Undergraduate
Clearing
Everything you need to know about clearing – what it is, important dates and how to find the right course for you.
What is clearing?
Clearing is your chance to find a place at university if you don't currently have an offer, didn't meet the conditions of an offer, or simply had a change of heart. It's a flexible, supportive route to help you search and apply for undergraduate courses at universities that still have places available.
You can also use clearing if you:
- have changed your mind about your course or university you originally applied for;
- decide to apply after the 30 June UCAS application deadline.
No matter your situation, clearing gives you a second opportunity to find a course that feels right for you.
Who's eligible?
You're eligible if:
- you have your exam results;
- you didn’t receive any offers (or any that you wanted to accept);
- you've declined your place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application;
- you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers;
- you're applying after 30 June.
You may be placed into clearing automatically by UCAS if you meet the above criteria, or you can release yourself into clearing through UCAS. To find out more about how to do this, visit the UCAS website.
Clearing 2025 timeline
Some courses will accept applications through the regular UCAS process until Monday, 30 June. Whether you already have your grades, or will receive them in the summer, you can apply now.
For courses at The University of Manchester, see our applying pages for more information.
Already have your grades?
If you already have your grades, you can apply for a clearing place at universities from Saturday, 5 July.
Awaiting results?
If you're waiting to receive your results, you can still register your interest in clearing places.
Results are published on the following dates:
- Sunday, 6 July – International Baccalaureate
- Friday, 25 July – Access to HE Diploma
- Tuesday, 5 August – Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
- Tuesday, 12 August – Cambridge International A Levels
- Thursday, 14 August – JCQ results including A-level, BTECs, Welsh Baccalaureate, CTECs, City and Guilds, T-Levels
- Friday, 22 August – Irish Leaving Certificate
If you've applied through UCAS and you think you may need clearing, you can do this once you have your exam results. Your UCAS Hub will state if you're eligible.
GCSE results are published. You may have an offer that is conditional on achieving a grade in your GCSEs.
UCAS undergraduate applications must be submitted by 6pm (GMT) to meet the 2025 entry deadline.
The final date for clearing application referrals. However, universities may close clearing much earlier than this depending on course availability.
I applied to The University of Manchester through clearing ... I found the experience super stress-free. On a very hectic results day, to be able to have someone guide you through your application on the phone was really helpful. They were super kind and gave me all the information I needed.
Stan / BSc Chemistry
Our tips for clearing
- Start researching courses you’re interested in before results day and have a shortlist ready.
- Write down any questions you’d like to ask the admissions teams.
- Remember, universities may only have a limited number of places available which can go quickly, so knowing what you’re looking for will help you to feel calm and confident.
- You may need to consider alternative courses or institutions that weren't originally part of your plan, and that’s okay.
- Look out for similar degree titles or subject areas based on your interests, career aspirations and entry requirements.
- Think about your future career and then explore your options.
- Most importantly, make sure any course you consider feels right for you.
On results day, things can move quickly – be ready to go by having these to hand:
- your UCAS ID number;
- any exam results including GCSE results;
- contact details (email and phone number).
- You may need to speak to admissions teams directly – don't worry, they’re there to help you.
- Find a quiet space, fully charge your phone and have your notes with you ready to speak to someone.
- When you call, be clear about your results and any supporting information that may be helpful when explaining your interest in a course.
- As it’s busy, you may be placed in a queue when you call on results day, that’s completely normal. University staff are working hard to respond to each enquiry as quickly as they can.
- Once you’ve received offers through clearing, take some time to think them through.
- Consider course content, location, university facilities and any other aspects that matters most to you.
- Clearing is an opportunity to explore different routes and find a course that is right for you, even if it wasn’t what you originally expected.
- Many students find their ideal course through clearing, have incredible experiences and perform well in their degrees and future careers.
- Want to read real stories? Check out the UCAS guide to clearing to read about students who've been where you are.