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 can connect you with university courses with places available. It gives you the opportunity to find a course if you don’t already have an offer or want to change your plans. 

• Can I apply through Clearing?

  You can apply through Clearing if you don’t hold any offers, didn’t meet your conditions, or decide to apply after the main UCAS deadline. You can also use Clearing if you've changed your mind, and don't want to accept any of the offers you're holding. 

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

  Universities consider your qualifications, but at Brighton we’ll also look at your experiences, motivation, and potential when making decisions. 

  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 end?

  Clearing opens in early July and runs until October, although many courses will fill earlier than this.

  See key dates for results day and Clearing

• 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?

  Clearing is open to a wide range of students, including those who:

  • apply after the UCAS deadline

  • don’t receive any offers

  • don’t meet their offer conditions

  • change their mind about their course or university

• What financial help is there for students in Clearing?

  Financial support may be available depending on your circumstances.

  👉 Learn more about financial support

• 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?

  If you already have your results, you can apply from early July. If you’re waiting for results, you’ll need to wait until they are released. 

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

  One of the most popular questions about university Clearing... 

  You can speak to multiple universities and receive offers, but you can only accept one Clearing 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 do I need for Clearing?

  • A list of the courses and subject areas you're interested in.
  • Your exam results.
  • Your UCAS ID number (If you have one).
  • Your date of birth, postal address, email address and phone number. 

• 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?

  Referred means your application has been passed to a university for consideration. You should receive further information from them shortly. 

• Can I use Clearing to transfer from another university?

  In some cases, you may be able to transfer through Clearing. You should contact the university to discuss 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?

  It’s possible to find a course through Clearing with lower grades: your experience, other achievements and personal circumstances can also provide evidence of your ability to succeed on your chosen course 

• 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.