What is clearing? Your questions answered

Clearing is part of the UCAS application process. It allows you to find a place at university if you don't yet hold an offer.

UCAS Clearing opens officially on 1 July, but if you are waiting for exam results you will have to wait to receive them before you can apply through clearing. From that point you can seek out Clearing places by phone and refer yourself via UCAS track, you can also sign up for clearing updates here.

The university Clearing process is much more straightforward than you might think. Once you understand what is Clearing you can look at our How to apply through Clearing guide for more practical preparation tips.

We know everyone's reasons for applying through Clearing will be unique. We are happy to welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds and we like to offer applicants a variety of ways to explore their potential. We also consider much more than your grades when you apply.

Here are a few reasons you might apply through Clearing:

You have not met the conditions of your offers
You changed your mind about your firm or insurance choice
You want to transfer from another course or university.

Need advice?

We can help. Our phone lines are currently closed, but you can still apply:

Apply online

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The most common questions about clearing

We spoke to our Clearing team to find out what other students asked about the university clearing process.

Can EU/international students apply through Clearing?
What is Adjustment?
How do I enter Adjustment?
How can I find out if the course I want is available?
What do I need to have with me when I call?
Is there help to find private accommodation?
What should I do if I have more questions?

If your question isn't here, give us a call on 01273 644000.

1 can EU and International students apply through Clearing?

Yes – Clearing is open to anyone regardless of where they are applying from. This includes, if

You have not met the conditions of your offers
You changed your mind about your firm or insurance choice
You want to transfer from another course or university.

2 What is Adjustment?

If your exam results are better than expected, you can use UCAS Adjustment to reconsider where and what you want to study, as long as you have exceeded the conditions of your conditional firm (CF) choice.

Your original choice might still be the best for you, but with Adjustment you will have the flexibility to search other universities and courses that may be better suited to your interests.

3 How do I enter Adjustment?

Adjustment opens on A-level results day and closes at the end of August.

Once you have received your grades, you will need to visit the UCAS website and click Register for Adjustment on the choices screen in Track. Remember you need to have met and exceeded the conditions of your firm offer.

4 How can I find out if the course I want is available?

You can use our course finder to find out if the course you're interested in is available through Clearing.

5 What do I need to have with me when I call?

You'll need the following for the university clearing process:

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 an RPA form when you call us).
your date of birth, address and phone number
for art and design courses, a link to your online digital portfolio.

To help you better understand what is clearing before you apply, take a look at our How to apply through clearing guide.