What is Clearing?

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

Find out when Clearing happens and how it works on What is Clearing on the UCAS site.

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.

Clearing 2026 key dates

Look at UCAS Confirmation and Clearing 2026 to find essential timings for advisers and students. You will find key dates and deadlines so that you know what you can do and when you should do it.

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 2 July to 19 October, 2026.

If you haven’t already applied, you need to register with UCAS and apply.

The fee for 2026 will be £28.95. Some students are eligible to have their application fee waived.

Visit UCAS Clearing and Results day to find out more about Clearing and how to apply.

For the 2027 cycle, the undergraduate and conservatoires application fee is £34.50. Find out more on UCAS - How can we help?

How can we 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 help you make the right choice for you.

Everyone is different. Our careers advisers can help you look at your options and think about what to do next. They will listen to your situation and give you support that meets your needs.

Clearing is not just about finding any course. It is about choosing a course and place that is right for you and your future.

Get support

Speak to an Adviser on the phone, in-person or video call

Book an appointment

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