Clearing 2026
UCAS Clearing opens 2 July
What is Clearing?
Clearing gives you a chance to take a breath. If you missed the initial UCAS deadline, or if your plans have changed since you first applied, Clearing gives you the time and space to rethink your options.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June
- You applied through UCAS this year but didn’t receive an offer you wanted to accept
- You don't hold any offers
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
What is Clearing?
I'm really glad that I applied for Clearing.
It definitely paid off.
Clearing is a process of applying to university after the deadline for applying for your uni.
So if you decide to change your course or to change your university,
Clearing is how you can get into those universities.
I had originally applied to Portsmouth to do Sociology with Criminology, and then decided the course probably wasn't for me.
So very, very last minute I decided in the summer that I wanted to switch courses and I found International Development and then it was too late to change through the normal application process, so I decided, well, the only option was to go through Clearing.
It was very nerve-wracking.
I was afraid that I'd end up with nothing. However, that definitely wasn't the case and there was so much support and information online that was given to me. So it was quite straightforward.
It wasn't difficult or scary at all.
It was surprisingly super, super easy.
I was put in touch with my course leader and it was all sorted within the hour, basically, after results.
The first thing I would say to somebody applying through Clearing is, don't panic.
Keep positive and less worried when applying through the Clearing process.
It's actually very quick and very easy.
Literally, the whole process of Clearing took me less than 24 hours.
Whether it's enrolling you to a course that you wanted or even just providing information for you, the Clearing team will always have your back.
I definitely recommend anyone that's worried to just go with their instinct and do it.
I'm really happy with the choice I've made.
Things don’t go according to plan on purpose and it happens for the best.
I felt relieved knowing I’d gotten what I wanted and my dream was about to come true.
How to apply through Clearing?
Find your perfect degree at Portsmouth
UCAS points calculator
If you're waiting for your results, see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
Useful information about Clearing
Our Clearing Checklist 2026
If you’re wondering about how to prepare for Clearing, then follow our Clearing checklist to ensure a stress free process.
Finding university accommodation: top tips
Not sure how to start your accommodation search? Take a look at our tips and tricks to secure your ideal place to live.
Why choose Clearing at Portsmouth?
Clearing 2026 FAQs
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest halls availability or support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
Explore all our accommodation halls of residence.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem. See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office.
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
We have a dedicated Clearing hotline that is available to call when Clearing 2026 opens on 2 July.
In the meantime, you can apply for any of our courses online or talk to our UK admissions team at admissions@port.ac.uk or +44 (0)23 9284 5566.
