LIBF blog How does Clearing work?

Clearing in the UK is an opportunity for you to find places that are still available after the main application cycle.

Clearing is a system operated by UCAS that provides an avenue for students to find university places after the main application round. It matches students without offers to institutions with course vacancies.

Degree providers, universities and colleges enter Clearing to fill vacancies they still have on courses. It's a unique opportunity that happens once a year, for you to reconsider your final choice in your application. Clearing is especially useful if you haven't met the entry requirements for your chosen degree – but it's also a valuable time if you're rethinking what you want to study, and how and where you want to study it.

1. Confirm your eligibility through UCAS Track.

2. Search and research course details via UCAS, or directly through a degree provider or university website.

3. Contact institutions directly to see if you're eligible to fill places they still have on their courses.

4. Once you receive an offer, complete the process in UCAS Track or apply directly.

Clearing generally operates on a first-come, first served basis. The earlier you confirm an offer, the more chance you have of securing your spot on your chosen course.

You can apply to as many courses as you like through Clearing. However, you can only accept one offer at a time. Once you receive an offer that you want to accept, you will need to add it as a Clearing choice in your UCAS application. This officially confirms your place in that course and university, so you'll want to make your final decision carefully and promptly to secure your spot.

If you secure a place through Clearing, you need to update your student finance application with your new course and provider details. This ensures your funding is correctly allocated to your new choice.

To update your student finance, you'll need:

• Your UCAS Personal ID.

• Details of your new course and degree provider.

• Your Student Finance login information.

Courses that typically go into Clearing vary each year, from popular subjects to niche specialties. It’s a good idea to regularly check provider websites and the UCAS Clearing list to see the most up-to-date course availability.

While Clearing is primarily for undergraduate courses, many degree providers offer similar opportunities for postgraduate applicants. If you’re looking to advance your education, you can often find available postgraduate courses by contacting unis or degree providers directly. This can be especially attractive if you’re transitioning careers or seeking advanced qualifications to enhance your current role.

Entering Clearing doesn't have any additional costs beyond the standard UCAS application fee. If you've already paid the UCAS application fee earlier in the year (either £27 for the multiple choice application fee or £22.50 for a single choice in 2024), you won't need to pay anything extra to use Clearing. If you haven't yet applied through UCAS, you'll need to pay the standard application fee when you submit your application.