UCAS Clearing for international students is a route to secure a UK university place if your original plans did not work out. If you already have your exam results, changed your mind about your course, or did not receive any offers, Clearing can still help you start your degree in the UK this September.
Clearing usually runs from early July to mid-September each year. If you already have your final results and are not holding an offer, you can normally use UCAS Clearing from early July in the relevant admissions cycle. Exact dates change each year, so it is important to check the latest information on the UCAS website and with your chosen universities.
Many international students now apply to study in the UK for the first time through Clearing. There is no stigma attached to Clearing. Universities actively use it to fill remaining places on high-quality courses, including in areas such as business, engineering, computer science, and health.
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a formal process that matches applicants without a confirmed place to UK universities that still have course vacancies. It is part of the main UCAS application cycle and is available to both UK and international students.
Through Clearing, you can:
- Find UK universities that still have places on suitable courses
- Contact universities directly to discuss your application
- Receive informal verbal offers over the phone or online
- Add a Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub once you have an agreed place
For international students, Clearing can be a fast route into a UK degree, especially if you already meet the academic and English language requirements and can move quickly with your visa application.
Who is UCAS Clearing For?
UCAS Clearing is designed for applicants who do not currently hold a confirmed place at a UK university. As an international student, you may be able to use Clearing if any of the following apply to you.
Can I use UCAS Clearing if I applied after the main deadline?
Yes. If you applied after the final UCAS deadline and universities did not consider your application in the main cycle, you can still look for courses through Clearing. This is common for students who decide to study in the UK later in the year or who were not ready to apply earlier.
StudyIn can help you:
- Identify UK universities that are still accepting late applications
- Check which courses have vacancies that match your profile
- Contact admissions teams to confirm whether they can consider you through Clearing
Can I use UCAS Clearing if my exam results are lower than my offer?
If your final grades are lower than the conditions of your original offer, you may lose that place. However, you may still have strong options through Clearing.
Some universities will accept students whose grades are slightly below the original offer, especially if they have performed well in key subjects or have strong overall profiles. For example, if your offer was AAB and you achieved ABB, the university may still accept you, or a similar university may offer you a place through Clearing.
StudyIn can:
- Review your final grades against typical entry requirements
- Advise whether it is worth contacting your original university
- Help you find alternative universities with realistic entry thresholds
Can I use UCAS Clearing if I received no offers or declined my offers?
Yes. Clearing is ideal if you did not receive any offers, or if you chose not to accept the offers you received. This might be because the course was not the right fit, the location was not suitable, or you changed your long term plans.
If you have met or exceeded your predicted grades, you may even be able to secure a place at a more competitive university than you originally applied to, especially in subjects where universities still have vacancies.
Can I use UCAS Clearing if I changed my mind after accepting an offer?
There are many reasons why you might change your mind after accepting a UK university place. You may want a different course, a different city, or a university with stronger rankings or better scholarships.
UCAS may allow you to release yourself into Clearing if you no longer wish to take up your confirmed place. Once you are in Clearing, you can search for new courses and universities and speak to admissions teams about your options.
Key UCAS Clearing Dates and Timeline
Although exact dates vary each year, the UCAS Clearing timeline usually follows a similar pattern.
| Stage |
Typical timing |
What happens |
What you should do |
| Clearing opens |
Early July |
Clearing vacancies start to appear for applicants with results |
Check your UCAS Hub and speak to StudyIn if you have no offers |
| Results period |
July to August |
Many international qualifications and A-level results are released |
Compare your results with your offers and explore Clearing options |
| Peak Clearing |
Mid August |
Most Clearing activity takes place after A-level results day |
Call universities quickly and secure verbal offers where possible |
| Late Clearing |
Late August to mid September |
Remaining vacancies are filled before term starts |
Finalise your choice, arrange accommodation, and complete your visa |
Because international students also need to apply for a UK Student visa, it is important to move quickly in Clearing. Universities will usually only confirm your place once you have met all conditions and paid any required deposit, so early action is essential.
How UCAS Clearing Works for International Students
The Clearing process is structured but can move very quickly. Here is a simple step-by-step overview for international students.
Step 1: Check your UCAS status
Log in to your UCAS Hub and check whether you are eligible for Clearing. You will see a Clearing status if you are not holding any offers or if you have been released from your existing place.
Step 2: Review your grades and course options
Compare your final grades with typical entry requirements for your preferred subjects. You can explore UK university options by subject using resources such as:
Step 3: Search for Clearing vacancies
Use the UCAS course search and university websites to find Clearing vacancies. Many universities highlight Clearing courses on their homepages during this period. StudyIn can also share updated lists of universities that are actively recruiting international students through Clearing.
Step 4: Contact universities directly
Once you have a shortlist, you should contact universities by phone or online form. Be ready to share:
- Your UCAS ID and personal details
- Your final exam results and English language scores
- The course you are interested in and your preferred start date
Universities may make you a verbal or conditional offer during the call. Make sure you understand any deadlines for accepting the offer or providing additional documents.
Step 5: Add your Clearing choice in UCAS
Once a university has agreed to accept you through Clearing, you can add that course as your Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub. You can only add one Clearing choice at a time, so you should be confident about your decision.
Step 6: Receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
After you have met all conditions and paid any required deposit, your university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will need this document to apply for your UK Student visa.
Step 7: Apply for your UK Student visa
With your CAS, you can submit your visa application. You should check the latest processing times in your country and ensure you have enough time to receive your visa before your course start date.
Expert View
“In Clearing, speed and strategy matter. Have your documents ready, know your priorities, and let a counsellor handle the university conversations so you do not miss strong offers while you are still comparing options.” – Rahul Chauhan, Counsellor, StudyIn.
What Types of Courses are Available in UCAS Clearing?
Clearing covers a wide range of subjects and universities. Availability changes daily, but international students often find opportunities in:
- Business and management
- Accounting and finance
- Computer science and software engineering
- Data science and artificial intelligence
- Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering
- Health, nursing, and allied health professions
- Life sciences and biomedical sciences
- Law and criminology
Highly competitive courses such as medicine and dentistry rarely appear in Clearing for international students, but related pathways such as biomedical sciences, health sciences, or foundation programmes may be available.
Entry Requirements and Documents for UCAS Clearing
Universities will still expect you to meet their academic and English language requirements, even if you apply through Clearing. Typical requirements include:
- Final school or college transcripts and certificates
- Recognised English language test scores, such as IELTS or PTE
- A valid passport
- Evidence of your ability to fund your studies and living costs
- Any additional documents requested by the university, such as a portfolio or CV
StudyIn can review your documents before you contact universities so that you present a clear, complete profile that supports quick decision making.
How StudyIn Supports International Students using Clearing
Clearing can feel intense because decisions often need to be made quickly. StudyIn provides structured support so that you can move fast without making rushed choices.
Our counsellors can:
- Assess your eligibility for Clearing based on your grades and offers
- Recommend realistic universities and courses that match your goals
- Contact universities on your behalf to discuss your profile
- Help you compare offers in terms of rankings, costs, and career outcomes
- Guide you through your CAS and visa application once you secure a place
Because we work closely with a wide network of UK universities, we understand which institutions are actively recruiting international students through Clearing and what they are looking for in applicants.
Get Ready for UCAS Clearing
If you are still without a UK university place for the upcoming September intake, UCAS Clearing can give you a second chance to join a high quality degree. The key is to act quickly, stay organised, and make informed decisions.
StudyIn can support you through every stage, from understanding your Clearing eligibility to securing offers, comparing options, and completing your visa. Our counsellors work with international students every day and understand the specific timelines, documentation, and visa requirements you need to meet.
If you are considering UCAS Clearing for international students, now is the right time to speak to a counsellor and plan your next steps.
FAQs
When does UCAS Clearing start for international students?
UCAS Clearing usually opens in early July each year for applicants who already have their results and are not holding any offers. The busiest period is typically around A-level results day in August, but international students can use Clearing throughout the summer until places are filled.
Can international students apply through UCAS Clearing for the first time?
Yes. International students can use Clearing even if they did not apply earlier in the main UCAS cycle, as long as they have their final results and meet the eligibility criteria. You will still need to submit a UCAS application and follow the Clearing process.
Is UCAS Clearing more expensive for international students?
No. Tuition fees in Clearing are usually the same as standard international fees for that university and course. However, you should still compare total costs, scholarships, and living expenses when choosing between Clearing offers.
Can I get a scholarship through UCAS Clearing?
Some universities may still offer scholarships or discounts to international students who apply through Clearing, especially for priority subjects. Availability is limited and varies by institution, so it is important to ask about scholarships when you speak to universities.
Will using UCAS Clearing affect my chances of getting a UK Student visa?
No. If you receive an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed sponsor, you can apply for a UK Student visa in the usual way. The main challenge is timing, so you should move quickly in Clearing to allow enough time for visa processing.
Can I change my course or university after accepting a Clearing offer?
Once you have added a Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub and it has been confirmed, changing again can be difficult and may require you to be released back into Clearing. It is important to be confident in your decision before you add your Clearing choice.
How can StudyIn help me with UCAS Clearing?
StudyIn can assess your profile, recommend suitable Clearing options, contact universities on your behalf, and guide you through every step from offer to visa. This helps you move quickly while still making informed decisions about your course and university.
