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How to apply through Clearing, step by step

Applying through Clearing takes seven steps, and most of the work happens on the phone. The key rule: only add a Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub after a university has said yes, because adding it counts as accepting the offer.

Checked against official sources on 25 September 2026.

Free Clearing tools: Am I in Clearing? · Call planner · Call tracker · Countdown to results day

Before you start, you need: your results, your UCAS Hub login, your Personal ID, your Clearing number, a charged phone, and a list of courses you would genuinely take. Our call planner prepares your script.

Step 1: Check that you are in Clearing

Sign in to your UCAS Hub on results day. In 2026, statuses updated from 08:00 on A level results day and 09:00 on Scottish results day. If your Hub says “You are in Clearing” or “Clearing has started”, you can go ahead.

If your firm and insurance choices are still conditional, you are not in Clearing yet: UCAS says you become eligible only when both have confirmed they will not offer you a place. Phone your firm choice and prepare a Clearing list at the same time. Not sure where you stand? Use the Am I in Clearing? checker.

Step 2: Find your Clearing number and Personal ID

Your Clearing number appears in your Hub under “Application status” once you are in Clearing. Your Personal ID is the 10-digit number on your UCAS account. Write both down: every university will ask for them.

Step 3: Find courses with vacancies

UCAS search tool: vacancies are shown from 2 July. Filter by subject and look for courses marked as being in Clearing.
University websites: most publish a Clearing vacancy list with entry requirements, often in UCAS points.
Your Clearing matches: a matches button in your Hub shows up to 50 courses picked for you (Clearing Plus).

Shortlist courses you would genuinely take, not just any course with a space. Check each one on our subject tables and university profiles.

Step 4: Contact the universities yourself

UCAS advises that you make the calls, not a parent or teacher. Most universities also offer live chat, online Clearing forms or social media messaging. Have ready: your Personal ID, your Clearing number, your grades or UCAS points, and why you want the course. See what to say when you call.

Expect questions about your grades, why you want the subject, and sometimes a short informal interview. Some courses (such as nursing, teaching, art and design, or music) may ask for an interview, portfolio or audition.

Step 5: Get an informal offer in writing

If the university offers you a place, it is usually an informal (verbal) offer over the phone. Ask for:

an email confirming the offer;
the course code and the university (institution) code;
how long the offer stays open;
whether you need to send anything, such as certificates or a personal statement.

You can collect several informal offers while you decide. Log them in our call tracker.

Step 6: Add your Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub

When you have decided, select “Add Clearing choice” in your Hub and enter the course details the university gave you. In 2026 you could do this from 13:00 on A level results day and from 10:00 on Scottish results day.

Only add a choice once you have the university’s permission. UCAS says this “counts as you definitely accepting the offer”.
You can add only one Clearing choice at a time.
Only you can add it: UCAS cannot do it for you.

Step 7: Wait for the university to confirm

You do not reply to a Clearing offer: once you add the choice, the university confirms your place in your Hub. If it does not confirm, you can add a different Clearing choice. When your place is confirmed, sort out accommodation and student finance.

For about a week before each results day, UCAS has a results embargo: universities do not make Clearing decisions, and the “Add Clearing choice” button is switched off. You can still research and contact universities before then.

If you have not applied yet

You can apply straight into Clearing. Search for vacancies and speak to universities first, and ask whether they need a personal statement and reference. Then submit a full UCAS application with no choices (fee £34.50 for 2027 entry): you cannot add a personal statement or reference later. Once it is processed, follow steps 5 to 7. See applying for the first time in Clearing.

Sources

Quick answers

Can I add more than one Clearing choice?

Not at the same time. You can add one Clearing choice; if the university does not confirm your place, you can then add another.

Do I need permission before adding a Clearing choice?

Yes. UCAS says only add a Clearing choice once you have permission from the university, because adding it counts as accepting the offer.

What time can I add a Clearing choice on results day?

In 2026 it was from 13:00 on A level results day and from 10:00 on Scottish results day. UCAS confirms the 2027 timings nearer the time.

Where do I find my Clearing number?

In your UCAS Hub under “Application status”, once you are in Clearing.

Do I have to reply to a Clearing offer?

No. Once you add the Clearing choice, it is up to the university to confirm your place in your Hub.

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