Skip to content 
If you haven’t received the university offer you wanted, changed your mind about your course, or applied after the main deadline, UCAS Clearing 2026 could help you find a place at a UK university.
Clearing is not simply a last-minute option. A structured procedure that enables students to discover and apply for positions in their selected course of study at the universities and colleges in which they are interested.
This UCAS Clearing 2026 guide aims to help you understand what Clearing is, when it gets opened up, who can use it, and how you can best use it to secure a place.
What Is UCAS Clearing?
Clearing is the process through UCAS that enables universities and colleges to recruit students to any unfilled places on their undergraduate courses.
It is available for students who:
- Did not get any offers
- Did not meet the offer conditions
- Rejected their offers
- Applied past the application deadline
- Have they changed their mind about their university or course?
- Getting your results, and you’d like to consider other options
You haven’t failed if you’re in clearing. Universities use it to fill places on courses that have spaces after the results come out.
When Does UCAS Clearing 2026 Open?
UCAS Clearing opens on 2 July 2026 and closes on 19 October 2026.
However, the fact that Clearing remains open until October does not mean you should wait until the final weeks.
Popular courses can fill their available places earlier, so it is sensible to start researching your options as soon as you know you may need clearing.
Important 2026 Clearing Dates
| Date | What happens |
| 2 July 2026 | Clearing opens. |
| 4 July 2026 | The main deadline for applications to be guaranteed equal consideration has passed. |
| 13 August 2026 | A-level results day and a major clearing period |
| 19 October 2026 | Clearing closes. |
Always check the latest dates directly with UCAS because individual university deadlines can differ.
Who Can Use Clearing 2026?
Clearing might be an option for you if you satisfy the relevant UCAS criteria and:
No offers from universities
If you applied but did not get an offer, then Clearing may also enable you to apply for another course.
Your offer conditions were not met.
If your results are worse than the grades for your firm or insurance choice, do check UCAS and speak to the university before you assume that your place is gone.
They may still take you.
You have refused your offers.
If you have turned down your options and are now offerless, clearing could be your next best bet.
You are applying after the main deadline.
You can still apply to university after the main application deadline, and Clearing can help you find courses which still have vacancies.
You want to switch university choices.
If you already have a place and are interested in a different university, don’t just pull out from your existing choice.
You need to know how the UCAS system works and talk to the universities before you make a move.
How Does UCAS Clearing Work?
The basic process is straightforward.
Step 1: Find out if you qualify.
Log into UCAS and view your application status.
Your UCAS Hub will show you the relevant information if you are eligible for clearing.
Step 2: Look for courses.
Use the UCAS course finder to search for courses with available clearing spaces. Compare:
- Course content
- Entry requirements
- Location
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Work placement
- Start date
Step 3: getting in touch with the university
When you have found a course you like the look of, get in touch with the university.
Have the details ready, including:
- UCAS Personal ID
- Qualifications
- Grades
- Course information
- Experience relevant to coursework
The university may have further questions to ask you before deciding whether to make you an offer.
Step 4: Confirmation of acceptance
If a university gives you a place, be sure you know what the offer means before putting it down as your clearing choice.
Step 5: Add your Clearing choice through UCAS.
Once you have permission from the university, add the course to your UCAS application as your clearing choice.
Do not add a course simply because you are interested in it. You should contact the university first and receive confirmation that they want you to add the choice.
What Should You Do on A-Level Results Day?
The A-level results day is one of Clearing’s heaviest traffic periods.
In case your results are not what you anticipated, do not panic.
If you got the grades you needed
Go to UCAS to find out whether your place has been secured.
If you were short of your grades
Contact your firm university first.
The institution might also decide to offer you a place if you were just a few marks short of the entry requirements.
If you don’t get a place at your university
Begin the process of looking at clearing vacancies straight away.
If your results are better than expected
You might want to look at other universities, but do research before abandoning your plans.
How Do You Find a Course Through UCAS Clearing?
The UCAS search tool is the main place to check available clearing courses.
When searching, don’t look only at the course title.
Check:
- Entry requirements
- Course modules
- University location
- Course length
- Placement options
- Professional accreditation
- Accommodation
- Tuition fees
- Graduate opportunities
A course appearing in Clearing does not automatically mean it is the right choice.
Your priority should still be finding a course that matches your academic and career goals.
Can You Apply to a Different University Through Clearing?
Yes. Clearing enables eligible students to secure a place at an institution or course where there are still vacancies.
But it’s a fast-moving situation, so availability is subject to change.
A university can list a course one day and then withdraw it once they fill their remaining spaces.
This is why you need to move quickly when you see an opportunity that fits.
Can International Students Use Clearing?
Yes, international students can use Clearing if they meet the relevant requirements.
However, international applicants should consider additional factors, including:
- Student visa requirements
- Financial requirements
- English language requirements
- CAS timelines
- Accommodation
- Tuition fees
- Travel arrangements
If you are an international student, do not choose a university through Clearing without checking whether the university can support your visa and enrolment timeline.
For students who need a student visa, the university must be able to issue the relevant immigration documentation before you can complete the visa process.
Can You Get Into University Through Clearing With Lower Grades?
Possibly.
Universities have autonomy to decide their own admission requirements and may have flexibility in these requirements. If you have only just failed to achieve your predicted or conditional grades, you should get in touch with your university before assuming that you are unsuccessful. Possible considerations by universities may include:
- Your final grades
- Course demand
- Available places
- Relevant qualifications
- Personal circumstances
- Other academic information
There is no guarantee, so you need to check with the university directly.
What Should You Say When Calling a University During Clearing?
Universities can receive a high volume of enquiries during clearing, so be prepared.
You can say:
“Hello, I’m interested in the [course name] course through Clearing. My UCAS Personal ID is [number], and I achieved [grades]. Could you please tell me whether I would be eligible for a place?”
Have your qualifications and UCAS details available before calling.
You can also ask:
- Are places still available?
- What are the entry requirements?
- Can my qualifications be considered?
- Is accommodation available?
- When would I need to enrol?
- What happens after I receive an offer?
What Documents Do You Need for Clearing?
The exact requirements vary by university, but you should have your key information ready.
Keep these available:
- UCAS Personal ID
- GCSE results
- A-level or equivalent results
- English language test results, if applicable
- Passport details
- Previous qualifications
- Personal statement
- Course information
- Details of relevant work experience
International students should also have information relating to their current immigration status, if applicable.
Being prepared can make the process much faster.
Can You Use Clearing If You Already Have an Offer?
It depends on your situation.
If you already hold a confirmed place, you should not simply enter Clearing without understanding the consequences.
If you want to change your university, contact the university you want to join and follow the appropriate UCAS process.
Your existing place may need to be released before you can make another choice.
Do not give up a confirmed university place until you are confident about your alternative.
Is Clearing First Come, First Served?
Spaces at Clearing are limited, and availability can change rapidly.
Universities dictate how many places on each course they have. If those places are taken, the course may not be available via Clearing.
This means that timing is everything.
However, you should not feel that you have to take a course just because you are scared everything is going to disappear.
Investigate the course and university prior to deciding.
What Are the Best Clearing Tips for 2026?
1. Begin research before Results Day.
Make a shortlist of the universities and courses you would really think about going to.
2. Check the entry requirements.
Do not waste your time emailing courses for which you very obviously do not meet the requirements for without the university asking you to do so – if they do, by all means respond!
3. Get your grades ready.
Keep your results and relevant qualification information to hand.
4. Approach the universities themselves.
Teams at the universities’ admissions offices are the best placed to tell you if spaces are open.
5. Have a few options
Don’t rely on one university.
Have a shortlist of realistic alternatives.
6. Check accommodation immediately
A place at university doesn’t guarantee you a room.
7. When comparing courses, make a calculated decision.
Don’t make your decision on the reputation of the university or the location alone.
8. Stay calm
There’s a lot of pressure to panic when you’re in Clearing, but a whole lot of people get university places through it.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid During Clearing?
Choosing a course without looking into it
You might study for years for a subject that is not right for your aspirations.
Accommodation ignored
Some accommodation facilities are also subject to availability during the clearing period.
Taking too long
Courses fill, and places can disappear.
Applying without contacting the university
Just because a course appears doesn’t mean that you should automatically put it on your clearing list.
Choosing based on only rankings
Course content, support with your course, location and job opportunities are more important decision factors.
Panic after missing your grades
Your firm university may still accept you, or there may be a place suitable for you at another university.
To help you stay level-headed when the pressure mounts, this UCAS Clearing 2026 guide focuses on avoiding impulse decisions based purely on general university rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When does UCAS Clearing 2026 start?
Ans: UCAS Clearing officially opens on 2 July 2026 and runs until 19 October 2026. While you can browse vacancies and apply directly if you already have your results early in July, most students cannot officially secure a match until their final exam results are formally released in August.
Q2. When is the busiest time for clearing?
Ans: The absolute peak period centres around A-level Results Day on 13 August 2026. This is the high-stakes window where tens of thousands of students simultaneously receive their final grades, discover if they missed their firm choices, and rush to contact university hotlines to secure remaining vacancies.
Q3. Can I use Clearing if I missed my university grades?
Ans: Yes, you are eligible for Clearing if your conditional firm or insurance choices decline to confirm your place due to missed grades. However, your very first step should always be to check your UCAS Hub and contact your firm university directly, as institutions will occasionally still accept you if you only missed the requirements by a narrow margin.
Q4. Can international students apply through Clearing?
Ans: International students can absolutely use Clearing to secure a UK university place, provided courses still have open vacancies. Keep in mind that the timeline is much tighter for overseas applicants, as you must rapidly coordinate your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), update your UK Student visa paperwork, satisfy English language requirements, and prove your financial status before enrolment.
Q5. Do I need to call a university before adding a clearing choice?
Ans: Yes, you must never add a course to your UCAS Hub without speaking to the university first. You need to call their Clearing hotline, provide your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number, and receive a verbal or written provisional offer. Adding a choice in the Hub counts as a definitive acceptance, and the system will only process it if the university has already agreed to accept you.
Get Ready for UCAS Clearing 2026
UCAS Clearing in 2026 might offer you a different route to higher education in the UK if your plans for university change. What matters most is to get ready before you need to. Research appropriate courses, know your grades, get your documentation in order, and make a list of universities that you would really like to go to.
Whether you missed your predicted grades or changed your mind about your course choice, this ultimate UCAS clearing 2026 guide will walk you through the process step by step.
If you’re confused about your options, London Language Club can help demystify the UK university application process and guide you in deciding on your next step.
Get UK university application support from London Language Club