UCAS Clearing 2026 Guide: How It Works, Key Dates & How to Apply

If you haven't secured a place at your firm or insurance choice university, it's normal to feel disheartened.

This is completely understandable, but don’t worry - you still have plenty of options. 

Each year, tens of thousands of UK students secure a university place through UCAS Clearing - over 17,000 students were placed during one day of Clearing in 2025 (opens in a new tab) alone.

Whether you missed your grades, changed your mind about your course, or did better than expected and want to explore other options, Clearing exists for this moment.

This guide covers everything you need to know for UCAS Clearing (opens in a new tab) in 2026 including: 

• How it works

• The key dates

• The steps to take to give yourself the best chance of finding the right course

Key Takeaways

• Clearing 2026 runs from Tuesday 2 July to Monday 19 October 2026.

• A Level results day 2026 is Thursday 13 August 2026.

• You can use Clearing if you don't hold any offers, didn't meet your offer conditions, applied after 30 June, or have declined your existing offers.

• You can only hold one Clearing choice at a time, but you can contact as many universities informally as you like before committing.

What Is University Clearing?

Clearing is the system UK universities and colleges use to fill any places left on their courses for the upcoming academic year.

It's a second chance for students who've been rejected by their firm and insurance choices. It's also used by students who did better than expected and want to explore a different course or university.

Universities list their available places directly with UCAS. You then contact them to discuss whether they'll offer you a spot.

Who's Eligible for UCAS Clearing 2026?

Take a look at the table below to see if you’re eligible for Clearing.

There's no separate Clearing fee to worry about. Your one-off UCAS application fee of £28.95 for 2026 entry covers Clearing as standard.

This is a change from previous cycles: UCAS has scrapped the old single-choice fee structure, so the fee is now flat regardless of how many courses you originally applied to.

Key Dates for Clearing 2026

Be mindful of these dates to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Good to know: Clearing places can fill up fast, especially on competitive courses.

Some courses fill within hours of A Level results being released. Most successful Clearing students act within the first 48 hours.

How to Prepare for Clearing

You don't have to wait for results day to start preparing. Clearing opens weeks before, so you can already browse courses with live vacancies.

Before results day, it's worth:

• Making a shortlist of alternative universities and courses.

• Noting down clearing hotline numbers and course codes.

• Rereading your personal statement so you can discuss it confidently.

• Having your UCAS ID, predicted or actual results, and personal details to hand.

• Fully charging your phone and laptop the night before.

Some Clearing calls run like mini interviews. Be ready to explain why you want to study a particular course.

How Does Clearing Work? Step-by-Step

Clearing follows a clear sequence. Here's how to apply.

1. Check your UCAS Hub

From 8am on results day, your UCAS Hub status will update. If you're eligible for Clearing, you'll see a Clearing number. Make a note of it, as universities will ask for it.

2. Review your matches

UCAS runs a service called Clearing Plus, which uses your original application and grades to automatically suggest an initial batch of courses you might be interested in, with more batches available as you review them.

It's a good starting point, but it's worth cross-checking against your own research too.

3. Search courses

You can also search independently using the (opens in a new tab)UCAS Clearing search tool (opens in a new tab) to see live vacancies by subject or location.

4. Call universities directly

Once you've found a course you like, call the university to check availability and confirm you meet their requirements.

Have your UCAS ID, Clearing number, and grades ready. If you get a verbal offer, you'll need to confirm it within 24 hours.

Useful questions to ask include:

• Is accommodation still available for September?

• How is the course taught and assessed?

• Are there virtual tours or open events before term starts?

5. Add your Clearing choice

Once you've accepted a verbal offer, log into UCAS Hub and click 'Add Clearing choice' to formally apply. You can't add a choice until you've been given permission to do so by the university.

How to Self-Release into Clearing

If you already hold a confirmed offer but want to try for something different, self-release lets you decline that place and enter Clearing.

This might suit you if:

• You've got a firm place but want to apply elsewhere.

• Your results were better than expected and you want to trade up.

• Your circumstances or preferences have changed since you applied.

Steps to self-release:

1. Log into UCAS Hub.

2. Find your confirmed offer and select 'Decline my place'.

3. Answer the confirmation questions carefully - UCAS will explain what self-release means before you commit.

4. Once confirmed, your status updates to 'You are in Clearing' and you'll get a Clearing number.

5. Follow the standard Clearing process above to find and apply for a new course.

Top tip: Once you've declined your place, you can't undo it. Speak to a teacher, parent, or adviser before making this decision.

How Long Does Clearing Take?

Clearing can move quickly. Many students get a verbal offer the same day they call.

Once you accept, updating UCAS Hub only takes a few minutes to formalise your choice.

Universities confirm offers within a few hours to a day during the results day rush. If you're applying later in the cycle, for example in September, response times can be slower due to lower demand and admin workloads.

How Many Universities Can I Apply to Through Clearing?

You can only hold one Clearing choice on UCAS at a time.

However, there's no limit to how many universities you contact informally before deciding. It's worth calling several to compare offers before committing.

If a university makes you a verbal offer you're not sure about, you don't have to accept immediately. You can keep researching, provided you haven't already added the choice in UCAS Hub.

What Support Is Available During Clearing?

You don't have to navigate Clearing alone. Support is available from several places.

UCAS support and helpline

Call the UCAS helpline on 0371 468 0 468 (or +44 330 3330 230 from outside the UK) for guidance on Clearing choices and UCAS Hub issues. You can also use the UCAS live chat function.

University admissions teams

Every university runs a dedicated Clearing hotline. Admissions staff are used to supporting students through exactly this situation, so don't be afraid to call.

Teachers, tutors and careers advisors

Your school or college can help you interpret your grades, weigh up your options, and prepare for calls with universities. Some run results day drop-in sessions.

If your plans change entirely, they can also talk you through gap years, resits, or alternative routes if you don't get the grades you need.

Top tip: If you choose to resit your A Levels, make sure to check out our A Level revision resources to hit your target grades.

Friends and family

Sometimes, talking it out with someone you trust makes all the difference. Friends and family can help you make calm, rational decisions, join you in researching universities or reviewing personal statements and offer reassurance during a stressful time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If a university rejects you in Clearing, can you try again?

Yes. This is common, with students frequently managing to secure a place on a different course at the same university. If the university has a place available on a course you're interested in, then you can apply again via Clearing.

Do I need a personal statement for Clearing?

You don't need to submit a new one through UCAS, but having one ready is strongly recommended. If you're applying for a different course, a revised or targeted version can help you stand out when speaking to admissions teams.

How do I update Student Finance after Clearing?

If you change university or course through Clearing, you need to update your (opens in a new tab)Student Finance (opens in a new tab) application so your funding goes to the right place. Log in to your account, select 'change your application', and enter your new course and university details. Do this as soon as possible to avoid delays to your loan.

Will I be able to get university accommodation through Clearing?

Yes, though availability may be more limited than for students who applied earlier. Many universities reserve a portion of accommodation specifically for Clearing students, and some guarantee it if you apply by a certain date. 

You’ll receive accommodation information after your place is confirmed, but in some cases, you can apply as soon as you get a verbal offer.

Where to Go Next: Explore Your University Options

Clearing isn't just about finding a place - it's a chance to find the right one.

Whether you're still weighing up your options or want to understand a specific route into university, the University Advice section of our Learning Hub covers everything from applications to alternative entry routes.

A few guides that might help right now:

• Comparing universities you're considering through Clearing? Our admissions statistics guides break down real acceptance rates by course, including Nottingham Trent, Bristol, and Edinburgh, so you know how competitive a course really is before you call.

• Considering a different route in? Read about what a foundation year is and how to apply for one.

• Applying for a new course through Clearing? Make sure your personal statement reflects your reasons for choosing it.

Whatever your results day brings, Save My Exams has resources to help you make an informed decision about your next steps.

References

UCAS - Statistical releases – daily Clearing analysis 2025 (opens in a new tab)

UCAS - Clearing and Results Day (opens in a new tab)

gov.uk (opens in a new tab) - Student finance for undergraduates (opens in a new tab)