If you didn’t get the grades you expected, changed your mind about your course, or applied late, don’t panic—UCAS Clearing is your second chance to secure a university place. Running from early July until mid‑October, UCAS Clearing connects students with course vacancies across universities in the UK
At Find Study, we help prospective students navigate UCAS Clearing so you can make informed decisions, catch last-minute opportunities, and still find the perfect London university experience.
What Is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a system that lists university courses still accepting applicants. If you haven’t secured a firm or insurance place, or you choose to decline one, you can use Clearing to find a course elsewhere. It’s not just for students who missed offers—many use it to switch courses or institutions.
Thousands secure their place through Clearing each year—over 68,000 did in 2023 alone.
How Does UCAS Clearing Work?
- Eligibility: If you didn’t receive or meet your firm or insurance offer, applied after 30 June, or declined an offer, you’re eligible for UCAS Clearing
- Dates: Clearing opens on 5 July and closes on 20 October 2025. You can start adding choices after getting your exam results
- How it looks: Log in to your UCAS Hub, and if eligible, you’ll see a Clearing number. You can then search courses via UCAS tools or Clearing Plus, a personalised matching system
Why Consider UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing isn’t a fallback. It gives you freedom to:
- Choose universities or courses you didn’t originally apply to
- Move to different cities or university styles
- Take control if your grades or priorities have changed
Take the story of a student who missed a medicine offer—but via Clearing secured a chemistry place at the University of York. Staff made them feel welcomed and supported—turning disappointment into opportunity
Step-by-Step Guide to Using UCAS Clearing
- Prepare early – research universities and courses before Results Day.
- Search vacancies via the UCAS Clearing tool and make a shortlist.
- Contact universities directly—phone or online—and use your Clearing number.
- Add your choice in UCAS Hub only once the university confirms.
- Secure your place, organise finance and accommodation before starting university.
Universities may hold offers for only a few days, so respond promptly—but don’t rush decisions. Gather all information first for a confident choice
Real Student Tips for Clearing
- Use Clearing Plus for personalised course suggestions if you’re unsure where to apply
- Practice your call—admissions staff may ask questions based on your personal statement and grades
- Take breaks—Results Day can be overwhelming. Don’t feel pressured; universities expect you to think things through
Conclusion
UCAS Clearing offers students real options when plans change. It’s not a second-best route—it’s another way to find your academic home. With support from Find Study, you can research, call, and confidently secure your place at a London university—no matter your circumstances.
FAQs
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is the process that matches applicants without confirmed offers to university courses still with vacancies.
Clearing opens on 5 July and closes on 20 October 2025. Choices can be added from around 8 am on results days.
Yes—late applicants who haven’t received offers are eligible and automatically entered into Clearing.
No—preparing early by researching institutions and using Clearing Plus gives you a head-start on Results Day.
Yes—using the self-release function, you can decline your original place and enter Clearing for a different course or university.
