Clearing and results day 2025 FAQs: applying directly to university

Sophia got a place in uni after applying directly through Clearing. Hear her story.

How do you start applying for Clearing courses?

There are two ways. The first is to create a UCAS Hub account before you begin calling universities. You’ll be given a UCAS ID number once you create an account, which you’ll need to have on hand when calling universities. When you have your grades, you can start applying to unis by calling their Clearing hotlines and seeing what verbal offers you get.

The second way is to call university Clearing hotlines as soon as you get your results. Some universities will let you apply for a Clearing course without having a UCAS account. The uni will typically email you your offer with a link to complete an online form.

What’s the most effective way to use Clearing?

The most effective way to use Clearing is to do as much research as possible before you begin calling universities. Use our Clearing search tool to see what Clearing courses are available, and which courses you’ll be eligible for based on your grades. Save any courses you’re interested in and then compare them on your Whatuni account.

Once you have a shortlist of five courses, start calling. If you’re calling more than one university, don’t accept any verbal offers right away. Call each university on your list first, see what offers you get and then choose the one that most suits you by adding the course to your UCAS Hub account.

What should you consider when comparing Clearing courses?

Consider:

• University location

• Module choices

• Teaching methods

• Assessment types

• Placement opportunities

• Course accreditation (if needed)

• Graduate opportunities

When should you start using Clearing?

As soon as Clearing opens on 5 July. When Clearing opens, you’ll be able to see what courses are available. If you’re not waiting to get your grades, make a shortlist of courses you’d like to apply for and start calling universities. If you don’t get your grades until August, use the time beforehand to research courses, create a shortlist of those you’re interested in and have everything ready to call universities once you get your results.

Ayesha, who earned a place through Clearing to study architecture, maintains: "Clearing shouldn't be viewed as a scary thing. It allows you to look at other avenues you can take to still get into a good university."

What courses are in Clearing?

You won’t know what courses are in Clearing until Clearing begins on 5 July.

What should you have on hand when calling universities?

Have these with you:

• Your Clearing number

• Your UCAS ID number

• Course name and code

• Your personal statement

• Your grades

• Any questions you’d like to ask

Should you talk about your work experience when calling universities?

Yes, if your work experience is relevant to why you want to study a particular subject. You can discuss what you’ve learned from your work experience and use this to demonstrate why you’d be a good fit on the course you’re applying for.

Do you have to accept a Clearing offer straight away?

No, you can take your time to consider a verbal offer a university makes over the phone. But don’t wait too long as Clearing places can fill up quickly. Once you know whether you want to take the offer, log in to your UCAS Hub account and add the Clearing course using the university’s institution code and course code.

What if you get multiple offers in Clearing?

You can get as many verbal offers as you like. Don’t feel compelled to take the first offer you get. Call each university on your shortlist, see what offers you get and then decide from there.

What if you don’t get an immediate Clearing offer?

Don’t give up. Keep calling the universities on your shortlist to see if you get any offers. If you still get no offers, go back a step and research what other Clearing courses have places available.

Nnenna, a student who earned a place through Clearing to study international relations and politics, believes: "Take the leap and don't worry that it's not what you planned. Some of the best things aren't planned. Focus on the ranking of your degree rather than the university."

Do you have to attend an interview in Clearing?

This will depend on the course you’re applying for. You’ll be notified about this when you apply.

Can you organise student accommodation in Clearing?

Yes. Most universities reserve rooms for Clearing students. You’ll only be able to apply for student accommodation once your offer on a course is confirmed. The university will send you all the information you need about how to apply for student accommodation.

When do you sort your student finance?

Apply for your student loan, maintenance loan and any other student funding as soon as your offer on a course is confirmed. Your student finance provider will need to know the details of your course before you can apply.