What is Clearing? Your questions answered

So, how does Clearing work? Well, have a quick read through these Clearing FAQs. From What is Clearing? to When does Clearing start? They'll help you understand what happens and are based on questions other students ask us.

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

Top Clearing FAQs: The most common Clearing questions 

  1. What is Clearing?
  2. What do universities look for in applicants when they make offers?
  3. What happens if my exam results are upgraded?
  4. I am still waiting to hear from my firm choice uni, can you make me a Clearing offer?
  5. When does Clearing start and when does Clearing end?
  6. Can I still apply for uni?
  7. What courses are available through Clearing?
  8. Who can use Clearing for university entry?
  9. Do I need to wait until August to apply through Clearing?
  10. Can I apply to more than one university through Clearing?
  11. What happens about my student loan application?
  12. What if I decide to apply for a different course through Clearing?
  13. What should I have ready for Clearing?
  14. How do I prepare / send my portfolio for Clearing?
  15. How do I prepare for a Clearing interview?
  16. Does the university consider students through Adjustment?
  17. What does referred mean on UCAS?
  18. Can I use Clearing to transfer to Brighton from another university?
  19. What is UCAS Clearing Plus?

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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.

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2 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 our flexible admissions process to see how it can work for you.

3 What happens if my exam results are upgraded?

It's great news. Hopefully you can move forward with your plans for the future without any more delay. If you're thinking about applying, you can apply to Brighton now based on your teacher's assessment and get a quick decision from us. We need to see formal confirmation from your college or school (an email, letter or pdf) of the grades they awarded you. If you don’t have that ask them to provide it to you. Also, remember: if you have accepted an offer your place is confirmed; if we have already made you an offer, you can accept it now.

4 I am still waiting to hear from my firm choice uni, can you make me a Clearing offer?

Yes, we can make you an offer. You can contact us now for advice about the options at Brighton and next steps.

5 When does Clearing start and when does Clearing end?

UCAS Clearing starts officially on Wednesday 5 July 2021, 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. When does Clearing end? Officially Clearing ends on 19 October 2021.

6 Can I still apply for uni?

Is it too late to apply for uni? No. We have people on the dedicated phone lines up until 20 October. If you are calling after this and wondering 'Can I still apply for uni?' you should call 01273 644644. There's always people here to help you.

7 What courses are available though Clearing?

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

Find your course

8 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.
Student preparing for clearing making a list

9 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 now.
  • 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 use Clearing from results day.
  • Can I still apply for uni after Clearing? Yes you can apply for some courses after 20 October. You should call us on 01273 644644 and our advisors can help you to make the right choice for you.

10 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, how clearing works is 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.

student using a laptop to apply for clearing

11 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.

12 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.
Students on their course at Brighton

13 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 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.

14 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.

15 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.

16 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 13 August 2021 and closes at the end of August.

17 What does referred mean on UCAS?

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.

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

Yes you can, read our guide to transferring from another university.

19 What is UCAS Clearing Plus?

Clearing Plus is a new system for undergraduate applicants who are unplaced. It is accessible via UCAS Track, and will match people to relevant courses with vacancies.