Clearing is the part of the UCAS cycle where universities fill places that are still open. It is undergraduate only, and it is open to international applicants as well as UK students. If you do not hold a place, or your results are different from what you expected, Clearing is a legitimate route into a UK university this year.
Who can use Clearing
- You applied through UCAS and hold no offers, or your offers were not confirmed.
- You declined your firm place, or you released yourself into Clearing.
- You are applying for the first time after late June, including from overseas.
If you have not applied through UCAS at all, you can still register and apply directly into Clearing. The fee for a single choice application is lower than a full five choice application.
What universities ask on the call
Clearing decisions are usually made on a short phone call. Have this ready before you dial:
- Your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number.
- Your qualifications and grades, including the awarding body, for example CBSE, WAEC, IB or A levels.
- Your English language evidence, for example IELTS, PTE, or an accepted school qualification.
- The exact course name and any related subjects you would accept.
The part that catches international students out
The offer is only the start. You then need an unconditional place, a CAS from the university, and a Student visa appointment. That chain takes weeks, not days, and appointment availability in August and September is tight in high volume countries.
Two practical decisions to make on day one:
- Ask about deferral. Many universities will hold your Clearing place for January or September next year if the visa timeline does not work.
- Ask about late arrival. Some courses accept enrolment up to two weeks after teaching starts. Get the exact date in writing.
Money and accommodation
You will need maintenance funds evidenced for your visa, and most universities ask for a tuition deposit before issuing a CAS. Accommodation is allocated late in Clearing, so ask whether a guarantee applies to Clearing entrants before you accept.
A sensible order of work
- List five to eight courses you would genuinely accept.
- Call in order of preference, first thing in the morning.
- Get any verbal offer confirmed by email the same day.
- Only add the choice in UCAS Track once you have permission.
- Start the deposit, CAS and visa steps immediately.
Clearing rewards preparation more than luck. If your list, your documents and your visa plan are ready before results day, you can hold a confirmed place within a day.
