Guide to UCAS Clearing

Clearing can also be useful if you've changed your mind about the course you originally applied for and want to go for a different one.

When does Clearing 2026 begin and close?

Clearing 2026 starts on 2 July and closes on 19 October. Students who haven't met the entry requirements for their chosen courses, or haven't got an offer from a UK university, are automatically entered into Clearing. Those applying after 6pm on 30 June can also apply in this way. You can't secure a place through Clearing until you have your exam results.

What do I need to know about Clearing?

Find out how students just like you got their place through Clearing. In our Clearing success stories, they share their expeirences of results day, how they found their course, and some top tips to help you prepare for Clearing.

Declining your place

Any applicant who already holds a place at a university can decline it to release themselves into Clearing. You can then apply to a different university or course through Clearing on your UCAS Hub.

How to use 'Decline your place' on UCAS Hub

• Sign in to your Hub account.
• Click the ‘Decline my place’ button on your application.
• You'll be taken to a page explaining what this entails and asked to complete a set of questions to confirm your decision.
• You'll then get an email confirming you’re in Clearing.

If you decline your place by mistake, phone the university straight away. There is no guarantee you'll be able to reclaim your place as it may be offered to another applicant.

If you decline your place, you will also be giving up any accommodation or scholarships that may have been arranged with that university. If you wish to change to another course at the same university, it is better to call them first before declining your place.

If you decline your place at your firm choice, you enter Clearing. If you want a place at your insurance university, call them to see if they'll accept you before releasing yourself from your firm choice.

Self-releasing into Clearing is a simple process, but make sure you clearly understand what it means to do this.

Word of caution

You should think extremely carefully before declining your place and moving into Clearing – your existing university place is unlikely to remain open if you change your mind. Changing universities at this stage means you’ll have to reapply for accommodation and update your student finance application.

How to apply through Clearing

It's up to you to find a university prepared to accept you. The best way is to check our Clearing course search, search on UCAS, or look on the university website.

Then you must phone the university you are interested in and tell them what course you'd like to do. If they have a vacancy, they'll usually take your details and either give you a decision straight away or very soon afterwards.

How to use our Clearing course search

Our Clearing course search can help you find your perfect course, with filters for region, results and even what your chance of acceptance is. Our video explains how to make the most out of it.

Important things to remember if you need to use Clearing (or you want to look around for another opportunity)

• Prepare in advance – make a list of possible UCAS Clearing courses and universities you’re interested in. Put them in priority order to help when looking at the Clearing listings after they're published.
• Apply as soon as you have your results and make sure you're available on results day.
• Don’t be put off by the bad press – Clearing is now a buyer’s market. Many universities in the top 20 of our league table will have some vacancies in Clearing.
• Regularly check your UCAS Hub – if you become eligible, an ‘add Clearing choice’ option will appear.
• Check the official Clearing listings – you’ll find these on UCAS or university websites.
• Consider other courses – maximise your choice by considering a joint course with another subject instead of a single subject course.
• Start calling possible universities straight away, as vacancies at higher-ranked universities can be filled quickly.
• Have your UCAS Clearing number at hand for any phone calls.
• Always phone the university yourself – you’re unlikely to be offered a place if you can’t speak for yourself (unless you have a disability that prevents this, of course).
• Keep going – if you’re not having much luck on the phone, try sending an email.
• Don’t forget you can only add one Clearing choice at a time.

Helplines

If you need more help, there are hotlines you can call for advice about Clearing and your exam results. UCAS and many exam boards and universities can also be contacted on social media platforms like Facebook.

• UCAS: 0371 468 0 468 (UK callers) or +44 330 3330 230 (if you're calling from outside the UK).
• For those with hearing difficulties: Text Relay service on 18001 followed by the relevant number (UK callers) or +44 151 494 1260 (callers outside the UK) – you'll need to ask the operator to dial the relevant number.
• The SQA candidate advice line: 0345 279 1000.
• Skills Development Scotland's results helpline: 0808 100 8000.

You have time to be rational and look at all the options – it's not just a new university place you’re considering; there are knock-on considerations, such as accommodation, student finance and securing a part-time job.

Some universities accept direct applications from UK students as well as via UCAS, particularly for two-year degrees, part-time courses, or courses that start in July or January – exploit this opportunity!

James Seymour, Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at the University of Northampton

When to apply through Clearing

Key dates

• 2 July – Clearing opens. You can start researching available courses.
• 4 August – SQA results day. Students in Scotland can now apply through Clearing if they didn't get the results they were expecting. UCAS Hub will show 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started'.
• 13 August – A Level results day. Students in the rest of the UK can now apply through Clearing if they didn't get the results they were expecting. UCAS Hub will show 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started'. 
• 19 October – last day of Clearing. This is your final opportunity to add a Clearing option in UCAS Hub.

Clearing is commonly used by students who didn’t get into their firm and insurance choice universities. However, many students use it strategically.

You might also want to take a gap year or a mini-gap year, so you may not have to rush through Clearing. Some universities offer January entry points or courses starting the following year, letting you take stock, save money or secure accommodation.

Apply by using our Clearing course search.

Using Clearing strategically

You may be able to find a different university you'd rather go to and have time to avoid making a hasty decision.

Some students will prefer to wait until they have their results and see what university courses are available to them on the day through Clearing and apply directly.

This can be risky, as you may not get the right course, but if you're making a late decision, especially about whether university is for you or not, this could be a good strategy.

If you're considering declining an offer, it’s worth calling the university to talk to them about your situation to see if they can help.

Bear in mind not all universities advertise places in Clearing. For example, Oxford and Cambridge never take part in Clearing. You also won't find Clearing places for courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry.

Clearing open days

Many universities run open days for Clearing applicants (and their parents and carers) to visit the campus, view the facilities and talk to staff and students.

Even if there isn't an official opportunity to visit, you can still contact the university and try and see the place before making a firm commitment. As long as there’s not too long a gap between getting an offer and making the visit, a university will generally hold open the offer of a place.