Guide to Clearing in the UK 2025

Did you miss out on a university offer? Changed your mind about your course? Don’t worry—UCAS Clearing 2025 is your second chance to secure a university place and kick-start your student journey this autumn.

Clearing in the UK 2025: Everything you need to know

If you didn’t get the grades you hoped for or you’re applying late, here’s what you need to know about Clearing in the UK for 2025/26.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is how UK universities fill any remaining course spaces. If you're not currently holding an offer or have changed your mind, Clearing gives you another route into higher education.

More than 30,000 courses are available through Clearing every year. For 2025, you can apply from 5 July to 20 October.

Who can use Clearing?

You can apply through Clearing if:

• You’re applying after 30 June
• You didn’t receive any offers (or didn’t accept any)
• You didn’t meet your offer conditions
• You’ve declined your firm place on UCAS

Clearing 2025 timeline

• Opens: 5 July 2025
• SQA results day: 5 August (add Clearing choices from 10am)
• JCQ results day: 14 August (add Clearing choices from 1pm)
• Closes: 20 October 2025

How Clearing works

Here’s a quick guide to navigating Clearing:

1. Get advice: Talk to teachers or advisers about alternative options.
2. Search courses: Use the UCAS Clearing search tool to find vacancies. Consider joint honours or related subjects.
3. Contact universities: Call universities before applying to ask about availability and get informal offers. Ask about accommodation and campus tours.
4. Add your Clearing choice: Log into your UCAS Hub and click ‘Add Clearing choice’ after getting permission from the university. You can only add one at a time.

UCAS Clearing Matches

If you're unplaced or start a new application, UCAS will show you up to 50 matched courses in your Hub. You can express interest, and universities may contact you directly if you're eligible.

International students and Clearing

International students can apply through Clearing too. Just make sure to:

• Meet academic and language requirements
• Understand international tuition fees
• Apply for a student visa (if required)

Clearing FAQs

• How do I know if I’m in Clearing? Your UCAS Hub will say “You are in Clearing” or “Clearing has started.”
• Where is my Clearing number? Find it in your UCAS Hub under 'Application status.'
• Why don’t I have a Clearing number? Your results may not be updated yet. Contact the university if unsure.
• How much does Clearing cost? If you originally paid £22.50, you’ll pay an extra £4.50 to apply through Clearing.
• Where can I find Clearing vacancies? The UCAS search tool lists all vacancies from July onwards.
• Can I use Clearing to change my firm choice? Yes—click ‘Decline my place’ in UCAS and go through Clearing.
• Can I choose my insurance offer instead? Not directly—you’ll need to go through Clearing and contact the university.

Which universities don’t usually offer Clearing places?

Some highly competitive universities typically do not take part in Clearing, including:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• UCL
• Imperial College London
• LSE

Final tip: Don’t forget accommodation

Once you’ve secured your university place, the next step is finding somewhere to live.

Hallbookers offers a wide range of affordable student accommodation across the UK. From ensuite rooms to shared flats, there’s something to suit every student.

Explore student accommodation on Hallbookers

Good luck! Clearing might feel overwhelming, but it’s a great opportunity to find a course—and future—you’ll love. Stay calm, be proactive, and remember: the right place is out there for you.