Applying to university is an exciting but sometimes unpredictable journey. If you didn’t get the offers you hoped for, missed the main UCAS deadline, or changed your mind about your course or university, UCAS offers a vital second chance. This guide covers everything you need to know about what is UCAS Clearing, how it works, your eligibility for the Clearing process, key dates for 2025-26, and practical tips to help you secure a place.
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is your backup plan when things don’t go to plan. It helps you find available university courses in the UK after the results are out. You can use UCAS Clearing if you’ve applied through UCAS but don’t hold any confirmed offers. It connects you with universities still offering places.
You’re eligible for UCAS Clearing if you applied after 30 June, didn’t receive any offers, didn’t meet your offer conditions, or declined your place using the ‘decline my place’ option. You must also have paid the full UCAS application fee of £27.50.
Clearing opens on 5 July and closes on 18 October. Courses appear in Clearing for many reasons. Some students switch courses or drop out. Some universities add extra seats. That means real opportunities for you to step in and claim your place.
Eligibility for UCAS Clearing
You are eligible for Clearing if you:
- Didn’t receive any offers from your original UCAS application.
- Didn’t meet the conditions of your offers.
- Declined all your offers.
- Applied after the 30 June 2025 deadline (late applications enter Clearing automatically).
- Want to change course or university after accepting an offer (via self-release).
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, check your UCAS Hub or contact UCAS directly.
When Does Clearing 2025 Open and Close?
| Date | Event |
| 30 June 2025, 18:00 (BST) | Deadline for UCAS applications with choices; late applications enter Clearing automatically. |
| 4 July 2025 | Last day to add a UCAS Extra choice. |
| 5 July 2025 | UCAS Clearing opens; start researching courses and contacting universities. |
| 14 August 2025 | A-Level results day; Clearing choices can be added from 1pm (BST) |
| 20 October 2025, 18:00 (BST) | UCAS Clearing closes; last date to add Clearing choices. |
Most course vacancies appear in July and early August, so acting early improves your chances.
Steps to Apply for University via UCAS Clearing
Applying through UCAS Clearing might feel daunting, but breaking it down into clear steps can make the process manageable and even empowering. Here’s how to approach it effectively:
- Check Your Eligibility and Clearing Number
After your exam results are released, log into your UCAS Hub. If you’re eligible for Clearing, you will see a Clearing number displayed prominently. This number, along with your personal ID, is essential when contacting universities during Clearing.
- Research Courses with Vacancies
Use the official UCAS Clearing search tool to explore courses that still have places available. You can also use the ‘My Matches’ feature in your UCAS Hub, which suggests courses based on your qualifications and preferences. Keep an open mind and consider a range of courses and universities, including those you may not have originally considered.
- Contact Universities Directly
Once you have found courses that interest you, please get in touch with the admissions team by phone or email. When you call, have your Clearing number, personal ID, and exam results ready. Be clear about your qualifications and explain why you are interested in joining the course. Admissions staff can offer you an informal place if spaces are available.
- Receive a Verbal Offer
If the university is interested, they will usually make a verbal offer during your conversation. This offer might be conditional (depending on final grades) or unconditional.
- Add Your Clearing Choice on UCAS Hub
After receiving a verbal offer, log back into your UCAS Hub and add the Clearing choice to your application. This step confirms your intention to accept the offer and formally registers you for the course.
- Get Confirmation from the University
The university will confirm your place via UCAS Track, usually within 24 hours. Once confirmed, you’re officially accepted and can start preparing for university.
- If You Don’t Get an Offer, Keep Trying
If a university cannot offer you a place, don’t be discouraged. You can continue contacting other universities with vacancies until you find a suitable course or until Clearing closes on 20 October 2025.
- Self-Release of Holding an Offer Elsewhere
If you already hold a confirmed place but want to apply to Clearing for a different course or university, you can use the self-release option in your UCAS Hub to decline your current offer and enter Clearing.
Using UCAS Clearing Plus to Discover Course Options
If you enter Clearing, Clearing Plus can help by matching you to courses that fit your profile. It uses the details from your application and compares them to what universities want.
When you’re unplaced or start a new application, you’ll see a button called ‘My matches’ in your UCAS Hub. Clicking it shows up to 50 course suggestions tailored for you. You can then express interest in those universities. If they still have vacancies and you meet entry requirements, they might contact you.
Clearing Plus saves you time and effort by doing some of the course searching for you. You can still use the regular Clearing search tool to find other options if you prefer.
This service is open to students who apply after 30 June or don’t hold any offers. It’s an extra way to find your next step without the usual stress.
Key Tips to Navigate UCAS Clearing Successfully
Each year, thousands of students apply through Clearing, making it a busy and competitive process. Many courses fill up quickly, especially popular subjects or universities with strong reputations. To improve your chances, it’s essential to be well-prepared, act promptly, and stay organised.
- Apply One Course at a Time – Stay Flexible and Ready:
When you apply through Clearing, you can only add one course choice at a time. If you receive an offer and decide to decline it or if the university rejects your application, you can then apply for another course. This means persistence and flexibility are key during Clearing.
- Reuse Your Original UCAS Application for a Faster Clearing Process:
Your original UCAS application remains valid throughout Clearing. You don’t have to start from scratch; instead, you simply add a Clearing choice to your existing application once you have a verbal offer. This saves time and simplifies the process.
- Prepare Your Documents in Advance:
Before results day, gather all necessary documents, including your exam results, personal statement, UCAS ID, and references. Having these ready will help you provide information quickly when universities ask for it. Also, review your personal statement so you can confidently discuss your motivations and suitability for courses during Clearing calls.
Also read: The Ideal Personal Statement For UCAS
- Stay Calm and Professional When Contacting Universities:
When you contact universities during Clearing, whether by phone or email, remain polite, clear, and confident. Explain your qualifications, why you want to study the course, and ask any relevant questions about the course structure, accommodation, or support services. University staff are there to help, so a respectful and prepared approach can make a strong impression.
- Research Courses and Universities Early:
Don’t wait until results day to start exploring your options. Many universities publish their Clearing vacancies ahead of time. Use the UCAS Clearing search tool or platforms like Whatuni to compare courses, entry requirements, and locations. This research helps you shortlist courses you’re genuinely interested in and increases your chances of success.
- Prepare Emotionally for Clearing:
Clearing can feel overwhelming or stressful, especially if it wasn’t part of your original plan. It’s normal to experience a mix of emotions. Remember that Clearing is a common route for many students and a genuine second chance. Talk through your options with family, friends, or school advisers, and take time to breathe and stay positive.
- Know Who to Contact and When:
Universities often set up dedicated Clearing hotlines, live chats, and callback services during the Clearing period. Be proactive in reaching out early, especially just after results day, when vacancies are most plentiful. Keep a list of contact numbers and course codes handy to make the process smoother.
- Be Ready to Ask Questions:
When speaking to admissions teams, don’t hesitate to ask about scholarships, bursaries, accommodation availability, course content, and any foundation or preparatory year options. These details can influence your decision and help you choose the best fit.
- Understand the Timeline:
Clearing opens on 5 July 2025 and runs until 20 October 2025, but most activity happens immediately after A-Level results day on 14 August 2025. Acting quickly during this period is crucial because popular courses fill fast.
- Use UCAS Support Services:
UCAS offers a range of support including helplines, live chat, and detailed guides. If you feel uncertain or stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to UCAS or your school’s careers adviser for personalised help:
UCAS Undergraduate Helpline:
- Phone (UK): 0371 468 0 468
- Phone (International): +44 330 333 0230
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 18:00 (UK time)
- Text Relay for Hearing Impaired: 18001 0371 468 0 468 (UK) or +44 151 494 1260 (International)
Exam Results Helpline – England:
- Phone: 0800 100 900
- Open: 14 August – 30 August 2025
- Hours: 08:00 – 20:00 Mon-Fri, 10:00 – 17:00 Sat
Exam Results Helpline – Scotland:
- Phone: 0808 100 8000
- Open: 5-8 August 2025
Declining Your Place
If you receive a Clearing offer but decide it’s not the right fit for you, you can decline it and continue searching for other options. Remember, during Clearing, you can only hold one Clearing choice at a time, so declining an offer frees you to apply elsewhere. However, it’s essential to think carefully before declining, as once you accept a place, you’re committed to it.
If you already hold a confirmed university place but want to switch to a different course or university, you can use UCAS self-release. Self-release means giving up your current place voluntarily so you can enter Clearing and apply for a new course that better suits your goals. This process is beneficial if you’ve changed your mind after accepting an offer or want to explore different options.
How to Decline Your Place with UCAS Self-Release:
- Log in to your UCAS Hub account.
- Click the ‘Decline my place’ button on your application page.
- Carefully read the information and answer the confirmation questions.
- Submit your decision to release your place.
- You will receive an email confirming that you are now in Clearing and can apply for other courses.
If you change your mind after self-releasing, contact your university immediately. However, reclaiming your original place is not guaranteed, as it may have been offered to another student.
Clearing Open Days
Many universities hold Clearing open days during July and August. These events allow you to visit campuses, meet staff, and get a feel for the university before applying. Attending open days can help you make informed decisions and show universities that you’re serious about their courses. Keep an eye on university websites for dates and booking details.
UCAS Clearing offers a vital second chance for students to secure a university place, whether you missed the initial deadline, didn’t meet your offer conditions, or changed your mind about your course or university. By understanding the key dates, eligibility criteria, and how the Clearing process works, you can navigate this period with confidence.
Preparation is crucial, research courses early, have your documents ready, and be proactive in contacting universities. Remember, Clearing is not a fallback but an opportunity to find the right course and start your academic journey on your terms.
Ready to make the most of UCAS Clearing 2025? Let UniScholars guide you through every step – from exploring course options to making confident applications, which will help you secure a spot at your desired university.
Also read: Frequently Asked Questions On UCAS Clearing 2025
FAQs
Q. What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a service that helps students find university courses with available places after the main UCAS application deadline has passed. It’s designed for those without offers or who didn’t meet their offer conditions.
Q. When does UCAS Clearing start and end?
UCAS Clearing for 2025-26 opens on 5 July and closes on 20 October. Most activity happens just after A-Level results day on 14 August.
Q. How do I log into UCAS Clearing?
You log into UCAS Clearing through your UCAS Hub or UCAS Track account using your personal ID and password. If eligible, your Clearing number will be displayed there.
Q. Can I apply for medicine through Clearing?
Medicine courses are rarely available through Clearing due to high competition and strict entry requirements. It’s best to check individual university policies.
Q. What do I need to add a Clearing choice?
To add a Clearing choice, you need your Clearing number (if eligible), personal ID, and a verbal offer from a university. Then, you add the Clearing choice via your UCAS Hub or Track account.
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