How to apply through Clearing

If you're looking to go to university in September, you may find yourself going through Clearing. The process of applying through Clearing will differ depending on whether you have previously applied for university or not. Get ready for when Clearing opens and understand how you apply through Clearing right here!

How to apply to a university through Clearing

It can be a stressful time, researching and ringing up universities. Follow these simple steps to keep you moving in the right direction:

1. Find a Clearing course to apply
2. Reach out to the university to apply to their Clearing hotline - at Uni Compare, there will be quick call links on their profiles. Have your information online (read our guide on what you need for Clearing).
3. Receive an informal offer from the university
4. Add a Clearing choice to your UCAS application
5. The university will confirm your place and you're off!

Let's break these steps down into more detail to make sure you have everything you need going into Clearing.

How Clearing works

Clearing allows you to access courses at universities with spaces still available. You may have missed out on a place at your university choices or have changed your mind about your choice. In these circumstances, you can make use of Clearing. So what do you need to do?

Research the university

Take time to research the institutions which have Clearing spaces available. Knowing the ins and outs of a university will help you decide whether you'd like to study there or not. Have a look at the university's website or browse our Clearing universities. Some universities may offer Clearing open days - it might be worth booking a visit before you apply!

For more details, you can contact the university directly - request information if you have a specific question or register your interest in their course so they can be in touch with more details.

Bear in mind Clearing spaces can go quickly, so try to have a few options on hand, especially if you're looking to apply after A-Level Results Day. It's always best to be prepared even if you don't end up needing Clearing.

Ask for advice

Unsure where to start on your search? Talk to your careers advisor at college, or a parent or guardian. They can help you unpick what Clearing is and the best way to approach the process. Or, we have more advice on Clearing right here! You're not alone in this process.

See what courses are available

The first step is to see what courses have Clearing vacancies up for grabs. You can find Clearing courses available on Uni Compare with our Clearing course search. If you can't find a course that sparks your interest then consider looking for a different subject. You're not required to stick to your original course, so browse around!

You may find a similar course or a joint honours degree which mixes your original choice with another subject. If you're dead set on the course you want to apply for, then make sure to keep checking the Clearing list. Universities update their Clearing spaces regularly, so just because you can't find the course you want one day, doesn't mean it won't be available the next.

Talk to the university

Before you add your Clearing choice you'll need to contact the universities you're interested in applying for. This is because you will need to confirm with the university if they will accept you before you add your Clearing choice on UCAS Hub. This call is your chance to ask any questions and secure an informal offer from the uni.

Don't worry too much about the call! If you have a few key pieces of information to hand you'll be breeze through! Remember, the person on the other end wants to get you a place as much as you want it.

When calling up any universities there are a few things you'll need for Clearing:

• Your Clearing number
• Personal ID
• Course name and number you're applying for
• Your grades - both A Level and GCSE
• Any questions you would like to ask
• Your personal statement
• Pen and paper to jot down any important names, numbers or information

Typically, all you will need to do in the call is confirm your grades and answer a few short questions. Admission tutors want to see your excitement for the course and may ask you about why you want to study at their uni or on that specific course. Show your enthusiasm and we're sure they'll love you!

Add your Clearing choice on UCAS

Once you've had an informal offer from a university, you can add your Clearing choice on UCAS. If you have previously applied for university and would like to change course/university, or have been unsuccessful in your initial application, the Clearing process is as follows:

1. First, log into your UCAS Hub account.
2. From here, navigate the ‘Your Choices' section on Hub and then click on ‘Add Clearing Choice'.
3. Here, fill in the course details. On your phone call with the university you will be given a date to do this by.
4. Adding your Clearing choice on Hub counts as accepting your offer, so when the University confirms the place is yours.

Once you've had your offer accepted, make sure to sort out your accommodation and your student loan.

Keep in mind that if you've been accepted onto a course but would like to apply for a new university or course through Clearing then you will need to decline your other offers first.

If you're applying to university directly through Clearing, the application process is more or less the same. All you need to do before adding your Clearing choice is create a Hub account. When doing so, you will be asked to fill in your personal details and add your personal statement. Clearing opens on the 5th July, so if you'd like to apply through Clearing it is a good idea to create your account as soon as possible. This way, you have plenty of time before the Clearing deadline, on the 21st of October, to find the ideal course for you.

Remember that you can only apply for one Clearing place at a time. If the university rejects your application, only then will you be able to add another choice. To avoid unwanted stress if this does happen, it is a good idea to have a few university Clearing course options.

How do I accept a Clearing offer through UCAS?

You will need to call the university directly and discuss Clearing options. Once the university has offered you a place, add it as a Clearing choice to your UCAS application. As you will have, you will then need to input all of the details they give you over the phone.

Once the university has confirmed your place, you won't be able to apply to any other course.