What is Clearing?

💡 What is Clearing?

Clearing is UCAS’s system to help fill remaining university course spaces. It’s open to anyone who:

• Applied after 30 June 2025

• Didn't receive or declined firm/insurance offers

• Didn’t meet offer conditions

Once your circumstances qualify, your UCAS Hub will clearly show: “You are in Clearing” or “Clearing has started”. UCASThe Student RoomUCAS

📅 Key Dates for 2025

✅ Who Should Use Clearing?

Clearing is for those who:

• Didn’t receive any offers or reject them via UCAS Hub

• Missed conditional offers (neither firm nor insurance confirmed)

• Decide they do want university after results

• Want to change course or university at the last minute 

📞 Tip: If grades were just below expectations, call the university first—they may still accept you.

🔍 How Clearing Works (Quick Steps)

• From 5 July, use the UCAS Search Tool to explore available Clearing courses—this is the only official vacancy list. UCASUCAS

• After results, the ‘My Matches’ or Clearing Plus tool will suggest up to 50 courses. You can click “Interested” to pass details to universities. UCASUCAS

• Contact universities directly—provide your UCAS ID, Clearing number, and exam results. Be ready to explain why you're interested. The Student RoomUCAS

• If offered, you'll get a verbal offer (often valid for ~48 hours). You then add the choice in your UCAS Hub to officially accept. The Student RoomGoBritanya

You can receive multiple offers, but only add one choice at a time. If it's declined, you can add another. The Student RoomUCAS

🚀 Why Clearing Can Be a Good Option

Clearing isn't just a second chance—it’s often a smart move:

• Many high-ranking universities list available places. Over 26,000 courses were open at launch in 2025. 

• Some students start Clearing even with better-than-expected results simply to ‘trade up’ to their preferred course or university. iqstudentaccommodation.comUCAS

• If you missed your grades by a narrow margin, some universities may still offer flexibility before moving your application into Clearing. The Student RoomThe Uni Guide

🛠 Clearing Preparation Tips

• Make a short list in advance: write down university names, course codes, numbers, and entry requirements. iqstudentaccommodation.comThe Student Room

• Have your UCAS ID, Clearing number, and results ready for calls/email.

• Expect busy phone lines—be patient and quick to act once you’re in Clearing. iqstudentaccommodation.comThe Student Room

• Stay open-minded—Clearing might lead you to a surprisingly great course you hadn’t considered.

Clearing can open doors—if you're ready to act fast, stay calm, and keep an open mind.