Clearing 2026: Your Guide to Finding a University Place on Results Day
As results day approaches on Thursday, August 13, thousands of students across the UK are preparing for a moment that can reshape their future. Whether you didn't get the grades you needed, changed your mind about your course, or decided late to apply, the clearing process is your safety net. Here's everything you need to know to navigate it with confidence.
What is clearing and who can use it?
Clearing is the system universities and colleges use to fill unfilled places on their courses. It runs from July 2 to October 19 this year. You can use clearing if you didn't receive any offers, declined all offers, didn't meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice, or applied after June 30. It's also open to anyone who didn't apply to university at all but now wants to go.
How to prepare for clearing before results day
Clementine Wade, an education consultant and content creator, advises students to write down all possible grade outcomes and then research alternatives for each scenario. For example, if you were aiming for an A in history but might get a B, look for courses that accept B grades. The Ucas website has a search tool to find courses with clearing vacancies, and it's the only official vacancy list, so it's the most up-to-date.
Wade also recommends talking to a trusted adviser, like a family member or teacher, before making any big decisions. She says most people who go through clearing are applying to university for the first time. Haadi Nasir, a student at the University of Manchester, is one of them. He originally planned a gap year after his A-levels but was persuaded to apply after getting great grades. With help from his teachers, he applied to six universities through clearing and chose Manchester to study politics and modern history.
Nasir says the best part of clearing is that you can apply to as many universities as you want, unlike the regular Ucas system where you're limited to five. He recommends putting in a Ucas application just in case, even if you're on the fence. Wade echoes that advice, noting that you'll need a referee, so it's better to do it now rather than scrambling on results day.
What to do on results day itself
Ucas updates at 8 a.m. on results day, so you can often find out whether you've been accepted to your firm choice before knowing your results. But Wade advises waiting until you have your actual results in hand before opening Ucas track. That way, you can act on the decision instead of panicking for 90 minutes. Jamie Bradford, head of future students at Leicester De Montfort University, agrees that it's easier to start clearing conversations with your results ready.
When you contact a university, you'll need your clearing number and personal ID. Bradford says many students forget to actually talk about the course or the place. They just ask, 'Can you take me with these grades?' But this is three or more years of your life, so ask about the day-to-day of the course, the campus, and whether accommodation is available. Work up a priority list. For universities, it's about fitting the right student to the right course, not just filling a seat.
Wade stresses the importance of having the confidence to pick up the phone. 'I know it feels scary, but you are the client,' she says. 'You don't even need to ask, Can I get into this course, please? You could say, Hey, what course could you offer me? Because universities need these students.' Some universities, like Leicester De Montfort, also operate clearing through WhatsApp.
How long do you have to decide on an offer?
Bradford says popular courses fill up quickly, so you can't spend days ruminating. But don't panic and accept the first offer that comes along. Spend a small amount of time thinking about what you really want from your experience. Wade recommends asking each university how much time you have to accept the offer, because it varies. The more selective the university, the less time they'll give. Generally, she says, sleep on it. Most universities will give you some time, but ask that question on the phone.
FAQ: Clearing 2026
Can I apply to more than one university through clearing?
Yes, you can apply to as many as you want, unlike the regular Ucas system which limits you to five choices.
Do I need to have applied to Ucas before to use clearing?
No, you can apply through clearing even if you didn't submit a Ucas application earlier. But you'll need to create one, and you'll need a referee.
What should I ask universities when I call them?
Ask about the course content, day-to-day schedule, campus facilities, accommodation options, and cost. Also ask how long you have to accept an offer.
Clearing can feel overwhelming, but it's also an opportunity to find a course that truly fits you. As Nasir puts it, the stress is worth it when you find the right place. So take a deep breath, prepare your notes, and remember: you are the client, and you deserve to ask the questions that matter.