Clearing for international students

You may be unfamiliar with how Clearing works in the UK, so here's some useful Clearing tips for international students to help you prepare for the process.

• Make sure you have all the information we need before you apply

  To be able to give you an answer on your application we will need the following information from you:

  • Your exam results including English language test results
  • Your UCAS ID (if you have one)
  • A list of the courses and subject areas you're interested in
  • Why you want to study your chosen subject

  It is best if you have this information ready before you speak to us as it will allow us to provide you with an answer as soon as possible. If you do not have proof of your English language abilities, you may be required to undertake additional testing before we can formally make you an offer. Here are our English language requirements and accepted tests.

  If your course needs you to provide a portfolio here's some useful advice how to create an online portfolio for Clearing.

• Choose how you are going to apply

  In Clearing for international students there are four different ways you can apply, it is helpful to understand the difference between them so you can choose the way which will suit you best.

  1. You can apply through UCAS main cycle until 30 June 2024. The UCAS fee is £27.50.
  2. Apply to us directly: from 5 July 2024 you will be able to apply to us in Clearing using our self-apply form.
  3. Apply by phone: you can call us directly on 01273 644000.
  4. Apply through an agent: you can apply to us through an agent at any time, including during clearing. You just need to find a local representative and have them contact us through our Agent Portal on your behalf.

  You can find a local representative by first finding their country here: and then via the Key Information tab and then select ‘Find an agent’.

  To receive a decision as quickly as possible, we recommend that you apply either through our self-apply form, or by calling our Clearing hotline.

• Choose a university and course that is right for you

  Studying in a different country is an exciting opportunity that provides you with great cultural experiences and makes you an asset to any workplace once you have graduated. That being said, it is also a big commitment and it’s important to make sure that you choose a university that is the right fit for you and will provide you with the experiences that you are looking for.

  Before you apply read our deciding what to study at university guide.

  If you don’t find the right fit this year, at Brighton or somewhere else, you are able to apply again next year.

• Apply as soon as possible

  As an international student, you may have already had your academic qualifications. However, depending on where you are applying from you might need to apply for a student visa and accommodation. 

  You must submit your application in plenty of time for us to assess it, conduct a Clearing interview and verify your qualifications.  We will not make any more offers after the following dates. 

  • If you are applying for your visa from within the UK, the last date to receive your offer is 3 weeks prior to the course start date. 
  • If you are applying for your visa from abroad and using a priority service, the last date to receive your offer is 8 weeks prior to the course start date. 
  • If you are applying for your visa from abroad and no priority service is available, the last date to receive your offer is 10 weeks prior to the course start date.

  If a course is full or there's not enough time for you to get a student visa, we can't consider your application. If you want to join us this September we advise you submit your application as soon as possible.

• Get ready to start the next chapter of your life

  Once you have received and accepted an offer, it's time to apply for your Student visa (if you need one), find out what essentials you need to pack, and book your travel! You will be invited to join our online and in-person orientation programme which is a great chance for you to make new friends ahead of the start of your course.