Clearing / How to apply through Clearing
If you’ve decided Clearing is the right path for you, the next step is knowing exactly how to apply. Whether you're ready to call your chosen university or still figuring out your next move, we've broken it all down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
From finding the right course to getting a verbal offer and accepting your place, we’re here to guide you through every part of the process - so you feel in control and confident about what happens next.
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Step 1 - Check out our Clearing guide
Check out our What is Clearing guide to find out if Clearing is right for you.
Step 2 - Find your course
Find the course you want to study and check entry requirements.
You can use the or search directly on the university page. Click here to search for ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Clearing courses and see if you meet the entry requirements.
If you don’t have your grades yet, don’t worry. You can still get a verbal Clearing offer now, and finalise the application process when you receive your grades.
Step 3 - Get in touch
Give us a call on +44 (0)116 257 7000 to get a verbal offer from one of our friendly advisers. We’ve shared some Clearing phone call tips below, make sure you check it out. We can also make you a Clearing offer via on +44 7970 655 800.
Step 4 - Accept your offer
Your steps to accepting your Clearing verbal offer will depend on your individual situation. Below are the most common situations you find yourself in.
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You don't have a UCAS account
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You will need to create a UCAS account in order to submit your Clearing application. Submitting your Clearing application is the same as accepting the offer. The university will match their verbal offer with your application, and confirm it.
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You have a UCAS account and don’t hold any offers
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You will be automatically placed into Clearing, and you’ll be able to submit your application for your chosen university. The university will then match your UCAS application with their verbal offer for you, and confirm your place.
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You have a UCAS account and hold an offer with another university
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You will need to release yourself from your offer for Clearing to become available to you via UCAS. Just so you know, releasing yourself from your firm choice will place you into Clearing rather than your insurance choice. You will then be able to submit your Clearing application. Typically, a university verbal offer will have a deadline by which you need to accept it - make sure you know when it is.
Step 5 - Wait for your unconditional offer
The university’s admissions team will process your application and there may be instances where they might ask you to submit some additional documents. You can start thinking about accommodation at this point to ensure you get your preferred room, but wait until you receive your unconditional offer before making any deposits.
Step 6 - Celebrate and prepare for university 🎉
Well done, your place is confirmed, and you can start thinking about booking accommodation, sorting your student finance, and preparing for university.
¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· offers guaranteed accommodation to all first-year undergraduate students, so there’s one less thing for you to worry about. Find out more about accommodation.
What to prepare for a Clearing phone call?
When you speak with one of our friendly advisers, they’ll ask for a few key details to help them make you an offer and talk you through your options. They’re here to support you and answer any questions you might have, so don’t be afraid to ask. It’s helpful to have the following information to hand:
- Your full name and surname
- Your date of birth
- Your full address
- Your phone number
- Your UCAS ID
- Your GCSEs and Level 3 qualifications
Don’t worry if you haven’t got your UCAS ID yet, you can still get an offer without one. However, you’ll need a UCAS account to finalise your application. You also don’t need to know all your results to get a verbal offer, and it’s a good idea to secure your place before the course fills up. Just remember, your offer will be conditional on meeting the Clearing entry criteria.
Keep a pen and paper nearby so you can jot down anything important—like the deadline to accept your offer. And if you think of something after the call, no problem. You can always drop us a quick message on at +44 7970 655 800.
In this video, Praneal - former ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· student who now works at ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· - will explain how to research universities, what details to have ready before calling, and what to expect during the Clearing call. We’ll also explain the types of offers you might receive - and what happens next.
Frequently asked questions
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Can you apply for clearing at the same university?
Yes, you can apply for the same university and even the same course, as long as the reason for which you’ve been initially rejected was not meeting grade entry requirements. Some courses have additional requirements such as a portfolio, DBS check, and interview – these are separate from your grades and will impact your ability to apply for the same course.
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Do you need a personal statement for Clearing?
If you already have a UCAS account and you submitted your applications in the initial cycle, you don’t have to worry about writing a new personal statement. However, if you’re opening a new UCAS account to apply via Clearing, you will need to write a personal statement. You may also be asked to submit a personal statement for certain courses like Nursing and Midwifery. But don’t worry – our admissions team will let you know if it’s required once your application has been reviewed.
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I've been accepted at another university, but I've changed my mind, and I am interested in ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·. What can I do?
If you are holding a firm unconditional place, you can use online self-release into Clearing, by using the ‘decline your place’ button in Track. Please note that seeking a release from your current unconditional firm choice will mean that you are placed into Clearing. A release from your unconditional firm offer will not automatically allow you to go to your insurance choice.
We are happy to discuss your options with you and offer you guidance on the next steps. You can get in touch by calling us on
+44 (0)116 257 7000.
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I'm not available to call or email the university - can a friend or relative do this of my behalf?
Due to data protection purposes, we can't discuss your application with anyone else besides you. The exception to this is if you have a nominated person included on your UCAS application - they can contact us on your behalf. If you can, it’s a good idea to make the call yourself as you’ll know your situation best and it can help things move along more smoothly, especially when it comes to receiving a Clearing offer.
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Will changing my university and my course affect my Student Finance?
No, but it’s recommended you contact Student Finance direct to inform a member of the team about this change to avoid any delays in receiving your funding.
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Can I apply for student accommodation if I come through Clearing?
Yes, all of our first-year undergraduate students benefit from guaranteed accommodation, including students who come through Clearing. Visit the
accommodation page for more information.
If you’re a parent or a guardian of a student thinking of applying to university for September 2025, we have prepared a special guide for you. It contains all the information, terms, and timelines you need to be aware of to support your young person.
Find out more