Understanding what is UCAS Clearing: your second chance at a UK university

Picture this: you've spent months or even years dreaming of studying in the UK, imagining yourself exploring historic campuses, making lifelong friends, and immersing yourself in a world-class education at a renowned institution.

But then, results day arrives, and things don't go quite as planned. Maybe your grades weren't what you hoped for, or perhaps you've simply had a change of heart about your university choices.

It's a situation that many students face, and it can feel like a major setback. But while it's natural to feel a bit lost at first, don't despair! The UCAS Clearing process is a lifeline to help you connect with and enrol in the right university and course. Rather than being a ‘last resort’, think of Clearing as a matchmaking service between you and universities with unfilled places. It's your second chance to make your UK study dreams come true.

Read on to find out more about UCAS Clearing, how to apply for Clearing, and how IDP can help you navigate the Clearing process.

What is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing opens up annually–it's a system designed to help students who haven't yet secured a university place, or who want to explore alternative options, find courses with vacancies. It's like a last-minute shopping spree for university places, and you're the savvy shopper!

Universities list their available courses on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website, and it's up to you to proactively contact them and express your interest. Clearing is a pretty fast-paced and competitive process as it only lasts several months; in 2024, the process takes place between 5 July to 21 October. So it's important to be prepared, organised, and ready to act quickly, as places can fill up fast.

Knowing your eligibility for UCAS Clearing

Now that you know what UCAS Clearing is, let's make sure you're eligible before jumping into the process. Here's a quick checklist to see if you qualify: 

• You applied to university after the deadline (which is 30 June in 2024): if you missed the main UCAS application deadline, Clearing is your gateway to applying to UK universities.

• You didn't receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept): perhaps your grades didn't quite meet the entry requirements or the offers you received just didn't feel right.

• You didn't meet the conditions of your offers: if you fell short of the grades or other conditions specified in your offers, Clearing is your chance to explore other possibilities.

• You declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in the application portal: maybe you had a change of heart or circumstances. Clearing allows you to reconsider your options.

How UCAS Clearing works

The UCAS Clearing process might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it's not impossible to navigate. Here's a simplified breakdown: 

• Check your eligibility: double-check that you meet the Clearing eligibility criteria mentioned above. 

• Search for Clearing vacancies: universities list their available courses on the UCAS website. Use the website’s search tool to filter by subject, location, and other preferences. 

• Contact universities: once you've found courses that interest you, it's time to pick up the phone! Call the universities directly to discuss your eligibility and express your interest. Be prepared with questions about the course, accommodation options, scholarships, and any other concerns you may have. Not sure about this? Just get IDP to help you through for free. 

• Receive an informal offer (verbal): if the university thinks you're a good fit, they'll give you a verbal offer. Make sure you note down the offer details and the deadline to add it to your UCAS application. 

• Add your Clearing choice in UCAS: log in to your UCAS Hub and add the course as your Clearing choice. Remember, you can only add one choice at a time. The university will then confirm your place if everything is in order. 

Navigate UCAS Clearing with free professional guidance

UCAS Clearing is a bit like a fast-paced race. Spots fill up quickly, and you need to be prepared to act fast. This is where IDP comes in as your trusted advisor and guide thanks to our experience and competitive edge:

• Real-time updates: IDP constantly monitors the Clearing system and has direct access to the latest information on course availability, often even before it's updated on the UCAS website. This means you'll be ahead of the game with the most up-to-date information at your fingertips. 

• University relationships: over the years, IDP has established strong and trusted relationships with top UK universities. These connections allow us to advocate for you, showcasing your strengths and potential to admissions teams. We may possibly help you secure a place even when it seems like there are no vacancies left. 

• Expert guidance: our experienced counsellors will help you assess your options realistically, considering your grades, interests, and career goals. We'll create a personalised Clearing plan and coach you on how to effectively communicate with universities during interviews or phone calls.

Don't navigate Clearing alone: partner with IDP for success

Remember, Clearing isn't a consolation prize. It's a legitimate and valuable route to securing a place at a UK university that's the right fit for you. However, navigating the UCAS Clearing process can be stressful and confusing, especially if you're doing it on your own.

So don't go it alone! With IDP by your side, you'll have a dedicated team of experts who understand the ins and outs of Clearing. We'll provide you with the support, guidance, and confidence you need to make the most of this opportunity and achieve your dream of studying in the UK.

From helping you identify suitable courses and universities to preparing you for interviews and navigating the application process to guiding you through the post-acceptance UK study visa application, we'll be there every step of the way. We'll also ensure you understand the UCAS tariff points system and how it relates to your qualifications, so you can make informed decisions about your Clearing choices.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free counselling session with IDP today. Your dream UK university might be just a click away!