Good news: There’s Still Time to Apply and Start at a UK University this Fall

UCAS Clearing Explained: A Guide for Students and Families

Every summer, thousands of students in the UK — and increasingly from around the world — secure university places through UCAS Clearing. Once thought of as a last-minute scramble for students who didn’t meet their offers, Clearing has evolved into a structured process that offers flexibility, new opportunities, and in some cases, even a fresh start for the upcoming academic year.

In this article, I’ll explain what Clearing is, how it works, when results are released, who can take part (including international students), and what to keep in mind when navigating the process.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is UCAS’s system that allows students to apply for university places that haven’t yet been filled. Universities use Clearing to match available spaces with applicants, while students can use it to:

• Secure a place if they don’t have an offer.
  
• “Trade up” if they receive better results than expected.
  
• Rethink their options over the summer.
  
• Apply to university for the first time, even if they never submitted an application earlier in the year.
  

According to UCAS statistics, in recent years, nearly 22,000 students entered university for the first time through Clearing. This shows that it’s no longer a fallback option but a pathway many students actively choose.

👉 Read more on UCAS’s official Clearing guide →

When Does Clearing Take Place?

Clearing opens on July 5th each year and runs until October 20th. That’s over three months for students to research courses, contact universities, and make decisions — much more than the single “results day” many people imagine.

TIP – Nominated Access: When you fill out the UCAS application, nominate a parent or relative to act on your behalf since UCAS will not speak to anyone else about your application unless you give them nominated access.

Here’s how the timeline works:

• Before results day (see key results dates below): Students can research courses in Clearing, call universities for information, and prepare a shortlist of options.
  
• On results day and after: Once grades are released, students can call universities to discuss their results and receive a verbal offer over the phone.
  
• 24 September: The final deadline to submit a brand-new UCAS application if you haven’t applied yet.
  
• 20 October: Clearing officially closes.
  
• 21 October: Universities must confirm all offers made through Clearing.

Key Results Days:

• IB Results Day: 6 July 2025
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: 5 August 2025
  
• A-levels, T-levels, BTEC: 14 August 2025
  
• GCSE (for students with conditional GCSE requirements): 21 August 2025
  
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 22 August 2025
  

👉 See UCAS results day details here

Who Can Use Clearing?

Clearing is open to:

• Students who applied through UCAS but did not receive any offers.
  
• Students who did not meet the conditions of their firm or insurance choices.
  
• Students who decline their firm place in favor of a Clearing option.
  
• Students who did not apply earlier in the cycle but now want to start in September.
  

What about international students?

Clearing is open to all applicants—UK, EU, and international. UCAS explicitly states that Clearing is available to all applicants, regardless of nationality, as long as they apply through UCAS.

This marks a change from years ago when Clearing was seen as mainly for UK and EU students. Today, universities actively welcome international applicants through Clearing. The key consideration for international applicants today, however, is timing: applying later may mean tighter deadlines for visas and accommodation, so families should act quickly once a decision is made.

👉 UCAS International Applicants Guide

Can I Start a New UCAS Application in August?

Yes. If you haven’t applied yet, you can still submit a brand-new UCAS application until 24 September and enter directly into Clearing. This means even in August, if you decide you’d like to start university that autumn, it’s possible to apply from scratch — provided courses are still open and you can meet requirements like funding, visas, and accommodation.

👉 Check UCAS application deadlines

How to Take Part in Clearing

Clearing is a two-step process:

1. Research Phase (before results days)
   
   • Use the UCAS course search tool and filter for “Courses in Clearing.”
     
   • Contact universities by phone to ask about courses, accommodation, and entry requirements.
     
   • Prepare a shortlist of options.
     
2. Action Phase (after results days)
   
   • Once you have your results, call universities to share your grades.
     
   • If they make you a verbal offer, you can then add that choice in your UCAS application under “Add Clearing Choice.”
     
   • Only once you accept a Clearing offer will it become official.
     

Universities strongly prefer phone calls to emails, since offers move quickly and results-day inboxes often overflow

What Families Should Keep in Mind

Clearing can be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity. Families can support students by:

• Helping with research and note-taking.
  
• Modeling how to make a professional Clearing phone call.
  
• Staying calm and flexible if students change direction.
  

Remember, many students use Clearing to move into courses that are a better fit for their interests and abilities.

Key Things to Be Aware Of

• Not every course is in Clearing: Medicine, for example, is rarely available through this route.
  
• Offers may be more flexible: Universities sometimes lower entry requirements slightly during Clearing.
  
• Time is on your side: Clearing runs until 20 October, so it’s not just about rushing on results day.
  
• Visa and housing considerations for international students: Applying later may mean tighter deadlines, so move quickly once you know your choice.
• Having Trouble and need help: Search the FAQs first or Contact UCAS Customer Service

Clearing as an Opportunity, Not a Last Resort

Clearing is not just a backup plan – it’s a powerful route into university that thousands of students (including international applicants) use each year. Whether you didn’t meet your offers, exceeded expectations, or are applying for the first time, Clearing provides time and space to make thoughtful, well-researched decisions about your next steps.

With preparation, clear communication, and support from family, it can be the pathway to the right university and course for you.

👉 Explore the official UCAS Clearing Guide here

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