UCAS Clearing Debunked! Answering Some of the Common Questions About Clearing

UCAS Clearing may seem like a formidable task. However, we are here to help answer some of the more common questions that our students ask our counsellors.

UCAS Clearing is a last chance process in which students can apply to universities and courses if there are still available slots. It can seem like a daunting process especially for international students looking to study in the UK. However, we are here to help you debunk some of the more frequently asked questions that our expert counsellors have been asked when it comes to UCAS Clearing.

Commonly Asked UCAS Clearing Questions

Do I Register for Clearing?

Whilst most that have a UCAS account will automatically be placed in Clearing with a clearing code if they do not have an offer, You technically do not need to register for Clearing. You can simply check the clearing site for available courses and universities and can directly contact the university to apply for their vacancy.

However having a UCAS account will help you keep track of any details and allows you to have all your documents all in one place for you to apply for other universities if your clearing choice has rejected your offer.

Who is Eligible for Clearing?

Clearing is available to all students internationally that either: does not hold an offer from a UK University, Who didn’t apply before 30th June, or someone that has declined all their offers.

How Long is Clearing?

Clearing is open from 5th July 2025 and closes on the 20th October 2025. During this time Universities will make it known that they have open vacancies throughout the period. However, it is most active around mid-August during the A-level results day.

Keep on Track With Your Clearing

Clearing can feel like a race to apply for the best available courses and universities. Ensure your are up to date and consistently checking the list!

Make sure to research the clearing university, area and course to ensure that you happy to apply for university of your choice.

Is it too Late to Apply?

Unless it is past 20th October 2025 then NO it isn’t too late to apply for universities via clearing! We do recommend that you apply soon as possible as clearing spots are very limited, once they are gone they are gone until next years openings.

Do I Need to Contact Universities Directly?

Yes it will be a vital stage to contact Universities directly to find out if they have availability at your chosen course and also to find out if they would accept you to the course. We have a guide on what to expect and plan for during your call with the university, click here to find out more.

My Clearing Offer Was Rejected What Now?

If you have applied for a university via clearing the application has been rejected then do not worry! You can simply apply for another university. Just make sure when applying for another university/course that you check the entry requirements to see if your qualification meet the standards set by the university.

Is Clearing More Expensive?

Clearing is not more expensive than a regular application. There is a £28.50 application fee for any 2025 applications which covers 5 courses. If you paid for a single choice application you will need to pay the difference of £6.50 to continue to apply for courses in Clearing.

What IELTS Do I Need?

The IELTS or any English Testing System required will differ depending on course and university that you have applied for. So please ensure that you have read the requirements of the course on its university page to ensure you have the most accurate information. To find out more about IELTS and other English Testing Systems check this guide out.

Are Popular Universities and Courses Available Through Clearing?

Yes! Popular universities and courses can potentially be available when using Clearing. However, you have to be quick as these will be highly sought after and will be taken very quickly. The availability of universities and courses are all dependent on if the course/university has vacant spaces and this means that courses during clearing will only have very limited availability.

Can I Accept More Than One Clearing Offer?

No during clearing you can speak to multiple universities about enrolment into their courses, however you can only apply for one university at a time. This means that you can only accept one offer at a time through UCAS as you cannot apply for more than one at a time. If the University does reject your offer or if you decide to turn down the offer then you may apply for another university via clearing.

Still Got Unanswered Questions?

Still unable to find the answer to a question you were looking to be answered? Then sign up with us today and one of our top Counsellors will reach out and provide you with the support to answer your questions and get you one step closer to studying in the UK. Click here to get your journey started!

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