UCAS Clearing 2026 is another opportunity to secure a university place and start your studies this academic year, whether you missed out on an offer, didn’t get the grades you expected, or simply changed your mind about your course.
Every year, thousands of students find their place through Clearing. Don’t worry if this is where you’ve ended up — it’s a genuine route in, not a consolation prize.
Clearing in the UK 2026: everything you need to know
Note: this article was originally published in 2025 and has been updated for the 2026 UCAS Clearing cycle.
If you’re not currently holding a university offer, Clearing in the UK for 2026/27 could be the route that gets you to university.
What UCAS Clearing is
Clearing is the process UK universities and colleges use to fill any remaining course places. If you don’t have an offer, or no longer want the one you have, Clearing gives you another chance to apply. Each year, thousands of courses are available through Clearing across a wide range of subjects and universities.
For 2026, Clearing runs from 2 July to 19 October.
Who can use Clearing
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You’re applying after 30 June
- You didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
- You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
- You’ve declined your firm place using the “Decline my place” option in your UCAS Hub
If you’re not eligible for Clearing yet
If you’ve heard back from all your UCAS choices and you’re not holding any offers, UCAS Extra 2026 could help you secure a university place before Clearing opens.
Clearing 2026 timeline
- Opens: 2 July 2026
- SQA results day (Scotland): 4 August 2026 — Clearing choices available from results day
- JCQ results day (England, Wales, NI): 13 August 2026 — Clearing choices available from results day
- Closes: 19 October 2026
Our results day guide covers exactly what happens on the day itself, hour by hour.
How Clearing works
Clearing may feel stressful, but breaking it down into steps makes it much easier to manage:
- Ask for advice: Speak to teachers, advisers, or careers services about alternative courses or subjects.
- Search for available courses: Use the official UCAS search tool to find courses with vacancies. Be open to related subjects or joint honours options.
- Contact universities: Before adding a Clearing choice, contact universities directly and ask whether they would consider you and if accommodation is available.
- Add your Clearing choice: Once you have permission, log into your UCAS Hub and select “Add Clearing choice”. You can only add one choice at a time.
Your Clearing matches
If you’re eligible for Clearing or start a new application, UCAS may show you up to 50 matched courses based on your profile. You can express interest in these courses, and universities may contact you directly if you meet their entry requirements and places are still available.
International students and Clearing
International students can also apply through Clearing. Before applying, make sure you:
- Meet academic and English language requirements
- Understand international tuition fees
- Check visa requirements and timelines
Universities that don’t usually offer Clearing places
Some highly competitive universities don’t typically take part in Clearing, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics (LSE), and University College London (UCL).
If you’re preparing to study in the UK and need a broader overview of visas, finance, and accommodation, read our full Study in the UK student guides.
If results day didn’t go how you hoped
Clearing is one route forward, but it isn’t the only one. Our guide on what to do if results day doesn’t go to plan walks through remarks, resits, gap years and how to decide without rushing, if you want to weigh up your options before committing to a Clearing choice.
Don’t forget accommodation
Once you’ve secured your university place, the next important step is finding somewhere to live. Student accommodation can fill up quickly during Clearing, especially in popular university cities. Planning early gives you more choice and less stress.
Hallbookers helps students explore student accommodation across the UK — from en-suite rooms and studios to shared flats — all in one place.
Explore student accommodation on Hallbookers
Rate and review your student accommodation on Hallbookers to help future students make better choices.
Good luck. Clearing might feel overwhelming, but it’s a real opportunity to find the right course and start your university journey with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
When does UCAS Clearing open and close in 2026?
UCAS Clearing opens on 2 July 2026 and closes on 19 October 2026.
Who can use UCAS Clearing?
You can use Clearing if you’re applying after 30 June, you didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept), you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers, or you declined your firm place in UCAS Hub.
How do I add a Clearing choice?
Only add a Clearing choice once a university has given you permission. In your UCAS Hub, go to your choices and select “Add Clearing choice”. You can only add one choice at a time.
Can international students apply through Clearing?
Yes. International students can apply through Clearing if they meet academic and English language requirements and have the correct visa and timelines in place.
What are Clearing matches?
If you’re eligible for Clearing or start a new application, UCAS may show you up to 50 matched courses based on your profile. You can express interest, and universities may contact you if you meet entry requirements and places are available.
