What is clearing?
If you are a young person getting their A-level results in 2026, Clearing is the UCAS process that helps students find a university place if they don't have one secured, change their plans, or apply late.
Who can use Clearing?
Students can use Clearing if they:
- Didn't receive any university offers.
- Didn't achieve the grades needed for their firm or insurance choice.
- Declined their offers and want to explore different options.
- Applied to UCAS after 30 June 2026. Applications received after this date automatically enter Clearing.
Key 2026 dates
- 2 July 2026: Clearing opens and universities start advertising vacancies.
- 13 August 2026: A-level results day and the busiest Clearing day. Students can see their application status in UCAS and contact universities about available places.
- 19 October 2026: Final deadline to add a Clearing choice for 2026 entry.
How Clearing works
- The student receives their results and checks their UCAS status.
- They search for available courses on the UCAS website.
- They contact universities directly to discuss vacancies.
- If a university is willing to offer a place, the student adds that choice in UCAS.
- The university confirms the place through UCAS.
Important message for young people
Clearing is not a failure or last resort. Every year, many students secure places on excellent courses, including at highly regarded universities, through Clearing. It is simply another route into higher education.
Please try and
- Research alternative courses before results day.
- Keep a list of universities and admissions phone numbers.
- Stay calm and flexible if results are different from expectations.
- Consider apprenticeships, foundation years, gap years, and employment alongside university options.