Universities and colleges use Clearing to fill any available places on their courses. Clearing is a process run by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Clearing could be for you if:
- Your results haven't gone as planned
- You don’t hold any offers from universities or colleges
67,990 students found a place using Clearing in 2023"
UCAS News: Highest number ever of students accepted through clearing, 2023
Can I apply and when?
Clearing is open from 5 July to 21 October.
You can apply using clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places.
You can use Clearing if:
- You’re applying after 30 June
- You didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
- You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
- You’ve declined your firm place - read more on the UCAS site as you need to be clear about how this affects your other offers and options
How do I use Clearing?
If you haven’t already applied, you need to register with UCAS and apply.
There is a one-off application fee of £27.50. Some students are eligible to have their application fee waived. The fee for 2025 entry will be £28.50.
Visit UCAS Clearing and Results day to find out more about Clearing and how to apply.
How we can help you
Finding out you haven’t got into your firm university choice can be very stressful. It’s important not to panic and rush into a decision. But, you will need to decide what to do next so that you don’t miss out on opportunities.
Clearing is not just about getting a place on a course at all costs. It is still about choosing where you will spend the next few years of your life.
Everyone is different. Our expert, impartial careers advisers can help you consider your options. They will look at your situation and give you personalised support.
You might be considering:
- Changing course
- A different university
- Taking a gap year
- Other options
Our advisers can provide free advice and guidance to help you make a decision that is right for you.
They will provide labour market information. This can help to explore the future employment options a course might offer.
Contact us to get support.
Top tips to prepare for Clearing
Remember, universities and colleges want students. Admissions teams will want to help you.
Get help and information
You can:
- Speak to one of our advisers, your teachers, tutors or head of sixth form. They can help you consider and plan your next steps. They have experience of the Clearing process
- Use the UCAS website to make the most of clearing
- See and search for clearing vacancies on the UCAS website. Many universities start advertising their vacancies from July
Get ready to make Clearing calls
You can prepare to make Clearing calls by getting these things together:
- Your UCAS ID or Clearing Number
- Your results. Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
- A copy of your personal statement to refer to
- Clearing Hotline numbers for the universities you are interested in
- Questions you want to ask universities about the courses and vacancies they have
It will also help to:
- Find a quiet place to make the calls
- Make sure your phone is charged and you have good reception. It’s a good idea to keep your charger nearby
- Have a pen and notepad ready
Check out the UCAS top tips for calling universities during clearing.
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What you need to know about applying to university, deadlines, application, admissions tests and more.
Find out if a gap year is for you and see our list of things to consider. See examples of how gap years are spent.
Want to think again about your options? Check out all your options at 18.