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What is clearing?

Universities and colleges use Clearing to fill any available places on their courses. Clearing is a process run by UCAS.

Clearing could be for you if:

  • Your results haven't gone as planned
  • You don’t hold any offers from universities or colleges

Nearly 60,000 students were accepted through Clearing last year."

UCAS, 2022

Can I apply and when?

Clearing is open from 5 July to 17 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 paid the multiple-choice application fee of £27.00
  • 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?

You should:

  • Apply to UCAS. If you haven’t already applied, you need to register with UCAS and apply
  • Check your UCAS TRACK status. Your application status will show if you are in Clearing and your Clearing number
  • Go to UCAS What is Clearing? for all the details and how to apply
  • Check out Clearing Plus on the UCAS site. This tool suggests courses that might interest you

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.

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 labour market information. This can help to explore the future employment options a course might offer.

They will provide free advice and guidance to help you make a decision that is right for you.

Contact us to get support.

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.

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


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