You may have heard that UCAS Clearing opened on 6^th July. In this blog post we will explain what the clearing process is and what you need to do!

So, what is “Clearing”?

Clearing is part of the UCAS Application services, where universities and colleges fill any vacant spaces on their courses due to start the following September.

You can use clearing if you:

• Had all of your offers or applications for places declined or withdrawn
• Declined any offers a college or university made to you (this is also known as “self-release”
• Did not meet the conditions of either your Firm Choice or Insurance Choice offers
• Would like to apply to university having not done previously

The Clearing period runs from 6^th July to 20^th October 2020. If you did not meet the conditions to your university offers, you can apply for a vacant course space on and after results day on 13^th August 2020.

You can find out more about results day and what you need to know here. 

What is the clearing application process?

The first thing you will need to do is look for course spaces available using the UCAS Search Tool. 

This is the official place for courses to be posted and the most accurate. Remember – every course is different and some have less spaces or are more popular than others, so keep in mind there might not be spaces on every course at every institution!

Once you have found a course you would like to apply for, call the university/college. Each institution will have a dedicated clearing phone number which you can find on their website. You can talk to them about the course, and whether they might consider accepting your application. This is also a great opportunity to ask more about the campus, accommodation and other aspects of the university/college.

Remember:

• Have your clearing number ready – you can find this on your UCAS application. The person on the clearing phone line will need to know this so they can view your application.
• Be patient – the phone lines can be really busy on and after results day, so try and be patient if you are put on hold or asked to call back.

 If the institution then confirms a place for you, you will be able to update your UCAS Track.

For more information about Clearing, check out these sites:

UCAS: What is Clearing?

The Complete University Guide: A Guide to UCAS Clearing

Apply to Uni – Clearing

Prospects – University Clearing 2020

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