What is Clearing? Your questions answered

Have a quick read through these questions. From What is Clearing? to What do I need to have with me when I call?, they'll help you understand what happens in Clearing and are based on what other students ask us.

You can also see our page on How to apply through Clearing for more practical preparation tips.

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The most common questions about Clearing

  1. What is Clearing?
  2. When does Clearing start and when does Clearing end?
  3. What courses are available through Clearing?
  4. Who can use Clearing?
  5. Do I need to wait until August to apply through Clearing?
  6. Can I apply to more than one university through Clearing?
  7. What happens about my student loan application?
  8. What if I decide to apply for a different course through Clearing?
  9. What do I need to have with me when I call?
  10. How do I prepare / send my portfolio for Clearing?
  11. How do I prepare for a Clearing interview?
  12. Does the university consider students through Adjustment?
  13. What does referred mean on UCAS?

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1 What is Clearing?

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. 

2 When does Clearing start and when does Clearing end?

UCAS Clearing opens officially on Friday 5 July, 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 phone and refer yourself via UCAS track. Clearing officially ends on 22 October.

3 What courses are available though Clearing?

You can use our course finder to find out what courses are available.

Find your course

4 Who can use Clearing?

Many students aiming to secure a place at university for September 2019 are eligible to apply through Clearing. 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 2019
  • you applied through UCAS for a place in 2019, 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.
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5 Do I need to wait until August to apply through Clearing?

Clearing 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 now.
  • If you receive your exam results in July 2019 – 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 2019.
  • If you are still waiting for your exam results, you can use Clearing from results day.

6 Can I apply to more than one university through 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 what happens in Clearing is that a university will usually give you a deadline by which to confirm your choice.

7 What happens about my student loan application?

If you have already applied

If you have already applied for student finance, but will be going to a different university or studying a different course, you will need to contact the Student Loans Company to advise them of the changes as soon as you have confirmed your final Clearing choice, and register with Student Finance England.

If you have not yet applied

If you have not yet applied for student finance, you will need to apply as soon as possible for a student loan to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. Even though the initial deadline for finance applications has already passed, the Student Loans Company will still process your application.

Remember, there could be a delay in receiving your funding for the first week of term so you should  budget for this.

8 What if I decide to apply for a different course 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.
Architecture students

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

  • 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, postal address, email 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.

10 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.

11 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.

12 Does the university consider students through Adjustment?

Yes, if your exam results are better than expected, you can use UCAS Adjustment to apply to us. Adjustment opens on 16 August 2019 and closes at the end of August.

13 What does referred mean on UCAS?

A really common question 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.