What is Clearing? Your Guide to University Clearing

What is clearing

The prospect of Clearing can be scary for some students. There’s a reputation of a mad rush after A-Level results, with students scrambling to find a university place if they haven’t met the grades for their top choices. Extra hassle at an already stressful time isn’t ideal.

It’s important to be prepared. Knowing your options before A-Level results day means you can make an informed decision about the university you’re heading to and the course you’ll start later in the year. We’ve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know, from the key dates to finding accommodation through Clearing.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a UCAS service that helps universities and colleges fill places on courses that still have vacancies. For students, think of Clearing as another route to getting a place at university.

If you didn’t get the grades you needed for your firm or insurance choice, hope is not lost. Clearing gives you the opportunity to find a place on another university course, whether that’s somewhere you’ve already applied to or a completely different institution.

You can also apply directly through Clearing if you didn’t make an application earlier in the year. You could use Clearing if:

Clearing isn’t just for students who have missed their grades. It can be a useful option if your plans have changed or you’re looking for a different course or university.

When is Clearing 2026?

Applying to university through Clearing can be done from 2 July to 19 October 2026. Clearing is an opportunity to find a university course with available places if you’re applying late, didn’t receive any offers, didn’t meet the conditions of your offers or have changed your mind about your firm choice.

If you already have your results, you don’t necessarily need to wait until A-level results day to start looking. Clearing vacancies are available through the UCAS search tool from 2 July 2026, and universities can add vacancies throughout the summer.

Took your A-levels this summer? A-level results day is Thursday 13 August 2026. If you didn’t get the grades you needed for your firm or insurance choice, you may be able to use Clearing to find an alternative course. More vacancies are typically available around results day, so it’s worth researching your options before you receive your results.

The final date to add a Clearing choice for 2026 entry is Monday 19 October 2026. However, it’s best not to leave it until the last minute, as courses can fill up and individual universities may have their own deadlines.

Applying to Uni Through Clearing

If you don’t get the results you were hoping for, don’t panic. Speak to an advisor at your school or college if you need support – they can help you consider alternative courses and subjects.

1. See what courses are available

Search UCAS to see which courses are available through Clearing. You can start researching from 2 July, when Clearing vacancies appear in the UCAS search tool.

Not confident you’ll get the grades you need? It’s worth doing some research before results day. If you can’t find the exact course you’re looking for, consider different subjects or joint honours programmes. You don’t have to stick with your original plan.

Keep checking UCAS, as universities update their course information regularly and new vacancies can appear throughout the Clearing period. Make sure you check the course details and entry requirements before getting in touch with a university.

2. Speak to universities

Once you’ve found a course you’re interested in, contact the university or college to discuss whether they can offer you a place.

Make sure you have your UCAS Personal ID, Clearing number, results, personal statement and any questions to hand before making the call. It’s also worth doing some research on the university and course beforehand so you know what you’re applying for.

You can speak to more than one university or college, but don’t add a Clearing choice to your UCAS application until you’ve received permission from the university or college you want to accept.

3. Add your Clearing choice to your application

Once a university or college has given you permission to add the course, log in to your UCAS Hub and add it as your Clearing choice.

The university or college will then consider your application and confirm whether your place has been accepted. You can only add one Clearing choice at a time, so make sure you’re happy with your choice before adding it to your application.

Congratulations! You’re off to uni. Now you need to think about the other practicalities.

Finding Accommodation Through Clearing

During Clearing, your first priority is getting a place on a university course. Once that’s confirmed, you’ll need to think about where you’ll be living.

Don’t assume that all the best student accommodation will have gone because you’re applying later than other students. There are a variety of accommodation options available, from university halls to private student accommodation.

There’s a lot to think about. Consider how far you want to live from your university, your budget and the type of room you’re looking for. It’s also worth checking what’s included in your rent and whether the accommodation has the facilities and location you need.

At CRM Students, we have a range of student rooms available throughout the UK. Explore our student accommodation locations and find your new home for university.