Guide to Clearing in the UK 2026

Did you miss out on a university offer? Changed your mind about your course? Don’t worry — UCAS Clearing 2026 is another opportunity to secure a university place and start your studies this academic year.

Every year, thousands of students find their place through Clearing, whether they applied late, didn’t get the grades they expected, or decided to take a different path.

Clearing in the UK 2026: everything you need to know

Note: This article was originally published in 2025 and 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 is UCAS Clearing?

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

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: early August (Clearing choices available from results day)
• JCQ results day: mid-August (Clearing choices available from results day)
• Closes: 19 October 2026

How Clearing works

Clearing may feel stressful, but breaking it down into steps makes it much easier to manage:

1. Ask for advice: Speak to teachers, advisers, or careers services about alternative courses or subjects.
2. Search for available courses: Use the official UCAS search tool to find courses with vacancies. Be open to related subjects or joint honours options.
3. Contact universities: Before adding a Clearing choice, contact universities directly and ask whether they would consider you and if accommodation is available.
4. 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

Which universities don’t usually offer Clearing places?

Some highly competitive universities don’t typically take part in Clearing, including:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• London School of Economics (LSE)
• 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 Guide.

Final step: 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 ensuite rooms and studios to shared flats — all in one place.

Explore student accommodation on Hallbookers

Rate & 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.