Your guide to applying directly to Clearing after 30 June.
Clearing runs from 2 July to 19 October 2026. If your plans have changed, you’re applying late, or you don’t have a confirmed place, Clearing is your opportunity to find a course that still has places available.
You can use Clearing if:
You’re applying after 30 June
You didn’t apply earlier in the year
You didn’t receive any offers (or don’t want to accept them)
You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
You’ve declined your place and want to look for something else
Applying directly to Clearing means applying to university or college for the first time after 30 June through Clearing, rather than applying earlier in the year.
In 2025, more than 77,000 students secured a place through Clearing – including applicants who applied directly to Clearing.
Yes, you can use Clearing even if you've never applied before. If you haven't already applied, you'll need to:
When completing your application, you'll usually need to fill in all sections, including a personal statement and a reference, unless a university has specifically told you that you can apply without them.
Remember, once you have submitted your application, you can't go back and add a personal statement or reference, or make changes to these, so if you're not sure, it's best to have them ready.
Once your application has been fully and completely submitted, you'll then be able to contact the universities and colleges you’re interested in with your Personal ID and Clearing number to see if they can offer you a place.
Top tip: Speak to as many universities and colleges as you like, but only add a Clearing choice directly in your UCAS Hub to accept the one you want, once you have their permission.
If you’ve spoken to a university or college directly and they’ve given you permission to apply through Clearing, you’ll still need a submitted UCAS application before you can add the choice.
To do this, you’ll need to:
Register for the UCAS Hub
Complete and submit an application
Add the course as a Clearing choice after submission
Applications submitted after 30 June will automatically be entered in to Clearing. Adding a Clearing choice is only possible from 2 July, so even if a university has agreed to accept you, your place can’t be confirmed until you’ve completed this step.
We break down how applying directly to Clearing works and explain the process step-by-step below:
From 2 July, search for courses with places available using the Clearing search tool. Almost every university takes part, with thousands of courses on offer. You can also explore options through Clearing matches (see below for more information).
If you can’t find the course you’re looking for:
consider different subjects – you don't have to stick with your original idea. You could also look at joint honours courses, so you can study a mix of subjects
keep checking – unis update their course information regularly. You might not find the exact unis/colleges/courses you were looking for – some might be full, but some might get vacancies later on
check the course details – how is it structured each year? What modules make up each year? What are the entry requirements?
Before you add a Clearing choice in your application, you need to contact the university/college and give them your Clearing number (you can find this in your application) and Personal ID, so they can look it up. Discover our top tips for calling universities during Clearing.
Remember - you should also ask them if you will need a personal statement and reference.
Only add a Clearing choice once you have permission from the university or college.
If a university offers you a place and gives permission, log in to the Hub, select Add Clearing choice, and enter the course details.
This counts as you definitely accepting the offer, so if they confirm, it'll show as an acceptance on your 'Choices' page in your application.
Remember, you can only add one Clearing choice at a time, but if the university/college doesn’t confirm your place, you’ll be able to add another.
If the university/college confirms your place, find your student accommodation and then make sure you get everything ready to start your studies.
Once accepted, congratulations - your place is confirmed!
If you're eligible and outside embargo, you'll see a blue box in the UCAS Hub saying 'Add Clearing choice'. You can add a Clearing choice from 2 July.
Clearing matches help you find courses you're likely to be accepted on. If you're eligible for Clearing, you'll see a 'View matches' button in the UCAS Hub.
Here's how it works:
You can express interest in up to five courses and can be contacted directly by universities if they have places.
Remember, you should still search independently too - courses fill up quickly!
If you're applying directly to Clearing for the 2026 cycle after 30 June, you will have the option to upload supporting information to your application using UCAS' document upload service.
Examples of the types of documents you can upload include:
Uploading documents is optional. It does not replace the need to complete and answer questions in the UCAS application.
Yes, international applicants use Clearing in the same way as UK students.
You can apply through Clearing if:
You’re applying after 30 June
You don’t currently hold an offer from a UK university or college
You didn’t meet the conditions of your offer
You met your conditions but want to change course
The process in UCAS Hub is the same, although international students may need to upload additional documents, such as transcripts or English language certificates.
Usually, yes. If you’re applying for the first time:
You’ll normally need to complete all sections of the application
This includes a personal statement and reference
In some cases, a university may allow you to apply without them, but this must be agreed directly with the university. If they confirm a personal statement isn’t required, make this clear for each question, as you’ll still need to meet any minimum character requirements.
Remember, other universities and colleges may also still need these if you choose to apply elsewhere in Clearing.
If you’re submitting a new application, a reference is usually required. Some mature applicants may already have one, or the university may advise otherwise. If you’re unsure, check with the university before submitting.
If you submit your application during the embargo period, you will still receive your welcome email to confirm, but you won’t be able to access your application until the relevant Embargo period ends.
Yes. Many applicants use Clearing on or after results day, once they know their final grades.
Yes. Clearing is a popular route for students returning after a gap year, time in work, or a change in plans.
You don’t pay separately to use Clearing. The standard UCAS application fee applies.
Thousands of students find the right course through Clearing every year, and many say it helped them find a better fit. Take your time, explore your options, and move at your own pace. We’re here to help you every step of the way.