Clearing Overview
University Clearing 2025 offers a second chance to secure a university place if your A-level results didn’t meet expectations or you’re applying late. This all-in-one UCAS Clearing guide from Unifresher simplifies the process, covering eligibility, timelines, application steps, and course selection. Find thousands of Clearing courses across UK universities with our clear, straightforward advice. Start your university journey with confidence. Learn More.
Clearing runs from 5 July to 20 October 2025, matching students with available university places. Whether you’re a UK or international student, Clearing is your path to higher education.
- Opens 5 July 2025 for late applications.
- Available post-results on 14 August 2025.
- Thousands of Clearing courses available.
- Simple, fast process via UCAS Track.
Quick Facts
5 July Clearing Opens
14 August Results Day
20 October Clearing Closes
1000s Courses
What is Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a system that matches students with available university places after A-level results. It’s perfect for those who didn’t meet their firm or insurance offer conditions, applied late, or changed their course preferences. Clearing 2025 connects you to Clearing courses at top UK universities. Unifresher’s guide makes the process clear and stress-free. Explore Clearing.
Clearing is a flexible, fast way to secure a university spot. Universities list vacant places, and you can apply directly through UCAS Track.
- Matches students to vacant university places.
- Open to UK and international students.
- Runs from July to October 2025.
- Apply via UCAS Track.
Who is Clearing For?
Clearing 2025 is for anyone who didn’t secure a university place through their initial UCAS application. This includes students who missed their firm or insurance offer grades, applied after 30 June, or decided to pursue higher education late. Clearing is also for international and mature students looking for university Clearing places.
Unifresher’s Clearing guide helps all eligible students navigate the process. Whether you’re rethinking your course or university, Clearing offers a fresh start.
- Missed firm/insurance offer grades.
- Late applicants after 30 June.
- International and mature students.
- Students changing course preferences.
Clearing Eligibility
UK Students
You’re eligible for Clearing if you’ve applied via UCAS, received your results, and haven’t secured a firm or insurance offer. This includes missing grades, declining offers, or applying after 30 June 2025. You must be registered with UCAS to use Clearing.
International Students
International students with a UCAS application can enter Clearing if they miss offer conditions or apply late. An IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum 5.5 per section) is typically required. Contact universities for specific requirements.
Clearing is also open to mature students and those without a UCAS application, who can register post-results. Check eligibility via ucas.com/clearing.
- UCAS applicants without offers.
- Late applicants post-30 June.
- IELTS 6.0 for international students.
- Open to mature students.
Clearing Timeline
The Clearing process follows a clear timeline. It opens on 5 July 2025 for late applicants and becomes available to all eligible students on A-level results day, 14 August 2025. Clearing closes on 20 October 2025, so act fast to secure your university place.
Start preparing before results day to stay ahead. Unifresher’s timeline guide ensures you know key dates and deadlines. Check UCAS.
- 5 July: Clearing opens for late applicants.
- 14 August: A-level results day.
- 31 August: Last day to add Clearing choice.
- 20 October: Clearing closes.
Results Day Guide
A-level results day on 14 August 2025 is when Clearing ramps up. Check UCAS Track at 8:00 AM to see your offer status. If you’re in Clearing, start contacting universities immediately. Have your UCAS ID, grades, and course preferences ready. Unifresher’s guide simplifies results day prep.
Stay calm and contact universities early. Many Clearing places are filled within hours. Use UCAS’s Clearing tool to find available courses.
- Check UCAS Track at 8:00 AM.
- Contact universities on results day.
- Have UCAS ID and grades ready.
- Act fast to secure places.
Preparing for Clearing
Preparation is key for Clearing success. Before results day, research universities and Clearing courses that match your interests and grades. Update your personal statement and prepare a 30-second pitch for phone calls. Log into UCAS Track early to check eligibility. Unifresher’s Clearing guide offers step-by-step prep tips.
Shortlist 3–5 universities and courses. Have your UCAS ID, results, and contact details ready for quick action on results day.
- Research Clearing courses early.
- Update your personal statement.
- Prepare a 30-second phone pitch.
- Shortlist 3–5 universities.
How to Apply
Applying through Clearing is simple with UCAS Track. Log in, confirm you’re in Clearing, and add one Clearing choice at a time. Contact universities directly to discuss your grades and interest. If offered a place, accept it on UCAS Track by 31 August 2025. Unifresher’s guide makes the process clear. Start Applying.
Call universities early, be polite, and know your grades. Once accepted, your Clearing choice is confirmed within 24 hours.
- Log into UCAS Track.
- Contact universities directly.
- Add one Clearing choice.
- Accept offer by 31 August.
Finding Clearing Courses
Find Clearing courses for 2025 using UCAS’s Clearing tool, university websites, or Unifresher’s course listings. Popular courses include Business, Psychology, Engineering, and Creative Arts. Check entry requirements and available places before applying. Search Courses.
Filter courses by grades, location, and subject. Call universities to confirm availability and discuss your fit.
Making a Clearing Choice
Choosing a Clearing course involves comparing universities, course content, and career prospects. Visit campuses virtually or in-person, and talk to admissions teams. Consider location, facilities, and student support. Unifresher’s guide helps you make an informed Clearing choice.
Prioritise courses that align with your career goals. Confirm entry requirements and check university rankings for quality.
- Compare course content and prospects.
- Visit campuses or join virtual tours.
- Check university rankings.
- Ensure alignment with career goals.
After Acceptance
Once you accept a Clearing offer on UCAS Track, arrange accommodation (£120–£200/week for halls) and apply for student finance by 31 August 2025. Confirm your place within 24 hours and prepare for university life. Contact your university for orientation details. Apply for Finance.
Organise visa (if international), accommodation, and course materials. Universities offer support to ease your transition.
- Confirm offer within 24 hours.
- Apply for student finance by 31 August.
- Arrange accommodation early.
- Contact university for orientation.
Clearing for International Students
International students can use Clearing 2025 to secure UK university places. You need a UCAS application, IELTS 6.0 (5.5 minimum per section), and a student visa. Clearing courses are available from July, with fees at £15,000–£20,000/year. Contact universities for visa support. Email UCAS.
Unifresher’s guide simplifies Clearing for international students. Apply early to secure visas and accommodation.
- IELTS 6.0 required.
- Fees: £15,000–£20,000/year.
- Visa support available.
- Apply via UCAS Track.
Clearing for Mature Students
Mature students (over 21) can use Clearing to start or return to university. No UCAS application? Register post-results. Clearing accepts alternative qualifications like Access courses or work experience. Contact universities to discuss your background. Explore Options.
Flexible Clearing courses suit career changers. Universities offer tailored support for mature students.
- Open to students over 21.
- Accepts Access courses, work experience.
- Register post-results if needed.
- Tailored university support.
Common Clearing Mistakes
Avoid common Clearing mistakes to secure your place. Don’t rush into unsuitable courses, delay contacting universities, or forget to confirm offers on UCAS Track. Unifresher’s guide helps you sidestep pitfalls for a smooth Clearing process.
Research courses thoroughly, call early on results day, and double-check entry requirements to avoid rejection.
- Don’t rush into unsuitable courses.
- Call universities early on results day.
- Confirm offers on UCAS Track.
- Check entry requirements carefully.
Alternatives to Clearing
Not sure about Clearing? Consider alternatives like UCAS Adjustment (if you exceeded grades), gap years, apprenticeships, or foundation courses. Reapply for 2026 with a stronger application. Unifresher’s guide explores all options to find your path. Explore Alternatives.
Gap years offer work experience, while apprenticeships combine study and work. Foundation courses bridge qualification gaps.
- UCAS Adjustment for better grades.
- Gap year for work experience.
- Apprenticeships with study.
- Foundation courses for entry.
Contact UCAS
Get support from UCAS’s Clearing team for application queries, eligibility, or technical issues. Call or email for fast, friendly advice. Unifresher’s guide includes all contact details to keep you on track. Contact UCAS.
UCAS advisors are available during Clearing hours (8:00 AM–8:00 PM on results day). Check the website for updates.
- Phone: +44 (0)371 468 0468
- Email: clearing@ucas.com
- Website: ucas.com/clearing
- Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (results day)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply through Clearing without a UCAS application?
Short answer: You’ll need a UCAS application first. If you haven’t applied yet, you can submit a late application and then use Clearing if you’re not holding an offer.
How it works: Create/Sign in to your UCAS Hub, submit an application, and once you’ve received decisions (or if you apply after 30 June), you can use Clearing to find a place. You’ll then speak to universities, get informal permission to add them, and add a single Clearing choice in your Hub for confirmation.
- Submit your UCAS application (late applications are accepted).
- Make sure you have your qualifications, personal statement, and referee details ready.
- Use Clearing to contact unis and add your agreed choice in the Hub.
Tip: Keep your phone, UCAS number, grades, and course codes to hand to speed things up.
How do I know if I’m in Clearing?
Sign in to your UCAS Hub. If you’re eligible, you’ll see an option like “Add a Clearing choice”. You may be in Clearing if you didn’t receive any offers, declined the ones you had, or missed the conditions of your firm and insurance choices on results day.
- Check your application status in the UCAS Hub.
- If eligible, start shortlisting courses and calling universities the same day.
- Once a uni agrees to consider you, you can add that course as your Clearing choice.
Heads up: Many places go fast on results day morning—have your shortlist ready.
Can I use Clearing if I already have an offer?
Yes—but you’ll need to release yourself first. In the UCAS Hub you can decline your place to become free to use Clearing. Only do this when you’ve spoken to other universities and are confident about alternative options, as declining is a big step.
- Call the uni you want to join via Clearing before you release your place.
- Confirm they will consider you and note any reference/permission they give.
- Decline your existing place in the Hub, then add your Clearing choice.
How long does it take to get a Clearing offer?
It can be the same day (sometimes within hours) if you call early and meet the entry criteria. Some universities may take longer if they need to review subjects, portfolios, or additional checks. After a verbal agreement, you’ll add your Clearing choice in the UCAS Hub and wait for the university to confirm it.
- Call as soon as lines open on results day.
- Have your UCAS number, grades, course codes, and contact details ready.
- Check the Hub frequently for status updates and emails from the uni.
Can international students apply for Clearing?
Yes. International applicants can use Clearing if they have a UCAS application and are not holding a confirmed place. You’ll follow the same process—speak to universities, secure permission, then add a single Clearing choice in the UCAS Hub.
- Have academic transcripts and English-language evidence ready (e.g., IELTS).
- Ask the university about CAS/visa timelines before you commit.
- Consider accommodation and arrival dates to meet enrollment windows.
Tip: Start early—visa lead times and document checks can affect your start date.
What if I miss the Clearing deadline?
Clearing typically closes in October. If you miss it, consider foundation years, January starts (where available), apprenticeships, or reapplying for the next cycle with a stronger application. You can also contact universities directly about any late-entry options.
- Ask target universities about spring/January intakes or foundation routes.
- Use the extra time to strengthen your personal statement and experience.
- Explore apprenticeships or alternative pathways that fit your goals.
Can I apply to multiple Clearing courses?
You can talk to as many universities as you like during Clearing, but you can only add one Clearing choice at a time in the UCAS Hub. If a choice is unsuccessful or you change your mind, you can add another.
- Call several universities to compare entry criteria and course fit.
- Add your preferred agreed course as your Hub Clearing choice.
- Wait for confirmation; if not successful, choose the next best option.
What’s the difference between Clearing and Adjustment?
Adjustment has been discontinued by UCAS. Historically, Adjustment was for students who exceeded their firm conditions and wanted to switch. Today, if you want to change to a different course or university after meeting/exceeding your grades, the route is to use Clearing—speak to the new university first, then follow the Clearing process via the UCAS Hub.
- Speak to the new university about availability and suitability.
- Follow the Clearing steps (permission → add choice → confirmation).
- Only release/decline your current place when you’re confident.