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 didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
- You’re applying after 30 June
- You’ve changed your mind and no longer want to go to your firm choice
Read more about declining your firm place 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 can apply using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places. Clearing is open from 5 July to 20 October.
If you haven’t already applied, you need to register with UCAS and apply.
There is an application fee of £28.50. Some students are eligible to have their application fee waived. The fee for 2026 will be £28.95.
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, or changing your mind about what you want to do can be 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.
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.
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. They can help to explore the future employment options a course might offer.
Clearing is not about getting a place on a course at all costs. You are still choosing where you will spend the next few years of your life and what you'll be doing.
Get support
Preparing for Clearing
Here are our top tips:
- 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
- Remember, universities and colleges want students. Admissions teams will want to help you
- See and search for clearing vacancies on the UCAS website. Many universities start advertising their vacancies from July
- UCAS have a Clearing matching tool to help you find your perfect course
- 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.