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    Advisers guide to Clearing for international students

    Find key information on how Clearing works if you're helping a student come to the UK to study.

    What's on this page?

    Key things to remember

    UCAS Clearing is a process in the UK that allows students who haven't secured a place at a university or college through the main application cycle to find alternative courses or institutions. It's historically been used by students who didn't receive any offers or didn't meet the conditions of their offer.

    However, it may also be used by students who achieved significantly higher grades than expected and wish to explore other opportunities available, or support students who may have changed their mind about their course or location.

    Clearing also provides an opportunity for students to explore alternative study options and secure a place at a university or college, even if they didn't initially apply in the main application cycle.

    Here's some key things to remember about Clearing:

    1. 1

      Clearing opens on 5 July 2025

      Clearing opens on Saturday 5 July 2025.

      Applicants can add a choice once their place has been confirmed by the institution they'd like to apply to through Clearing. For example, students studying the International Baccalaureate may begin their Clearing search when they receive their results on the 6 July.

      Remember, there'll be an influx of places available on Thursday 14 August 2025 as UK students get their results. 

      While you can technically add an application in Clearing until 24 September 2025, if you're working with students who require visas, the university latest application date may be earlier. 

      If you're in a region with long visa turnaround times, please ensure you check with the universities about the latest arrival date if you're applying at the later end of the Clearing period. 

    2. 2

      The embargo

      Each year, UCAS and universities and colleges are given early access to results under strict embargo arrangements with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). The embargo period allows universities and colleges to prepare and make decisions by the official publication dates of exam results.

      The SQA and JCQ results embargo periods for 2025 are:

      • 28 July 18:00 – 5 August 09:00
      • 8 August 08:00 – 14 August 08:00

      UCAS systems do not update during the embargo – this can be a barrier for international applicants as many UK providers won't make Clearing decisions during the embargoes. It's always worth contacting providers if you have your results before the main results days on 5 and 14 August.

      As an international student, even if your qualifications aren't awarded by the SQA or JCQ boards, your application will still not be updated during this time.

    3. 3

      Nominated access

      Applicants can give advisers nominated access to enable them to speak to UCAS on the applicant's behalf. This allows the adviser to discuss their application with us. 

      Please be aware that this must be a named person, not just the school. However, most universities will want to speak directly to the students if they're talking about Clearing choices.

    4. 4

      Finance and accommodation

      Make sure that students have considered accommodation and financial arrangements when they're applying through Clearing. Remember, scholarships awarded by universities aren't transferable between institutions. If your student has been awarded an external scholarship (such as from the Government) they may need to check with the sponsor if it can be used for the new course/institution.

      We have useful information on financial options for international students and accommodation advice.

    5. 5

      There's a huge range of great universities available

      It's useful to look outside the usual well-established universities. Lots of great institutions are out there and could be perfect for your students depending on their choice of subjects. 

    Adviser chatting to student at desk

    Clearing guide for advisers

    If you’re new to advising, or need a refresh on the essentials, read our guide with essential information about Confirmation and Clearing.

    The Clearing essentials

    The Clearing process

    This simple process diagram shows how the Clearing process works for the applicant.
    1. 1

      Research vacancies

    2. 2

      Contact universities to discuss

    3. 3

      Student enters choice on their application

    4. 4

      University or college considers application

    5. 5

      Placed on course

    6. 6

      If unsuccessful, the student can start again

    Key terms to understand

    Clearing

    For students who apply after 30 June or applicants who want to apply elsewhere to start their studies this year. Clearing vacancies are displayed in the UCAS search tool from 5 July. 

    Clearing Plus

    Also for students who apply after 30 June, and those not holding an offer. We use their application information to match them to suggested courses. They can see these courses by clicking the ‘My matches’ button in their application. Not all students will be able to see this (depending on their qualifications), so don't worry if this isn't appearing.

    Decline my place

    For applicants who have changed their mind and are holding a conditional or unconditional firm offer, ‘Decline my place’ enables them to add another choice to their application. The ‘Decline my place’ button will appear for eligible applicants. Applicants should secure a new place before using this service as it’s not reversible.