When is Clearing 2025?

Whether your results weren’t quite what you expected, you’ve changed your mind about your original choices, or you’re applying for the first time, clearing can feel overwhelming, and you may feel like the pressure is on to secure your spot.

As with the rest of the UCAS process, timing is everything. We’ve laid out the key dates and steps for clearing 2025, helping you feel prepared and in control when navigating your next steps.

When is A-Level results day 2025?

A-Level results day is the main event and the busiest day for clearing, so mark it in your calendar and set your alarm to start your clearing applications.

The provisional date for A-Level results day in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland this year is Thursday, 14th August 2025. This is the day when most students will find out if they are eligible for clearing and start contacting universities.

When does clearing open in 2025?

Clearing officially opens on Friday, 5th July 2025. From this date, you can apply through clearing if you fall into one of these categories:

• You are applying for the first time after 30th June.
• You have already applied through UCAS but are not holding any offers.
• You have received your exam results, but did not meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice.

When is the deadline for clearing?

The final deadline to add a clearing choice to your UCAS Hub application is expected to be Tuesday, October 21st, 2025.

Our top tip: Don’t wait until the last minute! The most desirable courses at popular universities are filled very quickly, mostly during August and early September. The sooner you act, the more choices you will have.

UCAS clearing 2025 timeline

Though it’s advised to submit your applications and make those calls sooner rather than later after results day, clearing isn’t just a one-day thing; it’s a process that runs throughout the summer. Here’s a quick timeline of key clearing dates 2025 to mark down to keep you on track:

• Friday, July 5th, 2025: Clearing officially opens: If you already have your exam results (e.g., if you’re a mature student or took a gap year) and don’t hold any offers, you can use the service from this date.
• July – Early August: The prep phase: This is your time for research. You can browse available courses on the UCAS website and start shortlisting universities you’re interested in. Get your notes ready for the big day.
• Thursday, 14th August 2025:  A-Level results day: If you find yourself in clearing, this is the day to act. Phone lines at universities will be at their busiest. Stay calm, be prepared, and start making those calls.
• Late August – September: The second wave: Don’t panic if you haven’t secured a place immediately. Thousands of places are still available after results day. Continue your research and keep contacting universities.
• Tuesday, 21st October 2025: Clearing officially closes: This is the final deadline to add a clearing choice in your UCAS Hub.

How to apply through clearing

Ready to find your place? Here are the key steps to guide you through the process:

1. Check your status: Log in to your UCAS Hub account on results day. If you are in clearing, your status will say ‘You are in clearing’ and you’ll be given a clearing number.
2. Research courses: Use the official UCAS search tool to see which courses have vacancies. Make a shortlist of the ones you’re interested in and be open-minded.
3. Make the call: This is the most important step. Phone the universities you are interested in directly. Have your UCAS ID, clearing number, and your grades (including GCSEs) ready. This is your chance to impress, so be prepared to discuss your interest in their course.
4. Get a verbal offer: If the university is happy with your qualifications and your conversation, they may give you an informal offer over the phone. You can collect a few of these before deciding which is right for you.
5. Add your choice: Once you have decided on an offer, go to your UCAS Hub and add the course details using the ‘Add clearing choice’ button. You can only add one choice at a time.
6. Get confirmation: The university will then confirm your place through UCAS. Once this is accepted, your Hub will update to say ‘clearing accepted’. Congratulations – you’re officially in!

For more information on the clearing process, read our guide: What is University Clearing and How to Apply.

Visiting universities during clearing

Visiting potential universities during clearing isn’t just about checking out the course and campus; it’s your chance to get a proper feel for the university and the city that you could soon be calling home. Seeing everything in person helps take the pressure off, making a last-minute decision feel like a more confident choice.

While not all universities host dedicated clearing open days, and many won’t confirm dates until clearing officially kicks off, you’ll still find plenty of visiting options available on their websites. If you’re hoping to look around before making any decisions, make sure to head directly to the university’s website to book your visit.

Take a look at our full list of London universities to stay in the loop with key clearing events, and visit our student accommodation locations page to find out which urbanest is just around the corner from the ones you’re applying to.

This year, we have student rooms available to book in Battersea, a fantastic, vibrant location for all the top universities in London.

Clearing might feel fast-paced and intimidating, but with the right prep, it can open doors to incredible opportunities. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to make calls on results day, knowing the key dates and what to expect can help you keep calm, stay organised, and find the right course for you.