What is Clearing? Your questions answered

You’ve probably got lots on your mind—but a little planning now will make Results Day a breeze. Below you’ll find a Quick-Start Checklist plus FAQs on key actions, documents, calls and calming tips.

Quick-Start Checklist

• Do your research: Explore courses on UCAS and Brighton.ac.uk

• Make your shortlist: List 3–5 preferred courses and universities

• Check entry requirements: Note grades and prerequisites

• Get reliable advice: Talk to teachers, advisers or call us on 01273 644644

• Rehearse your pitch: Practice what you’ll say when you call

• Plan backups: Have at least two alternative choices ready

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• What should I get ready before calling universities?

  Here are the basic things to get ready before you make your Clearing call:

  • Course details: Exact course titles and UCAS codes

  • Your documents: Exam results, transcripts, UCAS ID and login

  • Your questions: Write down everything you want to ask

  • Your notes: Key bullet points to guide you on the call

• What happens on a Clearing call?

  The Clearing team are there to help you. Here's what to expect on the call:

  • You’ll speak to an Admissions Tutor or Clearing Adviser.

  • You can tell them about yourself, your aspirations and what courses you are interested in.
  • They will let you know about the availability and the next steps and put you through to an Admissions Tutor it that's necessary.

  • If you meet the criteria, you may receive a verbal offer—you'll be emailed confirmation and acceptance steps.

  • Some courses require you to have an interview. We’ll explain how to prepare and schedule it. You can find out tips how to prepare for a Clearing interview from the team.

• What should I say—and which questions might I ask?

  Here are some sample questions you might ask and a basic script you could use to help you focus the call.

  Sample script:

  “Hi, I’m [Your Name], UCAS ID [xxxxxxx]. My grades are [e.g. A AB], and I’m interested in [Course Name, UCAS code]. Is that course still available?”

  Example questions:

  • Course availability and entry

    • “Could you confirm the entry requirements for Clearing applicants?”

    • “What related courses or joint-honours options do you offer?”

    • “Are there any foundation or preparatory modules available if I’m just below standard entry grades?”

  • Offer process and deadlines

    • “How and when will I receive my offer confirmation?”

    • “If I get a verbal offer today, what are the next steps and deadlines to accept?”

    • “Can I defer my place once I’ve accepted, and what is the deferral policy?”

  • Student support and experience

    • “What support services do you offer first-year Clearing students?”

    • “Is academic mentoring or peer support available for new students?”

    • “Do you run any Clearing-specific welcome events or orientation sessions?”

  • Accommodation and campus life

    • “Are university halls still available for Clearing applicants, and how do I apply?”

    • “What is the average cost of on-campus accommodation, and are any bursaries available?”

    • “Can you tell me about local private-sector housing options and your advice on securing them?”

  • Fees and funding

    • “What tuition fees will I pay as a Clearing applicant, and are there any discounts or scholarships?”

    • “Do you offer any Clearing-only bursaries, hardship funds, or payment-plan options?”

  • Practicalities and timing

    • “When does teaching begin for Clearing students—will I miss any key lectures?”

    • “Is registration automated once I accept, or do I need to complete any forms separately?”

  • Campus facilities and extracurriculars

    • “What sports, societies or student-union activities can I join from day one?”

    • “Are library and IT services fully accessible to Clearing intake students?”

• How can I stay calm and confident?

  The Clearing call isn't anything to be worried about but it will help to prepare, so stick with your plan and be yourself. Here's a couple of basic things that might help you on the day:

  • Choose a quiet spot with a reliable phone signal.
  • Have your notes ready and open on your phone or laptop.
  • Practice your opening line and questions out loud.
  • Have a friend or family member nearby for moral support.
  • Breathe deeply before you dial—remember, we’re here to help you succeed.

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• What is Clearing?

  Clearing is part of the UCAS application process.

  It matches you with available university places and is a chance for you to make a positive move and choose a course that's right for you. It also allows you to find a place at university if you don't yet hold an offer.

  You can apply for places in Clearing from July even if you have not applied via UCAS already. You can contact the university directly. Call us on 01273 644000 and we’ll talk you through your next steps to find a course.

• Can I apply through Clearing?

  You can apply for Clearing if you already have your A-level, BTEC, IB, Access course or equivalent level exam grades and you are not holding any university offers.

  Am I eligible for Clearing with my exam grades?

  Call us on 01273 644000 to discuss your situation. If you are eligible with your current exam grades our admissions team could make you an offer.

• What do universities look for in applicants when they make offers?

  Each university is different. We welcome a range of qualifications and consider each application individually. Our approach is about you as an individual and we look beyond grades at your personal experience, ambition and potential.

  Take a look at the flexible and inclusive way we consider applications in Clearing to see how it can work for you.

• When does Clearing start and when does Clearing end?

  UCAS Clearing starts officially on 5 July 2025, but if you are waiting for exam results you will have to wait to receive them before you can apply. From that point you can seek out Clearing places by contacting universities by phone. Our Clearing hotline is: 01273 644000.

  When does Clearing end?

  • If you are applying to us through the UCAS system Clearing ends in October 2025.

• Can I still apply for uni?

  Is it too late to apply for uni? No, you can apply to university for September 2025 entry via the main UCAS application route up until 30 June 2025. You can apply through Clearing from July 2025, if you already have your results. You can call us on 01273 644000. There will always be people here to help you.

• What courses are available though Clearing?

  Once Clearing is open you can use our course finder to find out what courses are available through Clearing.

• Who can use Clearing for university entry?

  Many students aiming to secure a place are eligible to apply through Clearing for university. There are several different reasons for doing so. You are eligible to use Clearing if:

  • you are applying for a university place after 30 June
  • you applied through UCAS for a place, but are not holding any offers
  • you do not meet the grades required by your firm and insurance choice universities
  • you have had a change of heart about your choice of course or university
  • you are a UK, European, Irish or international student.

• What financial help is there for students in Clearing?

  You can get some financial aid for your studies if you apply through Clearing.

  If you are eligible for Student Finance England loans for tuition fees and living costs, you will also receive these if you apply through Clearing. You may also be eligible for our bursaries and scholarships.

  Our Brighton Summer Boost includes free campus parking for eligible students, plus free technology loans and our student job hub for students

  Other Boosts include free campus parking for eligible students, free technology loans and our student job hub.
  
  It's also worth checking what's included in your tuition fee, it could be more that you think.

• Clearing and T-levels: Do universities accept T-levels during Clearing?

  We accept T-levels for many of our courses, particularly if the T-level is in a relevant subject. Take a look at the Clearing courses you might be interested in and you’ll find everything you need to know in the entry requirements section. 

• Do I need to wait until August to apply through Clearing?

  Clearing for university places is open from 5 July and continues until mid-October. You must know all your exam results before you can get an offer of a place through Clearing.

  • If you already have your exam results – for example, if you completed your qualifications last year – you can apply through Clearing from 5 July.
  • If you receive your exam results in July – for example, if you are completing an Access course, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or some BTEC qualifications – you can be considered for a place as soon as you have your results in July.
  • If you are still waiting for your exam results, you can call our Clearing hotline 01273 644000 on results day on Thursday 14 August 2025.

• Can I apply to more than one university through Clearing?

  One of the most popular questions about university Clearing. You can receive multiple verbal offers in Clearing. However, you can only confirm one university course as your final choice. When you receive a verbal offer in Clearing the university will usually give you a deadline by which to confirm your choice.

• What happens about my student loan application?

  If you've not already done so, you can apply online for your student loan via the Student Finance website.

• What if I decide to apply for a different course or university through Clearing?

  • First you should research what is involved in the new course and confirm that it is a good fit for you.
  • Contact universities to check whether they can make you a verbal offer in Clearing.
  • Your Clearing application will contain your original personal statement. If you wish to submit a new personal statement to reflect your interest in the new course, contact the university to ask them how to do this.

• What should I have ready for Clearing?

  • A list of the courses and subject areas you're interested in.
  • Your qualifications or grades.
  • Your UCAS ID number.
  • If you haven't already applied through UCAS, we'll provide you with a link to our Confirmation of Clearing Acceptance form when you call us.
  • Your date of birth, postal address, email address and phone number. For creative media, arts and architecture courses, a link to your online digital portfolio.
  • If you're unsure, you can get more information about applying through Clearing by looking around our site.

• How do I prepare / send my portfolio for Clearing?

  Some of our creative media, arts and architecture courses require you to prepare an online portfolio of your work. You can find out if your course needs a portfolio, and get advice on what to include and how to present your work on our online portfolio advice page.

• How do I prepare for a Clearing interview?

  For some courses you will need to attend an interview as part of the Clearing process. The interview helps us assess your suitability for the course and the profession you are interested in. Read our tips on preparing for a Clearing interview.

• What does referred mean on UCAS?

  This is a really common question students ask about Clearing, so we've included it in our What is Clearing section. Referred means that UCAS has sent your application to a university. It isn't anything to worry about, and you should receive more information quickly.

• Can I use Clearing to transfer to Brighton from another university?

  Yes, you can transfer to another university through Clearing. Call us on 01273 644000 and we'll talk you through your options.

• What is UCAS Clearing Plus?

  Clearing Plus is a new UCAS process for undergraduate applicants who are unplaced. It is accessible via UCAS Hub, and will match people to relevant courses with vacancies. Your best chance of receiving an offer is to contact us directly.

• Can you get into Clearing with lower grades?

  You can get into Clearing with lower grades because grades aren't everything that's used to decide if you get a place at university.

  So, how does university Clearing work if you do have lower grades? Well, Clearing is about matching you with the courses that are available and we look at who you are and your aspirations as much as we do your examination results. If you are unsure, call the friendly applications team 01273 644000 and they can explain more.

• Do I need a new personal statement for Clearing?

  No you don't need a new personal statement for Clearing - unless you've changed your mind on which course or subject you want to study.

  Your original statement will have all the details in there. However, one of the useful university Clearing tips you should take away is to update the university on any work experience or qualifications you've had since you completed your initial personal statement.

  It’s also a good idea to have a short explanation prepared in case you’re asked why you’re interested in the course, especially if:

  • You didn’t apply earlier in the year

  • You’ve changed your course or subject

  • You’re applying based on new or unexpected results

  Some universities may ask for this during a call or via a short form. But you won’t need to upload a full statement on UCAS during Clearing.

• When do universities confirm your place?

  If you applied to university in the main application cycle and if you meet the conditions of your offer your place will be confirmed when the university receives your results. If you are applying through Clearing and receive an offer, and meet its conditions you can accept the offer via your UCAS Hub. If you are not already in UCAS, you can accept your Clearing place via our confirmation of clearing application form.

• When can I apply through Clearing?

  You can apply through UCAS Clearing when you receive your exam results: from July 2025 if you already have your results. If you are waiting for A-level or BTEC results this will be on 14 August 2025 for most students.

  You apply to uni through Clearing by contacting our Clearing team on 01273 644000. Once you receive a Clearing offer from us, you accept the offer by adding our offer as your Clearing choice on UCAS Hub. Clearing will open early at Brighton on 1 July 2025 so you can get useful advice from our applications team. Give us a call: 01273 644000.

• Can you get rejected from Clearing?

  You don't get rejected from Clearing. It's possible that there isn't a course available that matches what you want, but this isn't a rejection and you will get excellent support from our Clearing advice team who can help find alternatives you've not considered. Worse case scenario is you take a fresh look at your options and find another way to get onto a course the following year. Don't worry about being rejected from Clearing. Speak with us; we are here to help 01273 644000.

• How do Access course students apply through Clearing?

  Access course students apply through Clearing in the same way once Clearing opens in July – you may receive a verbal offer straight away if you have your results.

  Many Access students will get their results in July. Access course students are required to submit their results to their firm choice university. If you don't have a confirmed place or want to explore Clearing places with us we'll have an online Clearing application form in addition to our telephone hotline.

  Once you have decided that you would like to accept an offer of a place through Clearing you will need to confirm your acceptance – either through UCAS or by sending a confirmation of clearing application form.

• Do universities check your GCSE results?

  Universities do check your GCSE results if they feel these are important in your application. You might want to change direction from the subjects you studied at A-level and have great results at GCSE, so don't forget to include these or mention them when you apply through Clearing.

• When can I add a Clearing choice?

  If you receive a Clearing offer in July or early August before the main exam results day, you can add a Clearing choice on UCAS as soon as you receive your offer. There are some periods when UCAS will not be available due to the exam results embargo, but call us and we’ll be able to reassure you.

  On the main exam results day, you can add a Clearing choice from 1pm (UK time) on Thursday 14 August 2025. You must secure a Clearing offer from a university first. You can only accept one Clearing choice.

• Do I need to be in UCAS to apply through Clearing?

  You don't have to be in UCAS to apply through Clearing. If you don’t have a UCAS account, you can still get an offer and we’ll talk you through how to accept it using our Confirmation of Clearing Acceptance form.