What is clearing?
Clearing is an opportunity to apply for university courses if you haven’t received an offer yet or if you’ve decided to change your course or university choice.
During Clearing, universities list any remaining course vacancies, giving you the chance to explore and apply for options that suit your goals and interests.
If any of these conditions apply to you then you can use clearing:
- You have not received an offer from a UK university/college
- You have applied but you unfortunately do not mee the entry requirements for your conditional offer.
- You are applying after 30th June
- You gotten grades to meet the requirements, but you have decided to change course or university.
As an International Student what is different about Clearing?
On the UCAS Hub the clearing process is very similar for international students and UK students however, there are some additional documents and some minor differences that maybe needed for international students to apply.
UCAS Clearing As An International Student
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Extra documentation and test certificates
Most international students will need to apply for a student visa. The application process typically takes around three weeks, though this can vary depending on your country of application and the type of visa service you use.
Once you’ve accepted your offer, it’s important to stay in close contact with your chosen university. You should apply for your visa as soon as you receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number.
If English is not your first language, you may also need to take an approved English language test and submit your test results as part of your visa application.
Difference in Exam Result Days
Some students, such as those studying the International Baccalaureate (IB), receive their exam results earlier than most UK students — for example, IB results are released on 6 July. This can give you a valuable head start in securing a university place before the main UK results days.
However, keep in mind that many universities may not advertise all of their available Clearing places until UK results are published.
So, How Do I Use Clearing as an International Student?
1. Research Available Courses
Start by researching universities and courses that interest you. League tables (including subject-specific rankings) can give a general idea of how well a university performs, but they’re just one source.
Explore university websites and research into universities and the courses they provide. Be sure to look closely at the teaching style and course modules — they may differ from each university, so choose a curriculum you’ll enjoy.
2. Contact Universities
During Clearing, reach out directly to universities via phone, email, or live chat to ask about vacancies and whether you’re eligible for an unconditional offer.
Before contacting them, have your key information ready:
- Academic qualifications
- English language test results and certificates
- Visa status
You can receive several informal offers before making your final decision. It’s smart to prepare a list of contact details for your top-choice universities in advance.
3. Add Your Clearing Choice
Once you’ve received an offer and decided which course you’d like to accept, ask the university for permission to add it as a Clearing choice.
When you’re ready, log in to UCAS Hub and enter your choice under ‘Add a Choice’ using your UCAS ID and Clearing number.
Note: You can only accept one Clearing offer at a time through UCAS Hub.
4. University Reviews Your Application
If your offer is unconditional, the university will usually confirm your place shortly after you add it in UCAS Hub.
You must wait for their decision before adding a new Clearing choice, if needed.
5. Your Place Is Confirmed
Congratulations — once your place is confirmed, you’re officially enrolled on your chosen course!
Next steps include preparing for your studies, applying for your student visa, and requesting your CAS number from the university.
6. If You’re Not Successful
If your choice is declined or you don’t receive the offers you were hoping for, don’t worry. Simply return to your course research and keep applying.
You can continue receiving offers and adding Clearing choices to UCAS Hub until 20 October.
Tip: Popular courses fill up quickly, so it’s best to act as early as possible.
Need assistance with UCAS Clearing?
If you are from the MENA region need any additional support for your journey through UCAS Clearing then you can read our other guides here.
Or Contact us directly and we can help you today. Our counsellors are well equipped with the right tools and knowledge to help you through clearing. Click here and register today and one of out excellent counsellors will get back to you with personalised assistance.
