Applying through clearing
Our clearing hotlines are now closed.
To apply for a course, please call the admissions number listed on the course vacancy.
If you're a University of Manchester offer-holder, please read our offer-holder next steps page for more information.
Step-by-step guide
Search our course listings for available vacancies.
Important: if the course you're interested in isn't on our vacancies list, it means the course is full and, unfortunately, we're not able to offer places at this time.
You can also find out more below about our Fair Recruitment Process.
If your grades are below the typical clearing offer or those listed on the course profile, we may not be able to offer you a place – unless you're eligible for and meet the contextual clearing requirements.
Our entry requirements are designed to reflect the academic demands of the course. To support your success in your studies, we encourage you to consider options that align closely with your achieved grades.
To apply for an available course, please call the admissions number listed on the course vacancy.
If you've changed your mind and no longer wish to join us at Manchester, you can decline your place via UCAS.
Choosing this option means you'll be giving up your place and entering clearing, so it's important to take some time to consider whether this is the right decision for you.
If you'd like to talk it through, you're welcome to call the relevant admissions team for support.
We may be able to offer lower entry requirements on selected clearing courses for students from certain areas.
If you're a UK student living in an area with lower progression rates to higher education or where there may be fewer opportunities, you may be eligible for our contextual clearing requirements. Some courses offer adjusted entry criteria during clearing for students from certain areas, in recognition of the different challenges that can affect academic outcomes.
Eligibility is based on the home postcode listed on your UCAS application.
Check your eligibility
- Check your postcode using our lookup tool.
- If the tool shows ‘Home postcode flag: Yes’, you may be considered under the lower contextual clearing requirements, which will be listed in our course vacancies.
- If the tool shows ‘Home postcode flag: No’ or ‘Home postcode flag: Not Applicable’, you'll need to meet the typical A-level offer grades for the course to be considered.
We recommend checking your eligibility before calling so you're clear on the entry requirements. Our hotline team can also check your eligibility when you call, but please note that any contextual clearing offer is subject to verification of your postcode once we receive your UCAS application.
Which courses offer lower requirements?
Our clearing vacancy pages highlight the latest vacancy lists and entry requirements, including contextual clearing requirements.
Next steps after clearing
After you've been offered a place through clearing
You should receive your offer letter via email after submitting your clearing application on or after Friday, 15 August.
- Read the terms and conditions of your offer (PDF document, 747KB).
- Complete your Right to Study check, which will be sent to you via email.
- Disclose any unspent criminal convictions. The Student Admissions Team will send you a criminal conviction declaration by email.
- Look online for University accommodation. The deadline for securing a place is Sunday, 31 August 2025.
- If you're eligible for UK student finance support, let the Student Loan Company know you’re coming to The University of Manchester and which course you’ll be studying to ensure your tuition fees and maintenance loan are covered. Visit our fees and funding information to find out more.
You'll receive e-newsletters in August and September with information about joining our student community, welcome events, accommodation and helpful tips about your studies.
Your academic School/Department may invite you to visit our campus after being offered a place in clearing. You should contact them directly to enquire about this.
You're also welcome to join our University campus tour on Thursday, 21 August.
Find out more about campus tours and book your place.
You'll find everything you need to know about becoming a student, preparing to study and starting your journey at Manchester on our Get ready website.
We also recommend visiting the Students' Union website and signing up for their welcome updates to help you settle in.
We understand that plans can change.
If you decide not to take up your place at the University, you can release yourself by selecting 'decline my place' on UCAS.
You can also email the named contact for your course with the subject line 'cancellation', include your UCAS ID or University student number and full name.
Useful information
UCAS clearing
You can find out more about the clearing process and information about applying.
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International students
Discover more about studying and living in Manchester.
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Student life
Find out more about being a student at the University.
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Fair Recruitment Process
Why do you have vacancies that are only available to either UK (home) applicants or to international applicants?
As a global university we welcome all applicants who have the potential to succeed with us, regardless of their background.
UK (home) applicants are not in direct competition for places with international applicants. The University has separate targets for both groups, ensuring our student population is truly reflective of our position as an international university; so courses may be full for one group but not the other. Therefore, we have some courses in clearing with places only available to UK (home) applicants, or only to international applicants.
International students who want to study at Manchester must achieve the same rigorous entry criteria as UK (home) students to enter our degree programmes.
Applications from both UK (home) and international are treated equally at each stage of the application process. We have a fair recruitment process that is robust and competitive for all applicants, regardless of whether they are UK (home) or international.
If you think you have the potential to succeed at The University of Manchester and we have spaces on your choice of programme, we look forward to hearing from you.
Why Manchester?
Our global reputation
We're also ranked the 11th best in Europe and seventh in the UK.
*(QS World University Rankings, 2026)
Learn from the world’s brightest minds and set yourself up for future success. You’ll benefit from our continuous investment in facilities and courses led by distinguished academics working at the forefront of their subjects.
Award-winning Careers Service
*(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research)
Our global links, job market insight and work experience opportunities will help you prepare for an outstanding career.
Top UK city to live in
*(The Economist’s Global Liveability Index, 2025)
The first of Britain's great modern cities, Manchester is a true original; a city that’s proud to do things differently.
Look forward to an exciting mix of sport, entertainment, art, culture, shopping and much more.
A diverse community
We're proud of our thriving, vibrant and diverse community of students and staff, with more than 46,000 students from 177 countries studying here, and 585,000 alumni worldwide.
Find out more about our offering for international students.
Supporting our students
We offer a wide range of support, from easily accessible online resources to one-to-one appointments with specialists from our award-winning services.
Find out more about our student support services.