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UCAS Clearing FAQs: 61 questions answered
Short, checked answers to the questions students ask most about Clearing for 2027 entry. Each links to a fuller guide.
Checked against official sources on 25 September 2026.
Free Clearing tools: Am I in Clearing? · Call planner · Call tracker · Countdown to results day
- The basics (7)
- Dates and times (10)
- Who can use Clearing (9)
- Applying through Clearing (12)
- Calling universities (6)
- Results day situations (9)
- International students (4)
- After Clearing (4)
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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
Dates and times
# 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. Read more
# When is Scottish (SQA) results day 2027?
Tuesday 10 August 2027. SQA is now called Qualifications Scotland. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
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. Read more
# Is Clearing only for UK students?
No. UCAS says international students, including EU students, can use Clearing in the same way UK students can. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# Can I use Clearing if I have not applied yet?
Yes. An application after 18:00 on 30 June 2027 goes straight into Clearing. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# How many Clearing choices can I have?
One at a time. If the university does not confirm your place, you can add another. Read more
# 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. Read more
# Can UCAS add my Clearing choice for me?
No. UCAS says only you can add your Clearing choice. Read more
# Do I need to reply to a Clearing offer?
No. Once you add the choice, the university confirms your place in your Hub. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
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. Read more
# Can my parents call universities for me?
UCAS advises against it: universities need to speak to you directly. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
# Do I lose my accommodation if I decline my place?
Yes. UCAS says any accommodation or scholarship arranged through that university is cancelled. Read more
# 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. Read more
# 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. Read more
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. Read more
# When should international students book flights after Clearing?
UCAS recommends waiting until you have your visa, or buying a refundable or flexible ticket. Read more
# 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. Read more
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. Read more
# Can I get accommodation through Clearing?
Often yes, but choice may be limited. Ask whether accommodation is guaranteed for Clearing students and apply quickly. Read more
# Does my degree certificate say I came through Clearing?
No. It shows your degree, not how you were admitted. Read more
Plain-text version for screen readers and AI tools: clearing-faq.txt.
Sources
- UCAS: What is Clearing?
- UCAS: dates and deadlines for 2027 entry
- UCAS: get results day ready
- UCAS: applying directly to Clearing
- UCAS: declining your firm place
- UCAS: your Clearing matches
- UCAS: top tips for contacting universities in Clearing
- UCAS: Clearing guide for international students
- UCAS: what your application status means
- JCQ: key dates, June 2027 exams
- Qualifications Scotland: exam timetable and results day 2027
- UCAS: end of cycle data resources 2025
- UCAS: daily Clearing analysis 2026