UCAS Clearing · 2025
UCAS Clearing, decoded: a calm, tactical guide for results season
Clearing is the UK system that matches available university places with applicants who don’t hold an offer they want. It’s not a downgrade; it’s a second runway. Use it well and you can still land the right course, right now.
What Clearing is
- A formal route to find a place if you have no firm place, didn’t meet offer conditions, applied late, or decided to switch.
- Runs from early summer through autumn; peak activity is around A-level results day.
- Happens inside your UCAS Hub: you contact providers, get a verbal offer, then add the choice to confirm.
Who can use Clearing
- You’re not holding any offers, or
- You were unsuccessful with your choices, or
- You got offers but didn’t meet the conditions, or
- You hold a place but choose to self-release to look for a different one (do this only when you’re ready).
How Clearing works — step by step
- Get your Clearing number in UCAS Hub once you’re eligible.
- Research live vacancies and shortlist realistic targets that fit your grades and subjects.
- Call or message admissions with your Clearing number, results, and questions. Keep notes.
- Receive a verbal offer (often time-limited). Ask for the course code, entry year, and any conditions.
- Add the provider as a Clearing choice in your Hub (only after they invite you). One Clearing choice at a time.
- Wait for the confirmation in your Hub. Once accepted, your place is secured.
- Sort the admin: accommodation, student finance updates, visa steps if applicable.
Prep before results day
- Write a 30-second pitch on why you’re a fit for the course.
- Make a shortlist of courses (reach, match, safety).
- Keep a one-page sheet: Clearing number, grades, UCAS ID, personal statement highlights.
- Have your supporting evidence ready (if relevant): portfolio, work experience notes, extenuating circumstances.
Results day playbook
- Check Hub status early; screenshot everything.
- Start with your top realistic course; keep polite, concise, and factual.
- Log every call: time, person, course code, offer notes, expiry.
- Only add a Clearing choice after a provider invites you to do so.
If you plan to self-release
- Confirm you’re eligible for Clearing in Hub and that the alternative course is realistic.
- Speak to the new provider first to gauge interest.
- Self-release only when you’re ready to move; it will cancel your current place.
International & mature applicants
- Ask about fee status, English language, and visa cut-offs.
- Check if places remain for your preferred start date (some courses have limited start windows).
- Have digital copies of transcripts and ID ready to send quickly.
Key terms (fast glossary)
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Clearing number | Your unique reference for admissions to find your record fast. |
| Verbal offer | A conditional or unconditional place offered during a call; usually time-limited. |
| Invite to add | Provider tells you to add the course as a Clearing choice in Hub. |
| Confirmation | The provider accepts your Clearing choice in Hub; your place is secured. |
Call script you can adapt
Short, confident, and friendly works best.
- “Hi, I’m [Name], UCAS ID [ID]. I’m calling about [Course code/name] in Clearing.”
- “My results are [subjects & grades]. I’m particularly strong in [relevant skill/experience].”
- “Could you confirm if my profile is suitable and what the next step is?”
- “If you can offer, may I note the course code and any conditions, plus the time window?”
Common mistakes (and the fix)
- Waiting too long: hot courses fill quickly → shortlist in advance and call early.
- Adding without invite: wastes time → only add a Clearing choice when the provider asks you to.
- No notes: details blur under pressure → keep a simple log of every call.
- Abandoning accommodation/finance: secure these right after your place is confirmed.
Myths vs reality
- Myth: Clearing is only for people who failed. Reality: It’s a normal route used by thousands, including applicants who change plans.
- Myth: You can hold multiple Clearing choices at once. Reality: One at a time in Hub.
- Myth: Verbal offer = guaranteed forever. Reality: It usually expires; add the choice promptly.
Your quick checklist
- Clearing number & UCAS ID
- Grades list ready
- Course shortlist
- 30-second pitch
- Call log template
- Questions to ask
- Accommodation plan
- Finance update steps
- Backup option
This guide explains UCAS Clearing in plain language. Always follow what your UCAS Hub and the provider tell you during the process.