What is how does clearing work?

Clearing is a process used primarily in the UK, but also in some other countries, by universities and colleges to fill any places they still have available on their courses after the main application deadlines have passed. It typically runs from July to October each year.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:

• Eligibility: You're generally eligible for clearing if:

  • You didn't receive any offers from your initial university applications.
  • You didn't meet the conditions of your offers.
  • You declined all your offers.
  • You applied after the main application deadline (usually June 30th in the UK).

• Finding Vacancies: Universities advertise their clearing vacancies on their websites and through the official UCAS website. The UCAS website provides a search tool to find courses with available places. You can also directly check university websites for up-to-date listings.

• Contacting Universities: Once you've identified courses you're interested in, you need to contact the university's clearing hotline or admissions department. Be prepared to discuss your grades, qualifications, and why you're interested in the course.

• Receiving an Offer: If the university is interested in offering you a place, they'll typically make a verbal offer. This is not yet a guaranteed place.

• Adding a Clearing Choice on UCAS: If a university makes you a verbal offer that you want to accept, they will often ask you to add them as your "Clearing choice" on the UCAS website. Only add a choice once you have received verbal confirmation of an offer. You can only add one choice at a time.

• UCAS Confirmation: After you add the university as your Clearing choice, UCAS will process the application and, if everything matches, confirm your place on the course.

• Important Considerations:

  • Be prepared to act quickly, as places can fill up fast.
  • Have your UCAS personal ID, grades, and course information readily available.
  • Research courses and universities beforehand.
  • Don't be afraid to contact multiple universities.
  • Be prepared for a possible interview over the phone or in person.
  • Understand the UCAS system.

• Adjustment: If you've exceeded your expected grades, Adjustment is a process that allows you to see if there are places available on courses that require higher grades than you initially applied for. It operates alongside clearing.

• Clearing%20Plus: This UCAS service matches students with suitable courses based on their qualifications and interests, even if they haven't actively searched for vacancies themselves.