Clearing can be a headache. From confusing acronyms to a seemingly never-ending parade of deadlines, dates, and cut-offs, it’s enough to scramble your brain.
But it doesn’t have to. We’ve pulled together everything you need to know. (With handy links aplenty.)
What is university clearing in the UK?
Clearing is a set period, usually between July and October each year. During clearing, universities post their remaining places on their undergraduate courses online, allowing students to find one that meets their needs, grades, and preferences. It’s a system that matches university applicants without an offer with universities that have unfilled places. It’s that simple.
Recent years have seen record numbers of students snag their uni spot through clearing - 77,000 students in 2025. So if you’re looking for your uni place through clearing, rest assured you’re not alone.
Students use clearing for a variety of reasons, including last-minute decisions about attending uni, changed preferences, and even getting better results than expected and wanting a place at a more prestigious uni.
And that’s without mentioning international students, many of whom initially apply for a UK uni, but don’t get their desired grades.
But it’s more than just academic matchmaking, and there’s much to consider. Read on for all the information you need. (Maybe bookmark this page, too.)
When is university clearing 2026?
Clearing 2026 will start on 2nd July and end on 19th October.
A-Level results day 2026 is on 13th August for England, Northern Ireland and Wales. This is expected to be the busiest day for clearing, so if you’re able to apply and secure your place before then, it’s worth doing.
Scottish students get their A-Level results on 4th August - this is another busy day for clearing.
When does university clearing start?
Clearing 2026 will open on 2nd July 2026.
You may be wondering why clearing opens before results day. Simply put, it's to give those who are yet to secure any offers, like those who missed the UCAS deadline, the chance to go to university.
Most places at university won’t become available until A-level results are published in August, but if you’re able to find a course you think you’ll love before the post-result rush, it’s worth applying early.
What’s the busiest day for clearing?
A-Level results day across England, Northern Ireland and Wales is usually the busiest day for clearing in the UK. In 2026, it will fall on 13th August.
A-Level results day 2025 was the busiest ever for clearing, with almost 17,000 students securing their place at uni on this day alone.
When does uni clearing end?
Clearing 2026 will end on 19th October 2026.
Keep in mind that the university clearing system works on a first come, first served basis, so it’s important not to leave it too late to find the course you want to study.
Researching courses and universities before the process opens, as well as making a shortlist of those that stand out is a great way to get ahead of the curve. It’s also a wise idea to prepare contact details for the universities you think you’ll be speaking to during the clearing process.
Doing all this will mean you’re more likely to secure your place earlier in the process and will avoid you scrambling around when the deadline approaches.
Friendly reminder: you've got this.
What does it mean if a university is in clearing?
If a university is in clearing it means that it has places on a particular course or courses that it needs to fill for the coming academic year. Unis offer these places through clearing - often with lower entry requirements - to make sure there are enough students on the course for it to run.
FYI: Just because there are places on a course, it doesn’t mean that the university (or the course itself) is ‘bad’. Thousands of places become available every year on a range of courses from English to Law and beyond.
Which universities do clearing?
You’ll find plenty of unis across the UK have places available in clearing. But it’s important to note that not all universities take part. For example, Oxford, Cambridge, and some Russell Group universities don't offer places through clearing.
Do Russell Group unis do clearing?
It depends on the uni. Some Russell Group unis don’t offer places in clearing but there are a few that do, so be sure to check. Russell group universities in clearing include Newcastle University, University of Liverpool, University of Sheffield, and the University of Warwick, as well as a few more.
It’s also worth noting that highly popular courses like midwifery, veterinary science, and medicine often don’t have places via clearing due to the fierce competition for places.
Do universities lower entry requirements in clearing?
Yes, some universities may lower the entry requirements for some of their courses during clearing. It varies from uni to uni and course to course, depending on how many places they have left to fill.
FYI: If you don’t quite make the grades for a course you’re interested in, it’s still worth calling their clearing hotline. In some cases they may still decide to offer you a place. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!
How does uni clearing work?
Wondering how to apply for clearing and if you’ll even need to in the first place?
You’ll be using clearing if:
- You are applying to university after 30th June in any given year.
- You did not receive any offers from universities.
- You do not want to accept the offers you have received.
- You had a conditional offer but did not get the grades required.
From here, your status on UCAS will mention clearing, either stating that ‘clearing has started’ or that ‘you are in clearing’.
Then you can browse available places on the UCAS website, list down those that interest you, and then give them a call to discuss the course and if they can offer you a place.
It’s a much less daunting prospect than you might think, and universities have dedicated teams on-hand to walk you through every stage of the process.
Once you’re sure about a university, you can add that choice to your UCAS, which means you have accepted that offer.
How to apply to uni through clearing
You can apply for clearing from 8am on results day by logging into your personal UCAS profile. If you didn’t receive any offers or didn’t meet the conditions of the ones you had already accepted, you’ll be told that you are now in clearing.
- On the UCAS Track home page, you’ll be able to see your clearing number in the top left corner. Make a note of this – you’ll need it at every step of the process when you’re applying through clearing.
- Use the UCAS course search tool to find universities that have available spaces for the course you want to study. Here, you’ll be able to find contact details for the universities – including special clearing hotline numbers for some. Make a list of potential universities, or even potential courses.
- When you’ve got your shortlist, order them from your most favourite to your least favourite.
- When you’ve done that, you’ll need to prepare all the important information about yourself. Applying through clearing requires your UCAS ID number, your clearing number and your A-level and GCSE results. You’ll need all these things ready when you speak to unis on the phone.
- You may also need to collate your personal statement, portfolios (if applying for a course that may need one, like fine art), and any relevant work experience.
- Think about anything you would personally like to know about the university or courses that interest you. Note down any questions or worries you have and be sure to ask these when you take the next step: calling the institutions.
- Call the universities you’re interested in - their advisors will be able to tell you more about the course. They can often make you a verbal offer of a place during this first phone call.
FYI: Not sure how your grades convert to UCAS tariff points? This guide from SchoolUniGuide breaks down exactly what each grade is worth - useful for quickly checking whether you meet the entry requirements for a course.
How to choose the right university in clearing
It’s easy to feel like the pressure is on during clearing, but it’s still worth taking the time to make sure you’re choosing the right uni and course. After all, it’s going to be the next three years of your life!
Take some time to think about what you want from your uni years - do you want to live in a big city? Or somewhere smaller? What subjects do you enjoy studying? And what kind of job might you want when you graduate? How important are a uni’s overall academic rankings to you?
Once you’ve got a clear idea of your priorities, you can use UCAS to browse the courses available and start calling unis to talk more about your options.
You can also follow prospective university choices on social. This will allow you to get a better feel for their student experience and help you settle in quicker when you do arrive.
If you still feel like you need a bit of help, UCAS have created a “Clearing Plus” tool. If you previously applied, it matches you with options you may be interested in based on your qualifications and grades, the entry requirements and what other students have previously gone on to study in clearing.
FYI: It’s possible to start your planning before results day if you’re worried you might not get the grades you need. Set aside some time to browse universities that offer similar courses to the one you’ve got your heart set on. It’ll narrow down your choices, making the application process much smoother.
How to call unis for clearing
Phone calls can be daunting, and applying through clearing can amplify that anxiety. But rest assured, you’ll be speaking to people who understand your situation and can help you navigate the process.
FYI: It must be you that makes the call—not a parent or guardian.
What to say to universities in clearing
If you’re eligible for a place at that university, and there are still spaces on the course, you’ll be asked some simple questions to determine whether you’re a good fit.
These can include:
- Why are you interested in this university?
- Why are you interested in this specific course?
- Why didn’t you meet your predicted grades?
- Have you taken part in any extra-curricular activities that make you suitable for this programme?
It’s important to answer in as much detail as possible, showing that you’ve read the course descriptions and done your research surrounding what and where you’re applying.
Remember: if you initially applied for a degree in psychology, but are applying for a degree in sports journalism, the admissions officer will need to understand why you’re making such a significant change.
That’s not to say you can’t change your mind – many students do – but choosing a similar course to the one you originally applied for makes your case much stronger.
Top tip: Get a sibling, guardian or friend to help you practise your answers a few times before you start calling the universities on your shortlist.
How long do unis take to reply in clearing?
Things tend to move fast in clearing. In most cases, once a uni is happy you meet their requirements, you can expect to be made an offer over the phone straightaway.
You’ll then need to add the course to your UCAs application as your clearing choice. Following this, the uni will follow up with a formal offer for you to accept.
In some cases, for example fine arts courses, it may take a bit longer to make you a formal offer while the uni team reviews your portfolio.
Can you apply to more than one university through clearing?
You can call and talk to as many unis as you want during clearing. There’s no limit to the number of informal (verbal) offers you can receive. So it’s well worth calling a few different unis to explore your options. That way, you can weigh things up and make the choice that’s right for you.
However, once it comes to adding your clearing choice to UCAS you can only add one university course at a time. You must wait for this choice to be confirmed or rejected before you can add another one. So it’s important to make sure that you add your top choice first.
Can I apply to the same university through clearing?
Not getting into your chosen uni first time around can be disappointing. But in some cases, you may still be able to secure a place there in clearing.
It may be possible to apply to the same university if:
- You apply for a different course at the same uni
- The course you originally applied for is now in clearing and you meet the entry requirements
At the very least, if you’ve got your heart set on a particular uni, it’s worth giving them a call and exploring your options.
How to find clearing accommodation
Can you get accommodation through clearing? Short answer: yes!
Clearing accommodation is often available during the process as student living providers (like us!) keep spaces available for those who are applying for accommodation after clearing.
At Student Roost, you’re able to book university clearing accommodation as soon as you have confirmed your place on a course. If there are a number of options to consider when choosing your university, take a look at our locations and see if they help you make a decision.
Confirming a place and confirming accommodation
Once you’ve confirmed a place at the university you’ve chosen, it’s time to consider where you’re going to be living for the year ahead. You’ll need to consider living costs including what’s included in your rent, the type of room you’ll need.
At Student Roost, all our accommodation is located a short walk away from university campuses, giving you a perfect base for your studies. Whether you’re an early riser or a serial snooze button user, you’ll be able to get to your lectures on time.
As for costs, you'll get all bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance included in your rent – no matter where you’re staying.
Eager to enjoy independent living? We’ve got you. Our studio accommodation gives you access to a self-contained space, allowing for total control of your routines, cleaning, cooking, and more.
Alternatively, you could opt for en-suite student accommodation and share a communal living and cooking space. (Great if you're the social type!)
Whichever you choose, you'll be able to meet your new Roost neighbours in the social spaces (lounges, cinema rooms, gyms and more) just down the hall from your new room.
Best of all, you’ve still got time to tour your accommodation with us by booking a tour or a virtual viewing.
Our top tips from our guide to clearing
Our top student clearing tips
We know that clearing can be a stressful time, regardless of your reasons for going through the process. Staying calm and patient will help you to make the decision that’s right for you.
These tips should help:
- Take the time to explore your course options - UCAS course search and UCAS Plus can help you understand what’s available, so you can choose a course that’s right for you.
- Pick up the phone and ask - even if your grades don’t quite meet the entry requirements, some unis may be willing to offer you a place anyway. It’s always worth asking the question, particularly if there’s somewhere you really want to go.
- Consider where you’ll be living. With Student Roost, you can book accommodation now despite not knowing your grades – where you’ll find friendly faces (both students and staff alike) and excellent facilities and amenities. We have accommodation close to several major universities and city centres to make your time as an undergraduate second to none.
See our clearing accommodation for 2026 to explore your options and book your place.
