# UCAS Clearing FAQs for 2027 entry (Be University Wise) Source page: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/faq Checked against official sources (UCAS, JCQ, Qualifications Scotland, GOV.UK, Ofqual, UKCISA, SAAS) on 25 September 2026. General information, not admissions or immigration advice. Not affiliated with UCAS. ## The basics ### What is UCAS Clearing? Clearing is how UCAS matches students who do not hold a university place with courses that still have vacancies. It runs each summer, from 2 July to 18 October for 2027 entry. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/ ### What is the point of Clearing? It gives students a second route into university in the same year: if results do not go to plan, if they apply late, or if they want to change course. It also lets universities fill spare places. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/ ### Is Clearing a good or bad thing? It is a normal route into university. In 2025, 77,110 students were placed through Clearing, about one in seven of the students accepted through UCAS’s main routes. You study the same course and get the same degree. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-myths ### How many students go through Clearing? 77,110 in 2025, 15% of the 512,525 acceptances made through UCAS’s main routes (UCAS end of cycle data). In 2026, 70,580 had been placed through Clearing 28 days after A level results day. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-statistics ### Does Clearing cost money? There is no separate charge. The normal UCAS fee applies: £34.50 for 2027 entry, with fee waivers for students who had free school meals and for care leavers. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/applying-directly-to-clearing ### Is Clearing the same as Extra? No. UCAS Extra runs from 25 February to 1 July 2027 for applicants who used all five choices and hold no offers. Clearing opens on 2 July 2027 and is open to anyone without a place. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### Is Adjustment still available? No. UCAS withdrew Adjustment from 2022 entry. Students who beat their offers can now use Decline my place instead. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing-and-self-release ## Dates and times ### When does Clearing open in 2027? Friday 2 July 2027. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### When does Clearing close in 2027? The last date to add a Clearing choice is Monday 18 October 2027. The final date for 2027 entry applications is 23 September 2027 at 18:00. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### When is A level results day 2027? Thursday 12 August 2027. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### When is Scottish (SQA) results day 2027? Tuesday 10 August 2027. SQA is now called Qualifications Scotland. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/scotland ### When are BTEC results released in 2027? JCQ lists 12 August 2027 for the release of many Level 3 vocational results, including BTEC Nationals. Some OCR Cambridge Technicals may be earlier. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### When are T Level results released in 2027? Not yet confirmed. In 2026, T Level results came out on A level results day, 13 August. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### What time does UCAS Hub update on results day? In 2026, from 08:00 on A level results day and 09:00 on Scottish results day. UCAS confirms 2027 timings nearer the time. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### What time can I add a Clearing choice on results day? In 2026, from 13:00 on A level results day and from 10:00 on Scottish results day. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing ### What is the results embargo? About a week before each results day, universities have results but cannot share them. They do not make Clearing decisions, and the Decline my place and Add Clearing choice buttons are switched off. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-2027-dates ### When is the busiest time in Clearing? A level results day and the days after. About 23,000 students had been placed through Clearing by the day after results day in 2026. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-statistics ## Who can use Clearing ### Who can use Clearing? Anyone applying after 30 June, anyone with no offers, anyone who missed their offer conditions and was not accepted by their firm or insurance choice, and anyone who used Decline my place. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/who-can-use-clearing ### Is Clearing only for UK students? No. UCAS says international students, including EU students, can use Clearing in the same way UK students can. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/international-students ### Can international students use Clearing? Yes. They need time to receive a CAS and get a Student visa, which usually takes 3 weeks from outside the UK, so universities may set earlier deadlines for them. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/international-students ### Can Scottish students use Clearing? Yes, but places at Scottish universities for Scottish-fee students are limited by the cap on funded places, so there may be few. Places elsewhere in the UK carry different fees. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/scotland ### Can mature students use Clearing? Yes. UCAS describes Clearing as a popular route for people returning after a gap year, time in work or a change in plans. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/applying-directly-to-clearing ### Can I use Clearing if I have not applied yet? Yes. An application after 18:00 on 30 June 2027 goes straight into Clearing. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/applying-directly-to-clearing ### Can I use Clearing if my results are better than expected? Yes, by releasing yourself with Decline my place from an unconditional firm place. Speak to the new university first. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing-and-self-release ### Am I in Clearing if my firm choice has not decided? No. You are not in Clearing until both your firm and insurance choices confirm they will not offer you a place. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/am-i-in-clearing ### Can I get into medicine through Clearing? Rarely. Medicine, dentistry and veterinary places are almost always full. Related courses and some foundation years do appear. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/who-can-use-clearing ## Applying through Clearing ### How do I apply through Clearing? Check your Hub, find your Clearing number, find courses with vacancies, contact universities, get an offer, then add it as your Clearing choice in your Hub. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing ### What is a Clearing number? A number shown in your UCAS Hub under “Application status” once you are in Clearing. Universities ask for it with your Personal ID. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/glossary ### How many Clearing choices can I have? One at a time. If the university does not confirm your place, you can add another. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing ### Do I need permission to add a Clearing choice? Yes. Only add a choice once the university has given you permission. Adding it counts as accepting the offer. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing ### Can UCAS add my Clearing choice for me? No. UCAS says only you can add your Clearing choice. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing ### Do I need to reply to a Clearing offer? No. Once you add the choice, the university confirms your place in your Hub. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing ### Do I need a new personal statement for Clearing? If you already applied, universities usually see your existing one. If you apply direct to Clearing, you will usually need one and a reference, unless a university says otherwise. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/applying-directly-to-clearing ### Where do I find Clearing vacancies? In the UCAS search tool (from 2 July), on university Clearing pages, and in your Clearing matches in the Hub. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing ### What is Clearing Plus? The UCAS matching service in your Hub. It shows up to 50 matched courses, and you can press “I’m interested” on up to five at a time. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-plus-matches ### Will universities call me through Clearing Plus? They may, if they have space and you meet their requirements, but UCAS says you may not always receive a call. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-plus-matches ### Can I apply for a different subject in Clearing? Yes. Be ready to explain why you want the new subject, and check any subject requirements. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/what-to-say-when-you-call ### Can I get a place on a foundation year through Clearing? Often yes. Many universities offer foundation years or related courses in Clearing, sometimes as a changed course offer. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/missed-your-offer ## Calling universities ### What should I say when I call a university in Clearing? Introduce yourself, give your Clearing number and Personal ID, your grades and UCAS points, and a short reason why you want the course. Then ask your questions. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/what-to-say-when-you-call ### Can my parents call universities for me? UCAS advises against it: universities need to speak to you directly. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/what-to-say-when-you-call ### What if I cannot get through on the phone? Try live chat, online Clearing forms or social media, and call again. Lines are busiest on results morning. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-tips ### Is a verbal Clearing offer binding? No. It becomes a place only when you add it as your Clearing choice and the university confirms it. Ask for it by email. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/what-to-say-when-you-call ### Do I have to accept a Clearing offer straight away? No. Ask how long the offer stays open and take time to check the course. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-tips ### What questions should I ask in a Clearing call? Course and start date, entry requirements, deadline to add the choice, course code, accommodation, accreditation, first-year content, bursaries and, for international students, CAS timing. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/what-to-say-when-you-call ## Results day situations ### What happens if I miss my offer by one grade? The university may still accept you, offer a changed course, or decline. Check your Hub and phone the university. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/missed-your-offer ### Can I swap my firm and insurance after results? No. If you want to go to your insurance instead, you would have to go through Clearing. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/missed-your-offer ### What is a changed course offer? An offer of a different course, start date or point of entry. You must accept or decline it within five days. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/missed-your-offer ### How does Decline my place work? From 2 July 2027, if you hold an unconditional firm place, you can release yourself into Clearing in your Hub. It cancels your firm and insurance places and cannot be undone. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing-and-self-release ### Can I undo Decline my place? No. UCAS says it is not reversible. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing-and-self-release ### Do I lose my accommodation if I decline my place? Yes. UCAS says any accommodation or scholarship arranged through that university is cancelled. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing-and-self-release ### What if my firm place is still conditional and I want to release myself? In 2026 you had to contact UCAS between 08:00 on results day and 2 September, and you lost both firm and insurance choices. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing-and-self-release ### Can I ask for my exam to be remarked? Your school or college can request a review of marking. Ask about a priority review if your place depends on it. Grades can go down as well as up. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/reviews-and-appeals ### What is the priority review deadline in 2027? AQA gives 19 August 2027 for June 2027 exams. Other boards set their own dates. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/reviews-and-appeals ## International students ### Can I get a Student visa in time after Clearing? Often, but plan carefully. You need a CAS first, and a decision from outside the UK usually takes 3 weeks. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/international-students ### When should international students book flights after Clearing? UCAS recommends waiting until you have your visa, or buying a refundable or flexible ticket. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/international-students ### Do international students need to show money for the visa? Yes: unpaid first-year fees plus £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months, held for 28 days in a row. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/international/visa-money ### Do Irish citizens need a visa for Clearing places? No. Irish citizens do not need a Student visa, and neither do people with settled or pre-settled status. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/international-students ## After Clearing ### Do I need to update student finance after Clearing? Yes. Student finance is not linked to UCAS, so update your university and course with Student Finance England, SAAS, Student Finance Wales or Student Finance NI. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/after-clearing-finance-and-accommodation ### Can I get accommodation through Clearing? Often yes, but choice may be limited. Ask whether accommodation is guaranteed for Clearing students and apply quickly. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/after-clearing-finance-and-accommodation ### Does my degree certificate say I came through Clearing? No. It shows your degree, not how you were admitted. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/clearing-myths ### What if I do not find a place in Clearing? You can reapply next year with your actual results, consider a degree apprenticeship, or resit. Guide: https://bewiseapps.com/university-wise/clearing/missed-your-offer