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Clearing explained

Understand how UCAS Clearing works in 2026 with our step-by-step guide.

Guide to University Clearing 2026

Clearing might seem complicated, but our handy guide will help you understand what you need to do at every stage, from searching for courses to confirming your place.

For answers to all your Clearing questions, take a look at our Clearing FAQs.

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Step 1: check your eligibility
If you meet any of the following criteria, you’re eligible to apply through Clearing:
- You get no offers, or decide not to accept any you get
- You do not meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice
- You apply after 30 June 2026.
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 your UCAS hub. If you apply after 30 June you will automatically enter into Clearing.
Step 2: search for Clearing courses
Key date: 2 July 2026 – UCAS Clearing opens
Start your course search now on our website before Clearing vacancies go live on UCAS on 2 July 2026. This gives you time to explore courses, compare options and create a shortlist before results day. If you’re applying directly through Clearing or you’ve decided to decline your existing firm unconditional offer, you can contact universities directly from this date.
Step 3: prepare for results day
Key date: 13 August 2026 – results day
Before results day, make sure you can log in to your UCAS Hub, as this is where you’ll view offers and manage Clearing choices. Check with your school or college when and how your results will be shared. Finally, prepare any questions you have for universities about accommodation or important dates so you don’t need to think about them on results day.
Clearing can move quickly, so try to keep the day free. Ensure your phone is fully charged and you have something to write with.
Once your results are confirmed, contact universities as soon as possible. You’ll need the following information:
- Your UCAS ID
- Your Level 3 qualifications (A levels, BTECs or equivalent)
- Your GCSE grades in Maths, English and Science
When you call a university, you’ll have a short conversation with a Clearing adviser who will check your eligibility for the course you’re interested in and, if they can, make you a verbal offer. Some courses, like health sciences, may require an interview. This might be completed over the phone, online or you might be invited to a campus interview.
Step 4: receive Clearing offers
At UEA, we will follow your verbal offer with an email to confirm the details and the deadline to add the offer in UCAS. We may also ask for additional information at this stage, so check your emails regularly.
You can receive more than one Clearing offer, but each one will have its own deadline, so keep track of these while you consider your choices.
Step 5: add your Clearing choice and confirm your place
Key dates: 24 September 2026 – application deadline
Once you’ve decided which offer to accept, you’ll need to add that university as your Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub. You can do this from 1pm on results day and must do so before the deadline given by the university. You can only add one Clearing choice at a time, so make sure you’re happy with your decision before submitting. The university will check your details and, if everything is correct, confirm your place in UCAS. Then you can officially accept your offer. Once you’ve accepted an offer, you can download your acceptance letter, which you may need for things like opening a student bank account.
Clearing applications for courses starting in September 2026 close at 6pm on 24 September 2026. However, many courses fill quickly, so we recommend applying on or as soon as possible after A level results day.