Clearing is not a single day. It opens in early July and runs until mid October, with the busiest 48 hours around A level results day.
Key dates for 2026 entry
- Early July: Clearing opens and vacancy listings go live on UCAS.
- Early August: Scottish Highers results are released.
- Thursday 20 August 2026: A level results day. Places move fastest on this day and the day after.
- Mid to late September: Most courses start teaching, so remaining vacancies shrink sharply.
- Mid October: Clearing closes for the cycle.
Universities publish their own cut off for accepting Clearing applicants, and it is often earlier than the UCAS close date. Always confirm the individual course deadline on the call.
Working backwards if you need a visa
The Clearing deadline is not your real deadline. Your real deadline is the last date you can enrol.
- Unconditional offer and tuition deposit: within a few days of accepting.
- CAS issued: usually one to two weeks after the deposit clears.
- Student visa decision: standard processing is around three weeks, with priority services available in many countries.
- Late enrolment: commonly allowed up to about two weeks after teaching starts, but confirm in writing.
If those steps do not fit before the course cut off, ask to defer rather than lose the place.
What to do on each day
- Before results day: build a shortlist, note the phone numbers, and check entry requirements for your qualification.
- Results day morning: check UCAS Track first, then call your firm choice if you narrowly missed.
- Results day afternoon: call your Clearing shortlist in order and take notes on every conversation.
- Within 24 hours: add your Clearing choice once you have permission, then start deposit and visa steps.
