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UCAS Clearing 2026: How to Apply to UK Universities Through Clearing
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UCAS Clearing gives students a second opportunity to secure a place at a UK university for September 2026 entry. Whether you missed your grades, applied after the main UCAS deadline, declined your offers, or simply changed your mind about what you want to study, Clearing can help you find available undergraduate courses across the UK.
Every year, thousands of UK and international students successfully gain admission to leading universities through Clearing. With the right preparation and guidance, Clearing can be an effective route into a high-quality degree programme.
StudyIn advisers can help you identify available courses, contact universities, understand entry requirements, and secure a suitable offer during the Clearing period.
What Is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is the process used by UK universities to fill remaining undergraduate course vacancies before the start of the academic year.
You may be eligible for Clearing if:
- You applied after the UCAS deadline
- You did not receive any university offers
- You declined all offers received
- You did not achieve the grades required by your firm or insurance choice
- You changed your mind about your course or university
Clearing typically opens in July and remains available until October, although many popular courses fill long before the final deadline.
When Does UCAS Clearing 2026 Open?
UCAS Clearing for 2026 entry opens in July 2026 and remains available until October 2026.
The busiest period occurs after A-Level results day in August, when thousands of students receive their results and begin searching for alternative university options.
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Clearing Opens | July 2026 |
| A-Level Results Day | August 2026 |
| Main Clearing Period | August to September 2026 |
| Final Clearing Deadline | October 2026 |
How Does the UCAS Clearing Process Work?
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Log into your UCAS account to confirm whether you are eligible for Clearing. If you are, you will receive a Clearing number that universities can use to access your application.
Step 2: Research Available Courses
Search for available degree programmes using the UCAS course search tool or speak with a StudyIn adviser to identify suitable universities and courses.
Before contacting universities, consider:
- Course content
- Location
- Accommodation availability
- Graduate employment outcomes
- Tuition fees and scholarships
Step 3: Contact Universities
Universities may conduct an informal interview, ask questions about your academic background, or review your qualifications before making a decision.
Many institutions can provide decisions within hours.
Step 4: Receive a Verbal Offer
If a university wishes to accept you, it may provide a verbal or informal offer through Clearing.
You do not need to accept the first offer you receive and can speak to multiple universities before deciding.
Step 5: Add Your Clearing Choice
Once you have chosen a university, add the institution as your Clearing choice through UCAS.
The university will then confirm your place formally.
Can International Students Apply Through Clearing?
Yes. International students can use UCAS Clearing in exactly the same way as UK students.
Many UK universities reserve places for international applicants throughout the Clearing period, particularly in subjects such as:
- Business and Management
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering
- Accounting and Finance
- Law
- Psychology
- Life Sciences
International applicants should begin the process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for CAS issuance, visa applications, accommodation arrangements, and travel planning.
Which Universities Participate in Clearing?
Many UK universities participate in Clearing each year, including members of the Russell Group and other highly ranked institutions. Availability varies annually based on application demand.
Highly competitive universities such as Oxford and Cambridge generally do not participate in Clearing. Similarly, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science courses rarely have vacancies due to strong demand.
What Courses Are Available Through Clearing?
The range of available courses changes every year.
Popular subject areas commonly available include:
- Business and Management
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering
- Economics
- Law
- Accounting and Finance
- Psychology
- Media and Communications
Students interested in STEM subjects often find a wide range of opportunities through Clearing.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Success in Clearing?
Preparation is essential. Before results day, make sure you:
- Create a shortlist of alternative universities
- Research entry requirements
- Prepare academic transcripts and documents
- Review accommodation options
- Consider alternative courses within the same subject area
- Speak with an adviser about backup options
Students who prepare in advance often secure places more quickly and have a wider choice of available courses.
What Questions Might Universities Ask During a Clearing Call?
Universities use Clearing conversations to understand your suitability for the course.
Common questions include:
- Why do you want to study this subject?
- Why are you interested in this university?
- What are your future career goals?
- What relevant experience do you have?
- How do you handle academic challenges?
- What attracts you to this programme?
Having clear answers prepared can significantly improve your confidence during the process.
What Alternatives Exist If No Suitable Clearing Courses Are Available?
If you cannot find the right course through Clearing, alternative options include:
- Foundation programmes
- International pathway courses
- January intake programmes
- Deferred entry for the following academic year
- Alternative universities with later application deadlines
Many students successfully reach their preferred university through these alternative routes.
UCAS Clearing Support
UCAS Clearing moves quickly, and having expert guidance can make a significant difference. StudyIn advisers help international students identify suitable courses, compare universities, understand entry requirements, secure offers, and prepare visa applications.
Our team supports students throughout the entire process, from course selection to enrolment, helping you make informed decisions under tight timelines.
FAQs
Who can use UCAS Clearing?
Students who did not receive offers, missed their grades, applied late, declined their offers, or changed their mind about their course can use Clearing.
When does UCAS Clearing 2026 open?
UCAS Clearing opens in July 2026 and continues until October 2026.
Can international students apply through Clearing?
Yes. International students can use Clearing and many UK universities accept international applicants during this period.
Can I speak to multiple universities during Clearing?
Yes. You can contact multiple universities before deciding which offer to accept.
Do Russell Group universities participate in Clearing?
Some Russell Group universities participate in Clearing each year, although course availability varies.
Can I get into university if I missed my grades?
Yes. Universities may still consider applicants who narrowly missed their offer requirements, and Clearing provides alternative options.
How many Clearing choices can I add on UCAS?
You can only add one Clearing choice at a time through UCAS.
Are medicine courses available through Clearing?
Medicine places are extremely limited in Clearing due to high demand and competitive entry requirements.
How long does the Clearing process take?
Some universities make decisions within hours, while others may take several days.
Is Clearing a good option?
Yes. Thousands of students secure places at excellent UK universities through Clearing every year.
