:focus(1931x257:1932x258))
Clearing may seem like a confusing process, but in reality, the process is quite simple if you understand what you need to do and by when.
Clearing is traditionally seen as an opportunity to find a place at university if you haven’t performed as well as expected. However, Clearing should be seen as an opportunity if you are thinking of changing your mind on your university choice or perform better than expected. If you choose to apply after 30 June your application will automatically be entered into Clearing, you can apply once you have your results.
Hear from our higher education advisor, Harry to find out.
We’ve created a simple ten step process to help you understand Clearing:
)
You did not receive any offers (or none that you wanted to accept)
You did not meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice and subsequently was not accepted.
OR
You are applying after 30 June 2026.
To make a Clearing application you will need to have paid the UCAS application fee.
)
If you haven't already applied, you need to create a UCAS application for 2026 entry. Once submitted you can manage your applications by signing in to UCAS, the online application portal. If you apply after 30 June your application will automatically be entered into Clearing.
)
This summer, Clearing vacancies - otherwise known as course openings - will go live on the UCAS website from 5 July. Clearing vacancies are also advertised on individual university websites.
)
Once you have your exam results, you can contact your chosen universities about vacancies. Contact numbers for Clearing will be available via the UCAS search tool and on university websites if they have spaces.
)
Have your UCAS ID handy and results ready. It’s also best to prepare any questions you have about the process, such as securing accommodation or any key dates, before getting through to the university’s Clearing advisor.
Some courses may require an interview. This might be completed over the telephone, online or you might be invited to a campus interview at a later date. Have a pen handy to note any deadlines or other information you may be given.
)
If you receive an offer to be considered for the course via Clearing, you can then add the Clearing choice in UCAS. Be sure to add your Clearing choice on UCAS by any deadline the university gives you.
At UEA, we will follow up our discussion with an email confirmation of the offer and how long it is available to you. We might also ask you for further information or evidence at this stage, so it is important you check your emails. Once you have added our Clearing choice in UCAS we will then check all the information is correct and formally offer you a place which you can then view, accept or decline via UCAS.
)
You can view, accept or decline any offer using UCAS. Please check UCAS for any deadlines by which you may need to make a decision.
If you accept you can then view and print your acceptance letter - a handy document to have when opening a student bank account. However, if the university can’t offer you a place, you can still contact other higher education providers to see whether there are other vacancies of interest.
)
It’s true that there’s no limit to how many universities you can contact or hold offers with via Clearing, but please remember that each one will have a deadline and you’ll only be able to accept one through UCAS.
It’s also important to check if accommodation is included in any Clearing offers you receive. At UEA we will be able to confirm if we can offer you accommodation when you contact us and we will also confirm this in our follow up email. To explore accommodation at UEA, you can check out our Accommodation pages.
)
UCAS also provides Clearing Plus in case things don’t go to plan. UCAS can match your details to courses that they think you might be interested in. If you match yourself with any of the suggestions, universities can contact you in August through this service if they have places on courses they think might be suitable, based on your application.
You’ll only be eligible for this service if you have been unsuccessful in your original application or, you submitted your application after June 30. You will also need to pay the UCAS Application Fee.
)
Clearing choices are yours to make. If you already know which university you want to choose in the UCAS Clearing process, don’t be afraid to reach out and learn more about your potential university by booking a campus tour, speaking to a current student or member of staff.
Book a campus visitfor work experience, according to Rate my Placement
