Preparing to apply through Clearing
Clearing has closed for 2026 entry but you can still browse our undergraduate courses, learn how Clearing works.
If you're planning to start university in 2027, there are still plenty of things you can do now to prepare - compare universities and get ready to make your application. Preparing now means you’ll understand the process which helps if your grades end up lower than your firm or insurance offers, or your grades turn out much higher than expected, and you think you might want to swap your first choice university for another.
Quick overview of how to prepare for Clearing
- Explore courses
- Check entry requirements
- Make a shortlist
- Get your details ready
- Get to know what happens on results day
What should you do before results day?
1. Explore your course options
Look at courses you’re interested in and keep an open mind.
Once Clearing opens in July, you’ll be able to check the UCAS website for universities with available places. Many courses will appear from July onwards, but some won’t be added until the morning of results day – so it’s worth keeping an eye on updates.
- Search for subjects you enjoy – consider similar or related courses
- Think about what matters most to you about your course
- Keep a list of courses and universities you're interested in.
2. Check entry requirements
Check the typical grades needed for your chosen courses. These can occasionally change during Clearing, depending on availability and demand.
This helps you:
- understand your options
- feel more prepared
- avoid last-minute stress.
3. Make a shortlist
- make decisions faster
- feel more in control
- avoid panic searching.
4. Get your details ready
- Your UCAS ID (if you have one)
- You likely won't have your A-level / BTEC / equivalent level three qualification results yet, but make sure you've got your GCSE grades / equivalent level 2 qualifications ready
- Your personal details, including home address, contact phone number and email.
5. Get to know what happens on results day
- Log in to UCAS Hub to check your UCAS status
- Get your exam results from your school or college
- Contact universities if you need to find a place through Clearing
- Discuss your options – our advisers will review your grades, qualifications and experience, and then confirm whether they’re able to make you an offer
- You may receive an offer which you can add in UCAS Hub as your Clearing choice. Once it’s confirmed, your place is secure!
Frequently asked questions
What if you didn't get the grades you expected?
It’s okay – thousands of students use Clearing every year, and if you need to find a place through Clearing, you'll still have plenty of options.
Clearing gives you the chance to find a course that’s right for you, allowing you to:
- explore alternative courses you’ll enjoy
- look at similar subjects with different entry requirements
- speak to our advisers for clear, friendly guidance.
It may be possible to apply for certain courses .
Yes, Clearing opens on 2 July 2027 and you can apply as soon as it opens if you already have your results and you haven't applied through UCAS that application cycle.
If you’re waiting for results, you’ll need to apply on results day – but you can prepare now.
You don't have to wait until Clearing to apply for 2027 entry - you can apply through UCAS from September to January each year. Once you receive your results on results day, you'll know if you've got a place.
See our guidance on how to apply and how to choose a university.
