Clearing is a way to apply for university if you don’t already have a place confirmed. It helps students find available courses after they receive their results, change their mind about their course or uni, or if they decide to apply after the UCAS deadline. Thousands of students like you get into university through Clearing every year.
When does Clearing open?
Clearing opens from the beginning of 5 July 2025 (early July every year). If you have your exam results you can apply straight away. If you don't have your results, you'll be able to apply on A Level, BTEC, and T Level results day on Thursday 14 August 2025.
Tip: research your course options early, so you're prepared when results day arrives.
If you're also waiting to receive GCSE results, you may need to wait until GCSE results day on Thursday 21 August 2025 to apply.
When does Clearing end?
Clearing closes on Monday 20 October 2025, or when courses are full.
How does Clearing work?
A university will publish a list of the courses which have places available to start in the coming September. As soon as you have your exam results, you can apply for the course either online (from July until mid-August) or by calling the university's Clearing hotline which opens on A Level, BTEC and T Level results day. Our hotline number is 0121 331 6777.
If you have the UCAS points you need for the course as, as well as any other requirements, you can be made an offer in Clearing. Once you have been made an offer, you will receive an email from the university which explains what you need to do next to accept your offer and make arrangements for student finance or accommodation if you need it.
When do A Level, BTEC and T Level results come out?
Results Day falls in August each year. In 2025, results day will be on Thursday 14 August. You may have to go into your school or college to collect your grades – exact times and details will vary.
Before your school opens you can usually log on to UCAS Track to find out whether your status has changed and if you have met your offer. However, this won’t give you any details about how many UCAS tariff points you have. If you call a University Clearing hotline, you will need to have your grades before you can get an offer. Make sure you've got your certificate to hand.
Who can apply in Clearing?
There are many reasons why you might want to apply for university in Clearing:
- Your exam results are worse than you expected
- You decide to apply at the last minute
- You change your mind about the course or university you’ve already applied for
- Your exam results are better than you expected
