What is clearing?

The Clearing system, administered by UCAS, operates between July and October each year and courses with vacancies are indicated on the UCAS search tool. Eligible students are those who have applied through UCAS, but are not holding any confirmed offers, for whatever reason, including if they have declined their firm offer through Track. Every year, thousands of students find HE places through Clearing! There is information and advice on the UCAS website and Careers advisers/teachers at your school or college may be able to support you through the process.

 

How does it work?

For many students Clearing starts on A level results day in mid-August. Lists of unfilled HE places can be viewed on the UCAS website and universities advertise their course vacancies on their websites - in some cases before results day. If eligible, you will automatically be entered for Clearing (you can tell this from your UCAS Track status). Research courses thoroughly; check that the content of the course is what you want. You should then contact the university or college directly, giving your Clearing number, and ask if they will accept you. It's important that you're available to do this. Make sure you prepare for discussions with admissions tutors; think about:

  • your reasons for wanting to do the particular course
  • what you can offer
  • how your future aspirations relate to the course
  • what questions you need to ask.

After you get one or more informal offers over the phone, think carefully before deciding which one you'd like to accept. If at all possible, it's worth visiting the institution if you haven't already been there. When you're offered a Clearing place that you definitely want to accept, you add the course details in UCAS Track. The university or college then confirms the place through UCAS and you can see the confirmation on Track. If you receive an offer and accept it, that is a commitment on your part. Choose carefully.

If possible, you should talk to your tutor and/or a careers adviser about the most suitable course to apply for, bearing in mind your results. For example, if you applied for a very competitive subject, you could consider a related subject instead. Or if your original choices were for honours degrees, consider the possibility of an HND, foundation degree or degree with foundation year, which require lower entry qualifications. HNDs and foundation degrees are recognised HE qualifications in their own right, and, with further study, can lead to an honours degree. Whatever happens, don't panic and jump at the first offer; it's important that any course you accept is suitable for you.

UCAS also operates Clearing Plus, a direct contact service. If you haven't secured a course place, you can opt to 'view matches' on Track and agree to universities and/or colleges contacting you during the Clearing period if they have available places on courses that they think might suit you. However you should also continue to look for courses yourself using the UCAS search tool.