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FAQs about Clearing

We're here to answer your frequently asked questions about what Clearing is and how to apply through Clearing. We'll also share our advice and guidance on what to do if your university plans change.

How Clearing works

Clearing is an opportunity to secure a place at a UK university.

It runs every year from July to September and is a late application opportunity for people looking to start University in September.

When you have your results, you can apply. You can’t reserve a place in Clearing until you get your results. Most people apply immediately after A-level results are published.

UK A-level, IB (International Baccalaureate®) and BTEC results will be published on Thursday 17 August 2023 - often referred to as results day. Some BTEC results may be received in July.

SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) results day is Tuesday 8 August 2023.

Clearing starts on Wednesday 5 July 2023 and closes on Tuesday 17 October 2023.

The busiest day for Clearing applications will be A-level results day on 17 August 2023. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible as places fill up fast.

To apply to NTU call +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.

Clearing Plus is a UCAS service which will match applicants who haven't accepted any offers or have released themselves through Clearing and want to find similar courses they have previously applied for.

You’ll be able to ‘view your matches’ in UCAS Hub.

If you express an interest in an NTU course through Clearing Plus, we’ll contact you, alternatively you can call +44 (0)115 848 6900.

The majority of NTU’s undergraduate courses are available in Clearing.

View our Clearing courses.

Course entry requirements may change during Clearing.

You can check course entry requirements by calling +44 (0)115 848 6000 or completing our form to apply online.

Our Clearing advisers will be happy to help you with any questions you have about the course and studying at NTU.

Following your application, you may also receive a call from a member of our teaching staff or an NTU student ambassador. You can ask questions about the course and facilities to find out if it’s right for you.

To find out more, see detailed information and videos on our course pages, read our latest student reviews or chat online to staff and students about NTU.

We’re hosting Clearing campus tours in August for you to come and visit us - this is your opportunity to get a feel for life and learning at NTU.

Yes, international students can apply through Clearing. Call +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.

You’ll need to add NTU as your Clearing choice in UCAS Hub from 1 pm on results day.

Read our international students’ Clearing page.

NTU Accommodation Services Team can help you find on campus or city-based accommodation for NTU undergraduate students as well as those studying at Confetti (Nottingham) and NTU in Mansfield.

Check availability on our accommodation pages.

If you are studying at Confetti (London) view accommodation options in London.

Applying through Clearing FAQs

You're eligible for Clearing if:

  • you want a place at a university in September but haven't applied yet
  • you're applying for the first time after 30 June 2023
  • you didn't receive any offers for a course from a university
  • you've changed your mind about your course or university
  • you haven’t been accepted by your firm choice university
  • you've declined your firm or insurance choice place.

If you haven’t applied to a university this year you need to register on the UCAS Hub.

If you haven’t been accepted by your firm or insurance choice university, you will automatically be entered into Clearing and will be given a Clearing number to apply to universities.

If you are accepted by your firm or insurance university but have changed your mind you can use the ‘Decline my place’ in UCAS Hub, which will release you into Clearing.

If you have been accepted by NTU as firm or insurance but you want to decline your place, we recommend that you call us first on +44 (0)115 848 6000 before declining the offer in UCAS Hub. Our advisers can talk you through your options.

Once you are in Clearing, we can only discuss your application with you — not with your parents, carers, or teachers.

Call +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.

Read our guide on how to apply.

Be prepared when you call or make an online application. Make sure that you have the following to hand:

  • details of the course you wish to be considered for
  • a list of all your qualifications and results
  • a list of any other skills and experience which can support your application.

If you have studied at another university before and want to change course, you can apply to NTU direct through Clearing. This could be for courses starting in Year One or entry to other years.

Our RPA process (Record of Prior Acceptance) will allow us to review your application and potentially offer you a place on a course starting in September 2023.

Call +44 (0)115 848 6000.

At NTU we don’t ask for a personal statement for Clearing applicants.

Some courses may require you to do an interview or submit a portfolio of work before we make you an offer.

You can apply to as many universities as you like but you can only accept one Clearing course offer on UCAS Hub.

You cannot accept a Clearing place if you hold an offer with a university, you'll need to decline your offer on UCAS Hub.

The application takes about 15 minutes, but you may have to send in supporting documents before you can be accepted onto a course.

Call +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.

At NTU, you’ll have 48 hours to accept your offer.

You’ll have 48 hours to accept your NTU offer. You’ll be able to add NTU as your Clearing choice in UCAS Hub from 1 pm on results day.

Yes, if you apply to NTU through Clearing you can request to defer your place for one year by completing the Clearing enquiry form.

Funding and loans FAQs

If you've already applied for funding but changed your course or university, you need to update your details.

If you haven't applied for finance yet, you will need to apply straightaway after accepting your Clearing place.

Visit Student Finance England. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland visit SAAS, Student Finance Wales or Student Finance Northern Ireland (NI).

You can learn more about tuition fees, loans, bursaries, scholarships and other ways to fund your undergraduate degree on our fees and funding pages.

How to apply to NTU through Clearing

Everything you need to know about applying to NTU through Clearing — from how the process works, to the information we’ll need when you make the call, to our phone line opening times.

After you receive a Clearing offer

Received an offer through Clearing to study at NTU? Congratulations! You’ll need to complete some small but important steps before your adventure can begin — so here’s what you need to do next.

Clearing advice for parents and carers

The support of a parent or carer can really help prospective students to make the life-changing decision to go to university – here’s everything you need to know about Clearing and the support available.

Clearing advice for teachers and advisers

We’re here to help inform your role as a teacher or adviser in supporting your students through Clearing.