The process of UK university clearing can be stressful, but it’s an important opportunity for those who have missed their university offers or have changed their minds about where they want to study. Clearing typically opens in mid-July and runs until late September. If you're planning to go through clearing in 2024, here's what you need to know.
Clearing is a process that matches applicants who haven’t yet secured a place at a university or college, or who have changed their mind about their original choices, with available courses. Clearing opens on July 5th, 2024 and runs until 17 October, 2024.
Clearing is for anyone who has not yet secured a place at a university or college, or has changed their mind about their original choices. You can use Clearing if you:
If you're eligible for Clearing, you can search for courses with available places on the UCAS website. You can then contact the universities or colleges directly to discuss the courses available, and to find out more information about the course and the institution.
When you contact a university or college, they will ask for your Clearing number (which you can find on your UCAS Track account), your personal details, your exam results, and the course you are interested in. If the university or college has spaces available on the course, and they feel that you are a suitable candidate, they may offer you a place over the phone.
Once you have been offered a place, you will need to make a decision quickly. You will be given a deadline to decide whether or not to accept the offer, usually around 48 hours. If you choose to accept the offer, you will need to add the course to your UCAS Track account.
If you're planning to go through clearing in 2024, here are some tips to help you:
Clearing can be a stressful process, but it's also an opportunity to find a course and university that's right for you. If you're planning to go through Clearing in 2024, be prepared, be available, be polite and professional, be open-minded, and act quickly. Good luck!