Understanding UCAS Clearing and How it Works
This morning, thousands of young adults across the UK and Wales will find out if all those hours of study and revision have paid off. As well as the usual anticipation, dread and excitement, students more than ever will be aware of their need to prepare. Applying to university has never been so complicated and for some, as the reality of Clearing dawns it is important to understand just how the UCAS Clearing system works.
Finding Alternative Courses
Clearing is when universities and colleges offer any remaining course places after exam results are released, so it’s the perfect way for students who’ve missed out on their first choice to find another course. Here’s what you need to know:
• Clearing is available from July 5th 2025 until October 21st 2025.
• Students who already have their exam results but have no offers can use Clearing from July.
• Students who have conditional offers but whose results did not go to plan can use Clearing from results day, August 14th 2025.
UCAS says that if students are flexible on the subject they want to study, their results are reasonable, and they are willing to study in a different location, then there is still a good chance they will find another course.
How Does Clearing Work?
Clearing allows students to identify any courses that may have vacancies. From there, students can contact the course providers directly to see if they will offer them a place on the course. Students will be made aware that they are in Clearing when the Track status shows ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’.
If you believe you should be in Clearing but your Track status has yet to change, it could be that your results haven’t updated. In this case, it is advisable to contact the universities that you initially applied to, as they may still be considering you even if your results are lower than expected.
Asking for Advice
Results day can be extremely daunting, especially for those who don’t get the results that they were hoping for. Don’t suffer in silence. Instead, talk to an adviser at your school, college, or even your careers office. They can talk you through your options and help find alternative courses.
Choosing a Course
UCAS will share the official vacancy list online. You can search by subject, provider, or location. Don’t be afraid to consider courses you hadn’t originally applied for.
The online list is continually updated. Some courses might be full, so you may not be able to find the exact course or university you’re looking for. However, some courses may become available later, so it’s essential to keep checking back.
Talking to Universities
If you are interested in any universities, it’s advised that you speak to them to make them aware of you. First and foremost, give them your Clearing number and your Personal ID number, allowing them to see your application online.
Don’t be afraid to ask them if they would accept you. They may reconsider you even if you applied to them earlier in the year. You can get several informal offers over the phone and decide who you want to accept.
Adding a Course to Track
By adding a Clearing choice in Track and filling in the course details, you are accepting the offer. Once they confirm, it will show as an acceptance on the Track choices page, and you will receive a confirmation letter from UCAS.
Only add a Clearing choice once you have had confirmation from the university that they would like to offer you the place. You are only permitted to add one choice at a time, but if a university does not confirm the place, you can add another.