How Clearing works

Clearing

Confused about how Clearing works? Our guide to Clearing is here to help you prepare, so you can apply with confidence.

How to apply through Clearing

This step by step guide tells you how to apply for a course through Clearing and what steps to take once you receive your offer.

Clearing 2023 has now closed, Clearing 2024 will open in July 2024. The guidance below tells you what to do once you have received your results. For most people, this will be on results day.

  1. On results day, make sure you check your UCAS Hub (previously UCAS Track) as early as possible to confirm the status of your applications. If you are eligible for Clearing, you will automatically be entered into the Clearing process. 

    UCAS state you could use Clearing in 2024 if:

    • you’re applying after 30 June 2024 for September 2024
    • you didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
    • you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
    • you've paid the multiple choice application fee of £27
    • you’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application
  2. If you haven't yet applied to any universities through UCAS, you can apply directly to us through Clearing. We can make you an offer if you already have your results. Or you can apply once you receive your results on results day.

  3. Many courses will still have available places during Clearing but it is important to check this before you apply.

  4. Have your grades, personal details and UCAS ID (if you have one) ready as well as a pen and paper for any notes. We may ask you why you're interested in a particular course so be prepared.

    Some courses may require you to have an interview to check if you are suitable for the course. If this is the case, you will be guided through the process and told when to attend your interview (if it is not right away).

  5. Online

    You can complete our easy online application form and, if you are successful, you will receive an automatic offer via email within a few minutes. 

    By telephone

    Phone lines open early on results day so don't wait around. Make sure you contact us yourself as we will want to talk to you. We will have a chat with you about the course you want to apply for and your qualifications. We can make you a preliminary offer right there on the spot. Calls don't usually last longer than a few minutes.

  6. We will tell you if you have been accepted onto your course of choice there and then, unless your course requires interview or portfolio. ​If you applied through UCAS, remember to accept your Clearing offer. These were the steps to accept your offer in Clearing 2023:

    • Go to UCAS Hub (previously UCAS Track);
    • Go to the 'your choices' section;
    • Click 'add Clearing choice';
    • Add the course details listed in your Clearing offer email.

    The Admissions Team will then review the referral and confirm your place for you.

    You may need to send in evidence of qualifications or results to confirm your offer.


    Clearing next steps

    Applied through Clearing and wondering what happens next? We'll take you through the process on our Clearing next steps webpage. From student finance and accommodation, to preparing for uni life, we've got you covered.

Key dates for Clearing 2024

We've put together a timeline of key dates for your diary. Please visit the UCAS website for detailed information on times and dates for Clearing.

Clearing opens

Clearing 2023 has now closed at UCLan. Clearing 2024 will open on UCAS on 5 July 2024. When Clearing opens, you can apply for a course if the course still has places available. You will automatically be entered into Clearing if you apply via UCAS from 5 July 2024.

Useful Clearing information

  • University Clearing

    Here's our guide to the university Clearing process. For entry in September 2024, UCAS Clearing 2024 vacancies will be open to applicants in July.

  • Why choose us for Clearing?

    We know choosing a university can be stressful, and choosing one during Clearing can be even more daunting. That's why we are here to support you every step of the way.

  • Ask a student

    Need advice on course choices or which accommodation to choose when you study with us? Our friendly student ambassadors are ready to share their experiences. Simply register and start chatting to our current students.