What is Clearing?
Clearing is UCAS’s system to help fill remaining university course spaces. It’s open to anyone who:
- You're applying after 30th June
- 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”. UCAS, The Student Room.
Key Dates for 2026
Clearing opens
2nd July 2026 The Student Room, UCAS
SQA Results Day
4th August 2026
Clearing entry from 10:00
A Level / BTEC Results Day
13th August 2026
Clearing entry from 13:00
Last day to add clearing choices
19th October 2026 The Uni Guide, UCAS
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 2nd July, use the UCAS Search Tool to explore available Clearing courses—this is the only official vacancy list. UCAS.
- After results, the ‘My Matches’ or Clearing Plus tool will suggest up to 50 courses. You can click “Interested” to pass details to universities. UCAS.
- Contact universities directly—provide your UCAS ID, Clearing number, and exam results. Be ready to explain why you're interested. The Student Room, UCAS.
- 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 Room, GoBritanya.
You can receive multiple offers, but only add one choice at a time. If it's declined, you can add another. The Student Room, UCAS.
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.com, UCAS.
- If you missed your grades by a narrow margin, some universities may still offer flexibility before moving your application into Clearing. The Student Room, The Uni Guide.
Clearing Preparation Tips
Make a short list in advance: write down university names, course codes, numbers, and entry requirements. iqstudentaccommodation.com, The 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.com, The 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.
