Clearing Hotline: +442392848090
Clearing advice for international students
Clearing is the process that matches students with vacancies on UK university courses that are starting this September. With the exception of just a few courses Clearing only applies to undergraduate degrees. Most UK universities have courses available in Clearing, but the most popular courses will fill up fast.
How to apply
We welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
Clearing is open and if you already have your results and know the course you'd like to study you can apply now.
Many of our most popular courses are available in Clearing so you're sure to find a your perfect degree.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results on17 August 2023, so as an international student you may have an advantage if you already have your exam results.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
Other considerations
As an international student it's important that you apply through Clearing as early as you can, as you'll need to leave time to get your visa. You may also need to take some extra steps such as taking an English language test. Here are the extra things that you need to think about and prepare when you go through Clearing.
1. Your qualifications
If you haven't taken A levels, T levels, or the International Baccalaureate you'll need to check which entry requirements we accept for your country. You can do this by looking up your country in our 'Your country' guides.
2. English language requirements
Before you join us you'll need to demonstrate your English language level by taking an approved English language test and sending us your results, so if you haven't yet taken an English language test you'll need to leave time to do this.
3. Your visa
Before you can join us you'll need to get your visa. If you're applying through Clearing and you don't yet have a visa you'll need to act quickly as getting a visa can take a bit of time. But don't worry, our visas team can advise you.
Not ready to apply for this September?
We'd love to see you here in September, but if you don't want to apply through Clearing or you don't quite meet our entry requirements, you have other options.
1. Start a course in January
We have some undergraduate courses that offer a January start. If you don't want to apply through Clearing you can still apply in the normal way for a January-start course.
2. Take a foundation pathway course
If you don't quite meet our entry requirements you can take a foundation pathway course with our learning partners International College Portsmouth.
Find a foundation pathway course
3. Take an English course
If your English isn't quite good enough to take a degree yet you can take one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These are short courses that you can do either online or on campus.
Find a Pre-sessional English course
Clearing: Accommodation
Our Clearing accommodation guide tells you everything you need to know about sorting out your accommodation if you’ve accepted a place in Clearing.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Clearing: Student stories
Every student's circumstances are different. Meet some of our students and find out how they found their ideal course in Clearing.
Clearing: Frequently asked questions
Find answers quickly to your questions about Clearing. Our admissions team has answered all your frequently asked questions about Clearing.
