Explained
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is the UK process, running each year from July to October, that matches applicants without a confirmed university place to courses that still have spots open. It is used by students who missed their offer grades, were rejected or declined their offers, applied late, or changed their mind after results day — and international students can use it too.
Clearing is not a 'failure' route — strong courses at good universities do appear in it every year, often because offer-holders went elsewhere. It is distinct from the firm/insurance choice system: Clearing is what you enter when you hold no confirmed place, whereas your firm and insurance are the two offers you committed to earlier.
It is a real second chance, but decisions move fast and the pressure peaks on results day. The honest advice is to prepare in advance: have a backup shortlist of courses you would genuinely accept, and know your insurance choice cold, rather than scrambling to research options under time pressure.
Reviewed by Priscilla Han. BrightKey is independent and takes no payment from schools or universities.
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