If your results didn’t go as planned, you’ve changed your mind about your course, or you haven’t received a university offer, don’t worry. UCAS Clearing 2025 gives you a valuable second chance to secure the right course and university for you. In 2024, thousands of students found their university places through Clearing, and that figure is set to rise in 2025.
This guide covers who can use Clearing, the latest key dates, what’s new this year, and a clear step-by-step process to help you secure your place with confidence.
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a service that helps students without a confirmed university place find and apply for available courses across the UK. It’s primarily used by A-Level, BTEC, and T-Level students who:
- Didn’t receive any university offers, or declined them all.
- Didn’t meet the conditions of their firm or insurance offers.
- Applied to university after 30 June 2025.
- Chose to self-release from a confirmed place to explore other options.
Clearing is also available to students who’ve changed their minds about their course or university, and to international applicants looking to study in the UK.
Am I Eligible for Clearing in 2025?
You can use Clearing if:
- You applied after 30 June 2025.
- You received no offers, declined them all, or didn’t meet offer grades or conditions.
- You’ve self-released from your firm place through UCAS Hub.
- You’re applying from overseas (start early for visas and English language requirements).
- You have T-Levels (varies – check each university’s acceptance policy).
When Does Clearing Run?
- Opens: 5 July 2025
- Closes: 20 October 2025 (6pm UK time)
- Results Day: 14 August 2025 (A-Level, BTEC, and T-Level results)
- Clearing Choices: Add choices in UCAS Hub from 13:00 (1pm) on Results Day
Clearing is busiest right after Results Day, but opportunities open from early July, so it’s wise to start researching as soon as possible.
How Do You Know If You’re in Clearing?
Log in to UCAS Hub. If you’re in Clearing, you’ll see a message saying “You are in Clearing” plus your unique Clearing number. For extra support:
- UCAS: 0371 468 0468
- National Careers Service: 0800 100 900 (with Results Day support from 14-30 August 2025)
Where Can I Find Clearing Vacancies?
- Use the live UCAS Clearing course search for current vacancies.
- Check specific university websites—places update quickly, so refresh often.
- Top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and LSE rarely have Clearing places available.
- Avoid outdated printed or newspaper lists.
How to Apply Through Clearing: Step-by-Step
- Research Early: Use the UCAS Clearing tool and university websites to research courses.
- Prepare Documents: Have your UCAS ID, Clearing number, results, personal statement, and references ready.
- Contact Universities: Call their Clearing hotlines – especially from Results Day onwards. Be prepared to explain why you’re applying. You may be offered a place, waitlisted, or declined.
- Accept Your Offer: Deadlines can be as short as 24 hours, sometimes less, so double-check.
- Add Your Clearing Choice: Once invited, log in to UCAS Hub to add your choice.
- Confirmation: UCAS will update your Hub status to “Clearing accepted” or “Unconditional.” You’ll also get a confirmation email; physical letters are rare.
Important Considerations:
- You can only add one Clearing choice at a time in UCAS Hub.
- If unsuccessful, you can search and apply elsewhere.
- Always take note of who you speak with and what is discussed.
- Be aware of deadlines – they can be tight.
Alternative route: Some universities offer Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA): you submit your grades, statement, and a reference directly to them, and they submit your application to UCAS. This is rare and often for special circumstances, so check first.
What is Clearing Plus?
Clearing Plus is a feature in the UCAS Hub designed for students who are unplaced—either because they didn’t receive any offers, declined all offers, didn’t meet their conditions, or are applying for the first time after 30 June 2025.
If you self-release into Clearing, you’ll be able to use Clearing Plus once your UCAS Hub status updates. Just click ‘See matches’ to view a personalised list of course options that align with your grades and interests. In some cases, universities may even contact you directly. It’s a smarter, faster way to navigate Clearing and a chance to get matched with the right opportunity when it matters most.
Top Tips for Clearing
- Research courses and universities before Results Day.
- Make a shortlist of Clearing hotline numbers.
- Keep digital and paper copies of your results and all documents.
- Update your Student Finance details if your course or uni changes.
- Many universities offer accommodation guarantees for Clearing students if you meet their deadlines (e.g., University of Nottingham by 22 August, University of Stirling by 31 August—always check university sites and act quickly).
- Consider similar courses or joint honours to expand your options.
- International students: apply early – visa processing can take 4–8 weeks.
Clearing can be stressful, but support is available. Along with the National Careers Service, organisations like Student Minds offer mental health advice as Results Day approaches.
Clearing isn’t simply a fallback option – it’s a powerful pathway to finding your ideal university and course. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, Clearing 2025 could be your start to something amazing.
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