What is clearing?
Clearing is a process that allows applicants who don't have an offer of a place at university, or who haven't met the conditions of an offer they hold, to search and apply for undergraduate courses at universities that still have places available.
It’s also used by applicants who:
- originally applied to one university but have since decided that they want to study somewhere else;
- have decided they’d like to study another course;
- have decided that they would like to apply to study at a university after the UCAS application deadline (30 June).
Am I eligible for clearing?
You can use clearing if:
- you have your exam results;
- you didn’t receive any offers (or any that you wanted to accept);
- you've declined your place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application;
- you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers;
- you're applying after 30 June.
You may be placed into clearing automatically by UCAS if you meet the above criteria, or you can release yourself into clearing through UCAS. To find out more about this process, visit the UCAS website.
Clearing 2024 timeline
Some courses will be accepting applications through the regular UCAS process until Sunday, 30 June. Whether you already have your grades, or will receive them in the summer, you can apply now.
For courses at The University of Manchester, see our applying pages for more information.
Already have your grades?
If you already have your grades, you can apply for a clearing place at universities from Friday, 5 July.
Awaiting results?
If you're still waiting to receive your results, you can still register your interest in clearing places.
Results are published on the following dates:
- Saturday, 6 July - International Baccalaureate
- Wednesday, 10 July - Pearson BTEC QCF (unreformed)
- Friday, 26 July - Access to HE Diploma
- Tuesday, 6 August - Scottish Qualifications (SQA)
- Tuesday, 13 August - Cambridge International A Levels and Pre-U
- Thursday, 15 August - JCQ results including A-level, BTECs, Welsh Baccalaureate, CTECs, T-Levels
- Friday, 23 August - Irish Leaving Certificate
If you have applied through UCAS and you think you may need clearing, you can do this once you have your exam results. Your UCAS Hub will state if you are eligible.
GCSE results are published. You may have an offer that is conditional on achieving a grade in your GCSEs.
UCAS undergraduate applications must arrive at UCAS by 6pm (GMT) to meet the final deadline for 2024 entry.
The final date for clearing application referrals. However, universities may close clearing much earlier than this.
I applied to The University of Manchester through clearing in the summer of 2023....I found the experience super stress-free. On a very hectic results day, to be able to have someone guide you through your application on the phone was really helpful. They were super kind and gave me all the information I needed.
Stan / BSc Chemistry
Our tips for clearing
- Search courses you might like to apply for through clearing in advance.
- Write down any questions to ask the university admissions team.
- Most universities will only have a limited number of places available, so having a clear idea of what you are looking for will help you feel calm and confident.
- During clearing, you may need to consider alternative courses or institutions that weren't originally part of your plan.
- Be open-minded and consider the available options based on your interests, career aspirations, and entry requirements.
- Look for similar degree titles, which may contain similar course content.
- Always make sure it’s the right course for you.
- Things will move quickly on results day, so make sure you have all your results including: any GCSE results, UCAS ID number and your email and telephone number to hand.
- This will speed up the process of securing an offer.
- Be prepared to call a clearing hotline. You may be making phone calls and having conversations with university admissions staff.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged and make sure you have access to a quiet space to make the phone call.
- When you call, clearly explain your circumstances, qualifications, and any reasons for wanting to study a particular course.
- Once you’ve received offers through clearing, take some time to review them all.
- Consider factors that are important to you such as course content, location, university reputation, and any other relevant aspects.
- Keep a positive mindset and use clearing as an opportunity to explore different routes and find a course that is right for you.
- Many students who come through clearing have incredible experiences and perform well in their degrees and future careers.
- Read more about clearing student journeys on the UCAS guide to clearing.