Calling UCAS Clearing hotlines
Calling a university through UCAS Clearing can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure how Clearing works or what to expect on the call.
CONTENTS
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When does Clearing open in 2026?
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Calling a Clearing hotline
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Where do I find Clearing hotline numbers?
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When to call a university
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Preparing for Clearing calls – checklist and top tips
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After the call
When does Clearing open in 2026?
UCAS Clearing 2026 runs from 2 July to 19 October.
UCAS Clearing is how universities fill remaining course places for the coming year, and calling a university is often part of the application process.
You might use Clearing if:
- You don't hold any offers of a university place.
- You didn't meet the conditions of your offers, such as not getting the grades you hoped for on results day.
- You decide to decline your place and change to a different university or course.
- You haven't applied before 30 June and are applying directly through Clearing.
It helps to understand how UCAS Clearing works and how to apply for Clearing before you start calling universities. You can find out more from our Guide to UCAS Clearing and Clearing and results day FAQs.
Calling a Clearing hotline
Calling a university may sound scarier than it is. The people at the end of the line are there to help you and will be experienced in putting students at ease.
It'll involve you confirming your grades and answering a few short questions. Some courses may ask for more in-depth information, but even these can be answered well with a little preparation.
For more information on practising your responses, read our guide on preparing for your university Clearing call.
It may feel like an informal interview, but admissions tutors want to see your enthusiasm for the course and the university.
Where do I find Clearing hotline numbers?
When UCAS Clearing opens, you can find university Clearing hotline numbers using our Clearing course chooser. Search by subject or university, then click the green CALL NOW button to reveal the number.
If you’re using a mobile, tapping CALL NOW will open your phone’s dial screen with the Clearing number ready to call.
Clearing hotlines are different from a university’s general contact number, so always use the number shown when searching for Clearing courses.
When to call a university
When Clearing opens, plan ahead to avoid making hasty decisions on results day.
Before results day, check which courses are in Clearing and prioritise the unis you want to call. Look into the course modules, university location, accommodation available, and so on.
You can also call universities before you get your grades to see if they'll consider you. If you pre-register with your chosen universities, your application can be reviewed in advance and you'll be first to hear about course vacancies.
On results day, call universities as soon as possible after getting your results. Vacancies fill up fast on results day and many courses are typically filled within the following week.
University websites will say what time their hotlines open on A Level results day – usually from around 8am. They may be closed on a Saturday or Sunday, and the process is usually slower after the weekend.
- READ MORE
- Results day 2026
Preparing for Clearing calls – checklist and top tips
Before you call a university to apply through Clearing, make sure you have everything ready. Our checklist and top tips below will help you prepare before you pick up the phone.
Clearing call checklist
- Your UCAS ID.
- Clearing number (if applying through Clearing).
- A list of the unis you want to call and their hotline numbers.
- A list of the courses you’re interested in, and any course codes.
- Your grades – both A Levels and GCSEs (or equivalent).
- Paper and pen to make notes. For example, unis may give a specific course code for competitive courses where places fill quickly.
- Any notes of what you want to say or questions you’d like to ask.
- Your personal statement, to refresh your mind.
- Fully charged phone and laptop.
- Quiet space to talk in.
Top tips for Clearing calls
- Keep your computer close by if possible so you can find information online quickly.
- If you're expecting an online interview, check your technology is working first.
- Many unis use either Microsoft Teams or Zoom – both of which are free to accept an invitation from, even if you don't have an account of your own.
- During the Clearing process, stay flexible and be prepared to consider different courses. You could ask if you are eligible for other courses and see what the university offers.
Read our Clearing success stories to learn how real students got their university place through Clearing.
Calling Clearing hotlines can feel daunting, but as long as students have done their research about the courses available and are prepared with questions about things they want to know, Clearing can be a gateway to exciting new paths. Stay calm, be confident and enthusiastic and don’t feel pressured into making a quick decision. Good luck! Dan Barcroft, Director of Admissions at the University of Sheffield
After the call
You can call lots of universities, and you don’t have to settle on the first one that gives you an offer.
Don’t feel pressured. You can take the time you need to consider an offer – let the uni know you’re going to think it through.
If the university makes a Clearing offer, they will send an email with details showing you how to add them to your UCAS Hub. The email should include information about the course and the deadline to respond before the offer expires.
On the UCAS Hub:
- Only add a Clearing choice if a university has said it can offer you a place.
- You must add the course details before the deadline the uni gave you expires, or the place may no longer be available.
- You can’t change your Clearing choice until the uni has made its decision.
- If the university confirms your place in the UCAS Hub, it means you are committed to that course.
If you’ve received a Clearing offer from another university that you’re not accepting, phone them to decline the offer, as they may be holding it for you and can give it to someone else.
Next steps
You may be able to visit the university on a Clearing open day before (or after) you accept the offer. This gives you a chance to meet staff and students, look around departments and accommodation, and get an idea of what it’ll be like studying there.
If you’ll be heading to a different university, you’ll need to sort out accommodation and update your student finance information. Always check if the university can offer accommodation to Clearing and insurance choice students. Accommodation is often oversubscribed and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Read more about sorting out your accommodation and finance after going through Clearing in our guide to getting ready for uni.
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