UCAS Clearing 2025 Guide: How to Apply, Key Dates & Tips

If you haven’t managed to secure a place at your firm or insurance choice universities, you may be feeling disheartened and overwhelmed. 

This is completely understandable, but don’t worry—you still have plenty of options. 

Each year, thousands of UK students manage to secure a university place via UCAS Clearing (opens in a new tab). Whether you didn’t receive the offers you hoped for, have changed your mind about your course or exceeded expectations and want to explore better options, UCAS Clearing could be your route to securing a place in higher education.

Here’s everything you need to know about this process, including how to apply for a course via Clearing, key deadlines and our top tips. 

What is university Clearing?

Clearing is a process used by universities in the UK to fill any remaining spaces in courses for the approaching academic year. It’s a second chance for students who have been rejected by their firm and insurance choices. 

Clearing can also be used by students who actually achieved better results than expected and want to apply for their preferred course or university.

University Clearing Explained

Students can use UCAS (opens in a new tab) Clearing when: 

• They are applying after 30 June

• They didn’t receive any offers or decided to not accept any offers

• They didn’t meet the conditions of their offers

• They paid the multiple choice application fee of £27

• They declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application

Who is eligible for UCAS Clearing?

You can use Clearing if:

• You’re applying after 30th June 2025

• You didn’t receive any university offers or have declined those you did receive

• You didn’t meet the conditions of your original offers

• You’ve paid the multiple choice application fee of £27 (not just the £22.50 single choice fee)

When does University Clearing start?

From 5 July – 17 October 2023, students can apply for a course using UCAS Clearing. 

When does Clearing 2025 open?

Clearing opens on 5th July 2025. You can only use Clearing after receiving your exam results, and your application status must show that you're not holding any offers. This mean that Clearing applications usually take place from A Level results day onwards, which falls on Thursday 14th August this year. 

When does Clearing close? 

Clearing is open until 20th October 2025, giving you plenty of time to decide how you’d like to move forward.

Good to know: Clearing places can fill up quickly, especially for competitive courses or universities. Some courses can fill their places within a matter of hours following A Level results being released, so most students tend to act within the first two days of receiving their results. 

How to prepare for Clearing

Knowing how competitive and busy Clearing will be post-results day, it’s important to be as prepared as possible. 

To get ahead of the game, start preparing before results day:

• Make a list of alternative universities and courses you’re interested in

• Note down contact numbers and course codes

• Read your personal statement again so you're ready to discuss it

• Have your UCAS ID, results and personal details easily accessible

• Fully charge your phone and laptop the night before

• Some Clearing calls can mirror university interviews, so be prepared to answer any questions related to why you want to study this particular course

How does Clearing work and how to apply

Applying for university using UCAS Clearing happens more often than you think. In 2022, over 50,000 students entered Clearing. This makes it a highly competitive process, therefore we recommend doing your research about how it works, along with checking out alternative universities and courses you’d be willing to consider if you miss out on original choices.

Check your UCAS Hub

If you have been rejected by your firm and insurance choices, you will be able to see the ‘My Matches’ button on your UCAS account. This is the list of 50 courses that UCAS composed for you based on your information and previous choices. Alternatively, you can use the UCAS search tool (opens in a new tab). If you find a course for you, give the university a call to check if they still have spaces and if you meet their requirements. If you receive an informal offer on the phone, you’ll usually need to confirm it within 24 hours. Thus, you can explore other courses and choose the most suitable option. If you decide to accept the offer, head to the UCAS hub and click 'Add Clearing choice'. If you originally paid for one choice application, an additional fee of £4.5 will be required to proceed with Clearing. 

"When calling universities during Clearing, stay calm and explain your qualifications and interest clearly. Stay open to unexpected options that Clearing might present" ~ Michaela Melo, Musician Authority (opens in a new tab)

Research universities before A Level Results Day

If you expect your grades to be lower than what you need into getting into the universities of either of your choices, research different universities and courses that may be of interest to you. Compose the list of universities, courses and phone numbers - this way you’ll be able to check them with the UCAS Search Tool and call them immediately after receiving your A Level results. Remember to read your personal statement before A Level results come out and be ready to answer any additional questions while on the phone with universities. For some courses, you’ll also need your GCSE results. Additionally, ensure you have your laptop and phone fully charged. 

Each year, thousands of students apply for a university place through Clearing. In 2024, over 70,000 students went through the process (opens in a new tab). This should give you some reassurance; Clearing is no longer considered a last resort option, but rather another chance to find the right university for you. 33% of students who went through Clearing last year were actually those who changed their minds about their existing offers or who wanted to ‘trade up’ (opens in a new tab).

It can be extremely disheartening to find that you haven’t received any university offers on results day, but Clearing is a great way to find an alternative option that suits you.

If you haven’t received any offers, here’s how Clearing works and the steps you should take to apply: 

1. Check your UCAS Hub 

You’ll be able to check the status of your applications from 8.00am onwards. If you’re eligible for Clearing, a ‘Clearing’ section will appear, and you’ll be given a Clearing number. Make a note of this––you’ll need it when contacting universities. 

2. View your ‘My Matches’

UCAS will suggest courses based on your initial application and your UCAS Hub profile. Take a look through these, and see if there are any courses from the providers listed that you’re interested in. 

3. Search courses  

You can also take matters into your own hands by using the UCAS Clearing Search Tool (opens in a new tab)to find available options.

4. Call universities directly

Once you’ve found a course and university that suits you, it’s time to give them a call. This might feel daunting, but it gives you a chance to discuss the course in more detail and find out if the university will make you an offer. Have your qualifications ready and any questions you may want to ask. You may want to ask:

• Can the university help with finding accommodation for September?

• How is the course taught and assessed?

• Are there any further open days or virtual tours available?

5. Add your choice 

Once you’ve received an informal offer from the university, you must add the course via ‘Add Clearing choice’ in your UCAS Hub. It’s important to note that you won’t be able to add a course if you have any existing university offers. If this is the case and you’d prefer to apply for the new course via Clearing, you’ll have to self-release by declining your initial offer first (more on this below). 

How to self-release into Clearing

If you already hold a confirmed offer from a university, self-release allows you to decline your place, enter the Clearing system and apply elsewhere. 

You can use self-release if:

• You’ve got a firm place at a university

• You want to apply for a different course or university via Clearing

• You’ve decided your current offer no longer suits you 

To decline your offer and be entered into Clearing, follow these steps:

1. Log into your UCAS Hub – Go to the (opens in a new tab)UCAS Hub (opens in a new tab) and sign in with your UCAS credentials.

2. Click on 'View' to see your application – Find your confirmed offer and select 'Decline my place'.

3. Follow the self-release process – You’ll be asked a few questions to confirm your decision. Read them carefully. UCAS will also provide information about what self-release means and what happens next.

4. Confirm your self-release – Once confirmed, your application status will update to 'You are in Clearing'. You’ll now see your Clearing number—you’ll need this when speaking to universities.

5. Start applying through Clearing – Now you can follow the same process as all other students going through the Clearing process. Use the UCAS Clearing Search Tool or ‘My Matches’ to find courses. Once you get a verbal offer from a university, go back to your UCAS Hub and click ‘Add Clearing choice’ to enter the course details and formally apply.

Top tip: Once you’ve declined your place, this is irreversible, so make sure you think carefully about your decision. 

How long does Clearing take?

Clearing can move surprisingly fast. Often, students can have a new university place confirmed within just a few hours. On A Level Results Day, students often receive verbal offers from universities the same day they call, and once they accept, all it takes is a quick update in UCAS Hub to formalise their choice.

Universities typically confirm these offers within a few hours to a day. However, if you’re applying later (for example in September), response times may vary due to administrative workloads.

How many universities can I apply to?

You can only apply to one university at a time through the official UCAS Clearing system, but you can contact as many universities as you like informally before making your choice.

What support is available during Clearing?

There is a wide range of support available during UCAS Clearing to help you navigate the process with confidence. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure of your options, or just need practical help, you’re not alone. Here's a breakdown of the key sources of support:

1. UCAS support and helpline

UCAS offers direct help during Clearing, especially around A Level results day. You can:

• Call the UCAS Helpline on 0371 468 0 468 for advice on Clearing choices, UCAS Hub issues, and general guidance

• Use the live chat feature on the (opens in a new tab)UCAS website (opens in a new tab)

• Access step-by-step instructions, FAQs and video explainers on how to navigate Clearing

2. University admissions teams

Every university has a dedicated Clearing hotline or admissions team. They’ll be ready to answer questions about course availability and entry requirements, discuss your eligibility and help you understand next steps. 

Most are incredibly helpful and used to supporting students through this exact situation—don’t be afraid to call.

3. Teachers, tutors & careers advisors

Your school or college is one of your most valuable support networks. Teachers and advisors can help interpret your grades, compare options and prepare you for phone calls with universities. 

Some schools run results day clinics or have staff on standby to help with Clearing decisions. If your plans change, they can also advise on gap years, resits or alternative routes. 

Top tip: If you choose to resit your A Levels, make sure to check out our A Level revision resources. A new revision strategy can make all the difference when it comes to retaking exams. 

4. Friends, family & peer support

Sometimes, talking it out with someone you trust makes all the difference. Friends and family can help you make calm, rational decisions, join you in researching universities or reviewing personal statements and offer reassurance during a stressful time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you get rejected by a university, can you apply again through Clearing?

Yes! This is quite common, with students frequently managing to secure a place on a different course at the same university. If the university has a place available on a course you're interested in, then you can apply again via Clearing. 

Do I need a personal statement for Clearing?

You don’t need to submit a new personal statement through UCAS during Clearing, but having one ready is still highly recommended.

If you’re applying for a different course or want to stand out when speaking to admissions teams, a revised or targeted version of your personal statement can be extremely helpful.

How do I update Student Finance after Clearing?

If you change your university or course through Clearing, you’ll need to update your Student Finance (opens in a new tab) application to make sure your funding goes to the right place. Fortunately, it’s a simple process—but the sooner you do it, the better. This prevents any delays in receiving your loan. 

You’ll need to log in to your Student Finance account and update your application with the new details. You can do this by selecting the ‘change your application’ option and entering your new course and university information.

Will I be able to get university accommodation if I get a place through Clearing?

Yes, you can still get university accommodation if you secure a place through Clearing, but availability may be more limited, so it’s important to act quickly. Many universities reserve a portion of accommodation specifically for Clearing students.

Some offer guaranteed accommodation if you apply by a certain date—even via Clearing—though it may not be your first choice. You’ll typically receive accommodation information after your place is confirmed, but in some cases, you can apply as soon as you get a verbal offer.

Ace your A Level exams with Save My Exams

Whether your A Level results are worth celebrating or you’re already thinking about how to improve next year, Save My Exams can help you. 

Join over 2 million students who trust Save My Exams and gain access to high quality, teacher-written revision resources. You’ll find everything from concise revision notes and exam-style questions to flashcards, each tailored to your specific exam board. This way, you can guarantee you’re only studying exactly what you need to know. 

Explore our A Level revision resources. 

References

Clearing and results day | UCAS (opens in a new tab) 

A Level Results Day 2025: Key Dates & Next Steps

Supporting your child on results day: A parent's guide to navigating the emotional rollercoaster | UCAS (opens in a new tab)

The new era of Clearing: What it means for universities | UCAS (opens in a new tab) 

Search - UCAS (opens in a new tab)

Retaking Your A Levels - Everything You Need to Know 

The Best Revision Techniques 

Student Finance England (opens in a new tab)