A guide to university clearing 2024

So, what is clearing?

Clearing happens around A Level results day. This is when universities start to advertise and make available the remaining places they have available across all their courses. This time period allows students who have not secured a place at university yet (for whatever reason) to speak directly to universities or re-open their UCAS applications again.

The clearing process opened on the 5th July 2024 and closes on the 17th October 2024.

How does university clearing work?

University clearing is a process managed by UCAS that helps students find available university places after the initial offer round. UCAS is regularly updated with new vacancies, allowing students to browse frequently to stay informed about the latest opportunities. Once you receive your exam results, you can use the contact details provided in the search tool to reach out directly to universities and colleges with available spots. 

If a university offers a place and you accept, you will need to add the course as a Clearing choice in their UCAS application. This system provides a valuable opportunity for students to secure a university place even if their initial application was unsuccessful, ensuring that they can continue their educational journey.

Why should you consider clearing?

Now you know what clearing is you probably want to know if you’re able to go through this process yourself. Although the main reason students go through clearing is because they haven’t got the results they wanted, there are also lots of other reasons to go through the clearing process:

1. You might have decided originally that you didn’t want to go to university but have now decided you want to go
2. You applied later than the 30th June
3. You might have achieved higher grades than you were first expecting
4. You might have achieved lower grades than you were first expecting
5. You’ve simply changed your mind about either the course you first chose or the university
6. You might not hold any offers from your original applications

It’s important to understand that clearing doesn’t mean a last resort and should be seen as a second chance.

Do I have to apply to university clearing with a UCAS account?

Despite what you might believe, you don’t have to have a UCAS account to go through the clearing process to apply to university. This differs from uni to uni, but on the whole for the clearing process you can apply and speak directly to the university of your choice if they have places available.

So in essence what we are trying to say is it isn’t too late to apply to university through clearing, no matter what your circumstances might be. You can do this through your UCAS account if you have one or reach out directly to the university itself!

How to log into UCAS clearing?

So if you haven’t got a UCAS account you can register online with UCAS and make an application. UCAS will then send you a Welcome email with details of how to access Track on the UCAS website – this goes live at 8am on A Level results day with your university clearing number which you’ll need to give universities.

Who is eligible to apply to university through clearing?

You can apply to university through clearing if you have no offers after the first round.  This includes situations where you did not receive any offers, declined all your offers, or did not meet the conditions of your offers. That includes if any offers you might have received by going through UCAS Extra.  If you have an offer, but want to apply to university through clearing, then you need to be released from this offer, which can take as long as 10 days. Additionally, if you applied after the 30 June deadline, you are automatically entered into clearing.

International and mature students can also participate in clearing. Essentially, clearing is open to anyone who hasn’t yet secured a university place, giving you a second chance to find a suitable course and institution.

How does university clearing work?

University clearing is a process managed by UCAS that helps students find available university places after the initial offer round. Through the UCAS website, a search tool is regularly updated with new vacancies, allowing students to browse frequently to stay informed about the latest opportunities. Once students receive their exam results, they can use the contact details provided in the search tool to reach out directly to universities and colleges with available spots. This direct communication enables students to discuss their qualifications, ask questions, and express their interest in specific courses. If a university offers a place and the student accepts, they will need to add the course as a Clearing choice in their UCAS application. This system provides a valuable opportunity for students to secure a university place even if their initial application was unsuccessful, ensuring that they can continue their educational journey.

Do all universities do clearing?

Pretty much all UK unis go into clearing to fill up courses that still have places left. However, the there are two exceptions – can you guess which? The renowned University of Oxford and University of Cambridge are the two universities in the UK that do not participate in clearing.

How many university choices can I have through clearing?

Clearing works on a one-by-one basis, so you’ll have one choice at a time. You’ll be able to add another if this choice isn’t accepted by the university.

How to contact universities?