Clearing
Find out all you need to know about what Clearing is, when it starts, and how to prepare and apply.
What is Clearing?
Clearing offers you a chance to find a full time undergraduate course to start in September. Clearing is now closed for 2022 entry.
When does Clearing start?
Clearing starts from the beginning of July each year. If you have your exam results you can apply straight away, however if you don't, you will need to wait until A Level Results Day to be able to apply. We advise you to research your course options early though so that you are prepared when A Level Results Day arrives.
When does Clearing end?
Clearing is now closed for 2022 entry. Usually, Clearing closes around the middle of October or when the courses in Clearing 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. We list our courses from the beginning of July. As soon as you have your exam results, you can apply for the course either online or by calling the university’s Clearing hotline which opens on A Level Results Day 2023.
If you have the required exam results for the course, 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.
Clearing guide
Download our Clearing guide and get all the advice and tips you need ahead of results day.
What is UCAS Extra?
UCAS Extra is a great way to apply to additional universities or different subjects after the initial UCAS deadline date has passed on 25 January 2023. UCAS Extra is open from 23 February to 4 July but you'll need to make sure you're eligible! You can only apply to UCAS Extra if you have either received no offers from your original five choices or if you have changed your mind about the course/subject you wish to study and intend to decline all offers/choices you have.
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 you’ve already applied for
- Your exam results are better than you expected – this is known as Adjustment
How do I apply in Clearing?
1) Check which courses are available
Not all university courses have places in Clearing as they may already be full. We will publish a list of courses which are available in Clearing around the beginning of July 2023. Once you've found a course that you’re interested in, you'll need to check that you have the UCAS tariff points stated and any other specific entry requirements for the course. Sometimes the UCAS tariff points for Clearing are different to the main UCAS entry requirements. Take a look at the courses we offer.
2) Apply online
You will need to have your exam results before you can apply. Once you have your results, you can apply online from the beginning of July. Our Clearing hotline will then open on results day.
What happens after you get an offer?
If we are able to offer you a place, you’ll receive an email telling you what to do next to accept it. You’ll also get some more information with details of the important things you need to do before joining us – like online enrolment, accommodation and student finance.