Medicine and Nursing are two of the most popular subjects. But they work very differently in Clearing. This guide explains what is really possible for Medicine and Nursing through Clearing this year.
What Is UCAS Clearing?
Clearing is a UCAS process. It helps you find a university place if you do not have one yet. You can use Clearing if you missed your grades. You can also use Clearing if you changed your mind about your course.
Clearing 2026 opens on 2 July. It stays open until 19 October 2026. More than 50,000 students find a place through Clearing every year. Over 30,000 courses are listed in the Clearing search tool.
How Clearing Works
You need your exam results first. Then you check the Clearing search tool for open courses. You call the university admissions team directly. If they accept you, you add the course as your Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub.
Most courses do not need an interview in Clearing. But Nursing courses often do. This is an important difference to remember.
Medicine Through Clearing: The Honest Picture
Medicine is one of the hardest subjects to get into. Medical schools have very few spaces. Demand is always much higher than supply.
Medicine through Clearing is possible, but it is rare. Most Medicine courses fill up long before results day. Very few Medical schools use Clearing for standard Medicine degrees.
Why Medicine Rarely Appears in Clearing
Medical training is expensive to deliver. Universities plan Medicine places carefully every year. Places are usually confirmed months in advance. This leaves almost no room for Clearing spaces.
If a Medicine place does appear in Clearing, it goes fast. You must act within hours, not days. Being ready before results day gives you the best chance.
Alternative Routes Into Medicine
If Medicine through Clearing is not available, do not give up. There are other paths into a healthcare career. Foundation and pathway programmes can help you get there.
Providers like Kaplan, INTO, and Study Group offer foundation year courses. These courses build your academic skills first. They can lead into science and health-related degrees. From there, some students later move toward Medicine related fields.
A Biomedical Science or Health Science degree is another smart option. These courses share content with Medicine. They can also lead to postgraduate Medicine routes later.
Nursing Through Clearing: A Real Option
Nursing through Clearing is a much more realistic option. Nursing courses often have places available in Clearing. Many universities keep spaces open for Nursing right through the summer.
The UK needs more nurses every year. This demand creates more Clearing spaces in Nursing. Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Children’s Nursing are the main fields.
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Nursing Courses You Can Find in Clearing
Nursing courses often ask for an interview. This helps universities check you are ready for patient care. Interviews are usually short and friendly, not scary.
You will need some Science background for most Nursing courses. English and Maths at GCSE level are commonly required. Entry grades for Nursing are often lower than for Medicine.
Robert Gordon University: A Strong Nursing Choice
Robert Gordon University offers a strong range of Nursing degrees. These include Adult Nursing, Children and Young People’s Nursing, and Mental Health Nursing.
Robert Gordon University was ranked joint first in the UK for Career Prospects in Nursing by the Guardian University Guide 2026. Students get real practice placements from year one. Graduates register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council after finishing.
Robert Gordon University often appears in Nursing Clearing lists. This makes it a smart choice if you are searching for Nursing through Clearing this year.
Key Clearing Statistics for 2026
Here are some useful facts about Clearing this year. Clearing 2026 runs from 2 July to 19 October. More than 50,000 students get a place through Clearing each year.
Nursing has been one of the most applied for subjects for several years running. Medicine remains one of the most competitive subjects every single year. These trends are expected to continue in 2026.
How to Apply for Medicine or Nursing Through Clearing
Start by checking your UCAS Hub on results day. Look for the words “You are in Clearing.” This tells you that you are eligible to search.
Next, use the UCAS search tool. Filter your search by Medicine or Nursing. Note down every university with an open place.
Call each university admissions line directly. Explain your grades and your interest clearly. Ask if they can make you an informal offer.
Steps to Take on Results Day
Have your UCAS ID number ready before you call. Have your exam results ready too. Write down a short list of universities to try first.
Stay calm during your calls. Ask clear questions about entry requirements. Ask about interview dates for Nursing courses.
If you get an informal offer, add it in your UCAS Hub. Do this under “Add Clearing choice.” The university will then confirm your place.
Conclusion
Medicine through Clearing is rare, but not impossible. Nursing through Clearing is a strong and realistic path. Both routes reward students who prepare early and act fast.
If you want to study in medicine and nursing, apply now with UCAS Clearing. Register here for free support today.
If you get an informal offer, add it in your UCAS Hub. Do this under “Add Clearing choice.” The university will then confirm your place.
