With Results Day just around the corner, you might be wondering what happens if you don’t have a university offer, or if you’ve changed your mind about your choices. That’s where Clearing comes in. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how Clearing works, when it opens, and how you can use it to find the right course for you this September.
What is Clearing?
Clearing offers you a chance to find a full-time undergraduate course to start this September. Thousands of students find their university place through Clearing every year, so you wouldn’t be alone in exploring your options.
When does Clearing open?
Clearing opens at the beginning of July each year. From 5 July 2025, you can apply for a course using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places, or you’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application. If you don't have your results yet, you can apply from 14 August. We advise you to research your course options early so that you are prepared when A Level/BTEC Results Day arrives.
When does Clearing end?
Clearing usually closes around the end of September or when the courses in Clearing are full.
How does Clearing work?
A university will publish a list of the courses which have places available to start in the coming September. As soon as you have your results, you can apply for the course either online or by calling the university's Clearing hotline which opens on A Level/BTEC Results Day (Thursday 14 August).
If you have the required results for the course, you can be made an offer in Clearing. Once you have been made an offer, you will receive an email from the university which explains what you need to do next to accept your offer and make arrangements for student finance or accommodation if you need it.
Find a course in Clearing
See what courses are currently available through Clearing.
Why apply in Clearing?
There are many reasons why you might want to apply for university in Clearing:
- You change your mind about the course you’ve already applied for
- You change your mind about the university you've already applied for
- Your results are not what you expected (this could be worse, or better than you thought!)
- You decide to apply at the last minute
When do A Level results come out?
Results day is Thursday 14 August 2025. You can usually log on to your UCAS Hub account on the morning of results day to find out whether your status has changed and if you have met your offer, however, this won’t give you any details about how many UCAS tariff points you have. If you call a university Clearing hotline, you will need to have your grades in order to get an offer for a place, however, you can call us before and we’ll be happy to advise you on your potential options.
How do I apply through Clearing?
1) Check which courses are available
Not all university courses have places in Clearing as they may already be full for this September. Once you've found a course that you’re interested in, you'll need to check that you have the UCAS tariff points stated and any other specific entry requirements for the course. Sometimes the UCAS tariff points for Clearing are different to the main UCAS entry requirements.
2) Apply
You will need to have your results before you can apply. As soon as you have your results, you can apply for the course either online or by calling the university's Clearing hotline on 0121 331 677 which opens on A Level/BTEC Results Day (Thursday 14 August).
How can I prepare for Clearing?
- Make a shortlist of universities and courses before results day.
- Have your UCAS ID, personal statement, and grades ready. If you're not sure how many UCAS points you have, calculate them here.
- Stay calm and find out what to expect when you give us a call.
- Research your next steps when it comes to finance and accommodation so you know what to do if you've received an offer.
