What is Clearing?

Clearing is the period in which UCAS works in tandem with universities to help fill any available places they may have. Students are eligible to apply for a course through Clearing if they:

gained the exact or better grades than are required, but wish to go to a different university
didn't meet the conditions required
weren't made any offers
declined their offers
submitted their UCAS application after 30 June.

Clearing also gives those who may not have thought about going to university, or have changed their minds about higher education, the opportunity to apply.

When is Clearing, and how long does it last?

Clearing opens in July for those who already have their results and closes at CCCU in October, or earlier if all our courses are filled. This means that there is plenty of time for students to decide if university is right for them, and to apply for their preferred course.

When do university offers come out?

If the person you are supporting has applied to study at university before the January UCAS deadline, they will have received any offers in May. If they applied after the January deadline but before the final deadline at the end of June, they will receive any offers by mid July. Whether they have received any offers or not is often a factor in choosing to apply via Clearing.

When applying via Clearing on or after results day, we will usually make an offer on the same day if we feel like your child is right for their preferred course.

Clearing on A-Level results day

Most students who use Clearing apply on or after A-level results day, which will be on a Thursday in mid August 2026.

How do I know if the person I am supporting is in Clearing?

They can see if they are eligible for Clearing by logging into their UCAS account. If they are eligible for Clearing, their status will say 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started'. A button called 'Add a Clearing choice' will also appear on screen.

On results day

Before doing anything else, remind the person who you are supporting to log into their UCAS account to see their application status. We have a handy guide for Clearing students which explains what to do on the day and how to apply. There's even a guide on how to prepare for making phone calls which is worth reading as a parent or carer.

There are then a two key steps they can undertake to progress through Clearing with us:

Start with Clearing