If you've changed your mind about the course or university you want to study at, don't worry, Clearing is a straightforward way to get on the course you want at the university that's right for you.
Is it ok to change my mind?
Yes, it's ok to change your mind about the course or the university you want to study at.
Maybe you picked your firm and insurance choices in a rush. Maybe you've realised you'd prefer to study at a university closer to home to save money. Or maybe you've realised you want to study a completely different course. Whatever the reason for your change of heart, thousands of students like you have got a university place through Clearing.
"I got rejected from my first choice, got an offer from my insurance choice, but I decided I didn't want to go there or study in that city. I actually wanted to be in Birmingham, so I applied through Clearing." - Abbie, BA Sociology student
How to change your course through Clearing
If you're thinking about changing your course and going to a different university through Clearing, it's a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide if you've changed your mind:
- Do your research: Universities will post the courses they're offering in Clearing on 5 July 2025. Visit their websites to find out entry requirements, what modules will be covered, how the course is assessed, and to research accommodation if you'll need it.
- Be prepared: Make a list of the universities and courses you want to apply for and how you'll need to apply. Most universities will have a Clearing number; you can add this to your contacts to save stress on results day.
- Get your results: On results day (Thursday 15 August), get your results. If you have a paper copy of your certificates, a digital document or use an online portal, have these to hand before you do anything else. Once you know your grades, you can also use the UCAS points calculator to check that you have the points needed for the course you want to apply for.
- Make the call: Once you have your results to hand and know the course and university you want to apply for, call their Clearing hotline (watch this video to see what will happen on the call). They will want to know what course you're applying for and will need your grades (if you have any BTEC qualifications, they will need to know the exact name, e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate).
- Get your offer: If there is space on the course and you meet the entry requirements, they should offer you a place right away. You'll need to decline any offers you have on UCAS and add your new Clearing choice. You'll get an email letting you know how to do this and your next steps for Student Finance and accommodation.
What if I've got an offer but want to study a different course at the same university?
If you've had an offer from a university but have changed your mind about the course you want to study, the process might be different, so you'll need to double-check. For example, if you've got an offer from BCU but want to change to a different course, you shouldn't use Clearing. You'll need to complete a course change form instead.
Want to know more about how Clearing works? Download our step-by-step guide to Clearing here.
