Explore how Clearing may be your route into university
What is Clearing?
Applying to university can feel overwhelming. There are tight deadlines, big decisions to make, and pressure to commit quickly, all while you’re juggling exams, coursework, and everything else on your plate.
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.
For many students, making decisions after exams are finished can feel clearer and less stressful.
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 for Clearing?
Step 1 – Create UCAS account
If you haven’t already got a UCAS account, you will need to create one. You cannot apply for Clearing without one.
Step 2 – Complete your application
You still need to go through the application process of providing your personal details, qualifications, and personal statement. If you submit this after 30 June your application will automatically go through Clearing.
Step 3 – Find a Clearing course
You can use our website to find what Clearing courses we have available from 2 July. You can also browse the UCAS website.
Step 4 – Contact us
Before you can submit your Clearing choice, you’ll need to contact us to discuss availability and eligibility. We will discuss your grades, your application, and your course options. Spaces for certain courses can be sparse, but we will always try and find you a similar course if your chosen one is full.
If you need any assistance or advice regarding clearing or your application process, we are here to help. For UK students you can contact our admissions team on admissions@port.ac.uk. For international students you can contact our global admissions team on globaladmissions@port.ac.uk
UCAS Clearing timeline and key dates
Below are the key dates for uni clearing. You can find the full university application timeline on the UCAS website.
30 June 2026
UCAS main application closes
2 July 2026
Clearing applications open
13 August 2026
A-level results day
19 October 2026
Last date to add a Clearing choice
Clearing FAQs
Yes. This is one of the great things about clearing. It gives you the opportunity to change your mind.
Keep in mind, if you’ve already accepted an offer, you’ll need to withdraw it before you can apply through Clearing.
Yes. If you want to study a different course at the same university, contact them directly to check availability.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You didn't achieve the results required for your firm (first) or insurance (second) course choices
- You achieve better exam results than what you expected and would like to change your course or university
- You haven't accepted any offers
- You've changed your mind about the course you want to do after you've accepted an offer
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2026
Yep. We typically have accommodation options for Clearing students. When you call us to discuss your options, we can offer you a secured spot in our accommodation as part of your university offer. Please note that this is subject to availability. You can check out our accommodation options here.
Yes, the application for student finance only takes around 30 minutes and you can do it directly through the gov.uk website.
No. Applying through Clearing is part of the admissions process only. Your peers and your teachers won’t know you applied through Clearing.
Yes. Nothing about your actual university experience will be different when applying through Clearing. The only difference is the application process.
Yep. Clearing doesn’t affect your start date.