UCAS Clearing opens on Tuesday 5 July 2022. But what actually is Clearing? And why should you apply through it? Read on to find out all this and more.

The Clearing route to university is getting more and more popular each year. Though it can come with a degree of uncertainty, there are lots of ways you can plan ahead to get the most out of it.

• What is UCAS Clearing? 

• When is Clearing 2022?

• Why might I go through Clearing? 

• Can I go through Clearing?

• Will the course I want to study be in Clearing?

• How do I prepare for Clearing?

What is UCAS Clearing?

Each year, universities will have spaces left on their courses after the application window has closed in June. 

UCAS Clearing is your opportunity to snap up one of these places, even if you didn't apply to the university prior to the June deadline.

It also gives you a second chance to go to university if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance offers. 

When is Clearing 2022?

Clearing begins in July each year. But it only really gets into full swing once A Level results are revealed, which will be Thursday 18 August this year. 

Results for Scottish Highers, BTECs and the IB usually come out ahead of this. This year, SQA Results Day will be Tuesday 9 August.

The deadline for adding Clearing choices is 18 October 2022.

Keep in mind that available spots on popular courses at the highest-ranked universities in England will likely be filled within a week of A Level Results Day. 

That’s not to say you won’t be able to find a great course after this time, but you will have fewer options available to you. 

So don't wait around. Find out how long Clearing takes. 

Why might I go through Clearing?

According to UCAS, more than 47,000 students in 2021 got a place at university by applying through Clearing.

You might go through Clearing if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance choices, if you've had a change of heart come Results Day, or if you're applying to university after the 30 June deadline.

Though it may seem it, it's important to remember that Clearing isn't a free-for-all. University is going to be a huge, significant chapter in your life.

It deserves careful consideration.

So, even though spaces can fill up quickly on popular courses, do still give yourself time to research your options carefully before getting in touch with any universities.

Can I go through Clearing?

You are eligible to apply through Clearing if: 

• you didn't meet the conditions of your existing conditional offers
• you declined your firm place  
• you're applying after 30 June deadline
• you didn't receive any offers you wanted to accept
• you've paid the multiple choice application fee of £26.50

Will the course I want to study be in Clearing? 

There's no way of knowing what courses will have spaces available before Clearing opens.

Universities start to publish their vacancies from July, so you can start to keep an eye on different courses to shortlist. 

You can also explore courses that are in Clearing using UCAS' free search tool.

If you can't find vacancies in your original course or subject area, don't be disheartened. Try exploring other subjects in a related field.

When you speak to a Clearing Adviser they may also suggest other courses that are relevant to you.

How do I prepare for Clearing? 

The best way to prepare for Clearing is to do your research. 

One tip is to list the different variations of grades you could receive on the day. Then use your research to assign courses and universities to each possibility. 

Finally, if there's a university you have your eye on, make sure you have their contact details to hand. Clearing can be stressful enough without having to hop from website to website trying to find the right phone number or live chat platform. 

Read our blog on staying calm during Clearing. 

Clearing can feel stressful for lots of young people and it's understandable if you're anxious - that's why we've written a complete guide on what to say during Clearing.