same way as it would for a student from the UK. You may just need to provide different documentation when you begin applying. 

Pre-Clearing preparation

When you’re applying for your undergraduate courses, make sure to have a ‘plan B’ for when Clearing comes around. Identify the UCAS Clearing subjects and universities you’ll reach out to during Clearing if you don’t get selected for your first choices. Take note of the relevant university phone numbers and UCAS codes for each course, as you may need to conduct Clearing calls. 

It’s also worth preparing for potential Clearing calls. Have your Clearing number (UCAS code) and exam results ready, as well as be ready to answer any questions. 

Results day and eligibility

Results day can be nerve-wracking. Remember, even if you don’t get the results you want, you still have options through Clearing. 

On results day, log in to the UCAS Hub - this is where you’ll see the status of your applications. If you’ve been placed in Clearing, there will be a clear message saying that. You’ll be able to view your Clearing matches in the UCAS Hub. Clearing matches are those that the UCAS team has identified as your next best course of action. 

If you need help understanding how to reply to your offers, read this UCAS guide. 

Finding UCAS Clearing courses and universities

Being matched with a specific UCAS Clearing university course isn’t your only option. You can also search other UCAS Clearing courses on offer via the UCAS Hub or contact universities directly to see what’s available. 

When you get in touch with the university, make sure to have all your details ready. This includes your UCAS Clearing code, exam results and other qualification results. Also, be prepared to answer questions about why you would like to complete a specific course or attend a specific uni. 

Self-releasing and trading up

If you’ve changed your mind about a specific course you’ve received a firm offer for, you can decline the offer (sometimes known as ‘self-releasing’) to be placed in Clearing. 

UCAS ‘trading up’ refers to using the Clearing process after receiving better-than-expected results to try and secure a place at a more desirable university or course. 

Key UCAS Clearing dates

The UCAS Clearing dates tend to vary each year, so make sure to check. Here’s a table for this year’s key dates. 

Tips to succeed in Clearing

To make the most of UCAS Clearing, we’ve got some helpful tips. 

• Regularly check the UCAS Hub for updates, and try to be available on the day of results to start the Clearing process. 
• Prepare all the necessary information before conducting your Clearing calls, including your UCAS code, exam results and personal details. 
• When conducting your Clearing calls, be patient as the phone lines can get congested.
• Stay positive, the process may seem daunting at first, but it’s a great opportunity to find the right university or course.

Secure your accommodation after Clearing

Once you’ve accepted your Clearing offer (congratulations!), you may still need to sort out your accommodation. Most uni accommodation portals open early, but in August, when it’s Clearing time, they might already be fully booked. 

At iQ, we offer a reliable alternative that students can call home. 

• We have buildings in over 70 locations across 28 UK towns and cities, close to most universities. 
• Our easy online booking process is perfect for last-minute accommodation during Clearing. 
• All rooms are modern, private and fully furnished with flexible contracts and all-inclusive bills. 
• Fun social spaces help students settle in, and we offer tailored support services. 

FAQs

Is it hard to get in through Clearing?

UCAS Clearing can be competitive, but many students get favourable course and university placements. Your best bet is to be as prepared as possible and remain positive throughout the process. 

Can I get rejected from Clearing?

Although you won’t get ‘rejected’, you can be unsuccessful in securing a course through Clearing. Course availability and personal circumstances impact whether you are successful in securing a Clearing match or not. 

Is Clearing first-come first-served?

Yes, Clearing is first-come, first-served; therefore, it’s important to prepare for your Clearing calls and get started as soon as possible after receiving your results. 

How quickly do you hear back from Clearing?

You can expect to hear back on your Clearing application within a few hours. However, phone lines can get busy and prolong the process. 

Is student finance available if I apply through Clearing?

Yes, student finance is still available via your Clearing match, however, you may need to update certain documents during the process.