UCAS Clearing 2025-26: Timelines, Tips, and Application Insights

Applying to university can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go to plan. Maybe you didn’t receive any offers, missed the UCAS deadline, or had a change of heart about your course or university.

Whatever the reason, UCAS Clearing gives you another opportunity. In this guide, you’ll find a clear explanation of what is UCAS Clearing, how it works, who can apply, key dates for the 2025–26 cycle, and useful tips to help you secure a spot.

What is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is a way to secure a university place in the UK if your original plans didn’t work out. It helps applicants find available courses after results are released. You can use Clearing if you applied through UCAS but don’t hold any confirmed offers. It connects you with universities that still have spaces available.

You’re eligible for Clearing if:

• You applied after 30 June
• You didn’t receive any offers
• You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
• You chose to decline your place through the ‘decline my place’ option

You’ll also need to have paid the full UCAS application fee of £27.50.

Clearing runs from the 5th of July to the 18th of October. Courses enter Clearing for various reasons: students may switch courses, withdraw, or universities might open additional places. This creates a genuine window of opportunity for you to find a course that aligns with your goals.

Eligibility for UCAS Clearing

You can apply through UCAS Clearing if any of the following apply:

• You didn’t get any offers from your initial UCAS application.
  
• You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers.
  
• You declined all your offers.
  
• You submitted your UCAS application after 30 June 2025.
  
• You accepted a place but now want to change your course or university (via self-release).

Not sure if you’re eligible? Log into your UCAS Hub to check your application status, or reach out to UCAS for confirmation.

Key Dates for UCAS Clearing 2025

Clearing for 2025 follows a set timeline. Here are the key dates you need to know:

Date	Event
30 June 2025 (by 18:00 BST)	Last date to apply through UCAS with course choices. Applications after this enter Clearing automatically.
4 July 2025	Final day to use UCAS Extra and add an extra choice.
5 July 2025	Clearing officially opens. You can begin searching for available courses and contact universities.
14 August 2025	A-level results day. You can start adding Clearing choices to your application from 1pm (BST).
20 October 2025 (by 18:00 BST)	Clearing closes. Final deadline to add any Clearing choices.

Tip: Most vacancies appear in July and early August. Acting quickly gives you a better chance of getting a place.

How to Apply Through UCAS Clearing: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying through Clearing might feel overwhelming at first, but with a clear plan, it becomes a smart, strategic move. Here’s how to go about it, step by step:

• Check Your Eligibility and Clearing Number

Log into your UCAS Hub once your exam results are out. If you’re eligible, you’ll see a Clearing number on your dashboard. This number, along with your personal ID, is essential when speaking to universities.

• Search for available courses

Use the UCAS Clearing search tool to find courses with open spots. The ‘My Matches’ feature in your Hub can also suggest courses that fit your grades and interests. Be flexible, you might find a great option you hadn’t considered before.

• Speak to Universities Directly

Once you’ve shortlisted courses, contact the admissions offices of those universities. Call or email them with your Clearing number, personal ID, and results in hand. Clearly explain your qualifications and interest in the course. If they’re interested, they might make you a verbal offer.

• Receive a Verbal Offer

If the university is happy with your profile, they’ll usually give you a verbal offer. This could be conditional or unconditional, depending on your grades.

• Add Your Choice in UCAS Hub

The university will confirm your place on UCAS Track, usually within 24 hours. Once that happens, you’re in!

• Wait for Confirmation

The university will confirm your place via UCAS Track, usually within 24 hours. Once confirmed, you’re officially accepted and can start preparing for university.

• Didn’t Get an Offer? Keep Going

If you don’t get an offer right away, don’t worry. You can continue searching and contacting universities until you secure a place or until Clearing ends on 20 October 2025.

• Already Have an Offer? Use Self-Release

If you’ve already accepted a place but want to apply elsewhere, you can use the self-release option in your UCAS Hub. This lets you give up your current place and enter Clearing.

Exploring Courses with UCAS Clearing Plus

One smart feature that can ease the pressure when you enter Clearing is Clearing Plus. It’s designed to match you with courses that suit your profile, based on your original UCAS application. Once you’re unplaced or begin a new application after 30 June, you’ll see a ‘My Matches’ button in your UCAS Hub. 

This feature pulls data from your application, from grades, subjects, interests, and compares it to what universities are still looking for. And you get up to 50 tailored course suggestions. You can review these matches, express interest in the ones you like, and if the university still has vacancies and you meet their entry criteria, they may contact you directly. It’s a great way to cut through the clutter and focus on real possibilities.

Clearing Plus streamlines your choices, reduces stress, and might just point you to an opportunity you hadn’t thought of.

Essential Tips for a Smooth UCAS Clearing Experience

Clearing moves fast, because you’re not the only one looking. Each year, thousands of students use this route to secure a university place, which means popular courses and top universities can fill up quickly.

To stay ahead of the crowd, preparation is everything. Know what to expect, move quickly, and stay organised throughout the process. Here are a few key tips to help you make the most of your Clearing experience:

1. One Course at a Time: Keep Your Options Open

During Clearing, you can only apply for one course at once. If you get an offer but pass or are rejected, you can apply again. Staying flexible and persistent is the key to success here.

2. Stick with Your Original Application: No Need to Restart

Your initial UCAS application remains valid throughout Clearing. Just add your Clearing choice once you have a verbal offer, no need to fill out a new form from scratch.

3. Get Your Papers Ready Before Results Day

Collect all key documents like exam results, personal statement, UCAS ID, and references in advance. Being prepared allows you to respond quickly when universities request information. Revise your personal statement to discuss your goals confidently.

4. Make a Strong Impression: Be Calm and Clear

Whether by phone or email, maintain a polite and confident tone in your communication. Share your qualifications and interests clearly. Ask about courses, accommodation, or support. A respectful approach helps you stand out in a good way.

5. Start Your Course and University Research Early

Don’t wait for results day to begin exploring your options. Many universities publish Clearing vacancies well in advance. Use tools like the UCAS Clearing search or platforms such as Whatuni to compare courses, entry requirements, and locations. Early research helps you create a focused shortlist and boosts your chances of finding the right fit.

6. Prepare Yourself Emotionally for the Clearing Journey

Clearing can be stressful, especially if it wasn’t part of your original plan. It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed. Remember, Clearing is a common path for many students and offers a real second chance. Talk things over with family, friends, or advisers, and take moments to breathe and stay positive throughout.

7. Know When and How to Reach Out

Universities often run dedicated Clearing hotlines, live chats, and callback services during this period. Be proactive and reach out early, especially just after results day when course spots are most available. Keep a handy list of contact numbers and course codes ready to speed up your applications.

8. Ask the Important Questions

When you speak to admissions teams, don’t hesitate to inquire about scholarships, bursaries, accommodation options, course details, and any foundation or preparatory years. These insights can be crucial in helping you pick the best course for your goals.

9. Know the Clearing Timeline

UCAS Clearing opens on 5 July 2025 and runs until 20 October 2025. However, the busiest period is right after A-Level results day on 14 August 2025. Acting quickly during these weeks is key, as popular courses tend to fill up fast.

10. Take Advantage of UCAS Support Services

If you ever feel stuck or need guidance, UCAS offers a variety of helpful resources. Don’t hesitate to contact their helplines, use live chat, or consult their detailed guides. Your school’s careers adviser can also provide personalised support.

Here are some important UCAS contacts to keep handy:

UCAS Undergraduate Helpline:

UK: 0371 468 0 468

International: +44 330 333 0230

Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 18:00 (UK time)

Text Relay (Hearing Impaired): 18001 0371 468 0 468 (UK) or +44 151 494 1260 (International)

Exam Results Helpline – England:

Phone: 0800 100 900

Available: 14 August – 30 August 2025

Hours: Weekdays 08:00 – 20:00, Saturdays 10:00 – 17:00

Exam Results Helpline – Scotland:

Phone: 0808 100 8000

Available: 5 – 8 August 2025

Declining a Clearing Offer

If you receive an offer through Clearing but feel it’s not the right fit, you can decline it and keep searching for other opportunities.

Remember, during Clearing, you’re only allowed to hold one Clearing choice at a time. So, declining an offer frees you up to apply elsewhere. Just be sure to think it through, once you accept a place, you’re committed.

If you’ve already confirmed a university place but want to switch courses or institutions, UCAS offers a self-release option.

This lets you voluntarily give up your current spot so you can enter Clearing and apply for a course that better matches your goals. Self-release is handy if you’ve had a change of heart or want to explore fresh possibilities after accepting an offer.

How to Use UCAS Self-Release to Decline Your University Offer

1. Log in to your UCAS Hub account.
2. Find and click the ‘Decline my place’ button on your application page.
3. Carefully read the information provided and answer the confirmation questions.
4. Submit your decision to release your place.
5. You’ll receive an email confirming that you’re now in Clearing and can apply for other courses.

If you change your mind after self-releasing, contact your university immediately. Keep in mind, reclaiming your original place isn’t guaranteed, as it may have been offered to another student.

Get to Know Universities Through Clearing Open Days

Many universities host Clearing open days during July and August. These events offer a valuable opportunity to tour campuses, meet faculty and current students, and get a real feel for the environment before applying.

Attending open days not only helps you make a well-informed decision but also shows universities that you’re genuinely interested. Keep an eye on university websites for dates and booking details to secure your spot.

UCAS Clearing provides a vital second chance if you missed deadlines, didn’t meet offer conditions, or simply changed your mind about your course or university. By understanding the key dates, eligibility rules, and the Clearing process, you can navigate this period with confidence and clarity.

Preparation is everything. Research courses early, have your documents ready, and be proactive in reaching out to universities.

Remember, Clearing isn’t a fallback—it’s an opportunity to discover the right course and take control of your academic future on your own terms.

FAQs

1. What is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is a service that connects students to university courses with open spots after the main UCAS application deadline. It’s tailored for those who either didn’t receive any offers or didn’t meet the conditions of their original offers.

2. When does UCAS Clearing start and end?

For the 2025–26 cycle, UCAS Clearing opens on 5 July and closes on 20 October. The busiest period is immediately after A-Level results are released on 14 August.

3. How do I log into UCAS Clearing?

To access UCAS Clearing, simply log in to your UCAS Hub or UCAS Track account using your personal ID and password. If you’re eligible for Clearing, your Clearing number will be clearly displayed in your account dashboard.

4. Can I apply for medicine through Clearing?

Medicine courses are seldom available through Clearing because of intense competition and strict entry criteria. It’s always a good idea to check the specific policies of each university you’re interested in.

5. What do I need to add a Clearing choice?

To add a Clearing choice, you’ll need your Clearing number (if you’re eligible), your personal ID, and a verbal offer from a university. Once you have these, you can add the Clearing choice through your UCAS Hub or Track account.