For those wishing to go to university, getting the right grades is important.
But it doesn’t always work out as planned, and you may not get those results you were hoping for.
Fear not, UCAS Clearing helps out thousands of students each year, and here is all to know about it and how to apply.
University Clearing Guide
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a vital system that, each year, helps students all over the country find university and college places on courses that still have availability.
According to the UCAS website, there are more than 30,000 courses that remain unfilled after the main applications have ended.
It helps universities fill their courses, but is also a vital tool for helping a variety of students.
Whether students didn’t receive any offers or failed to meet the conditions to get accepted, UCAS Clearing can help find a place.
There may be students who have changed their mind about their course or university or later applicants looking for a route in, they can all use UCAS Clearing.
📝 Make a list of your favourite Clearing courses now, and have your ‘plan B’ ready for results day, just incase you need it: https://t.co/YLg1h3SxkO pic.twitter.com/ZbLaCVp3bZ
— UCAS (@ucas_online) August 11, 2025
More information on Clearing can be found on the UCAS website.
How to apply for UCAS Clearing 2025
UCAS Clearing typically runs from July to October each year, and this year is no different, with the service already open and remaining so until October 20.
Students can apply for a course using Clearing if they’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places.
Before applying officially, see which courses are available using the UCAS search tool, and keep checking as universities can update options regularly and some might get vacancies later on.
Students should also contact universities, give them their Clearing number found in their application, and their Personal ID.
How to Appeal Your Exam Results
Ask if they’d accept you and get informal offers and learn about accommodation options and/or visit the campus.
Once you are ready to apply, follow these steps:
- On your UCAS application, click ‘Add Clearing choice’, and fill in the course details by the date given by the university/college
- Once done, this will count as you accepting the offer, so if they confirm, it’ll show as an acceptance on your ‘Choices’ page in your application
- Students can only add one choice at a time, but if the university/college doesn’t confirm your place, you’ll be able to add another
- If the university/college confirms your place, find your student accommodation and then make sure you get everything ready to start your studies
You can add a Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub from 1pm UK time on A Level results day this Thursday, August 14.
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If you have not already applied for university and wish to do so through Clearing directly, you first need to register and make an application.
You will only be able to add a choice after you’ve submitted your application.
UCAS will then send you a welcome email, with details of how to access your application, and your Clearing number.
