How to use Clearing to apply directly to a university

See the winners of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022

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

Applying to university directly through Clearing

Many people think Clearing is only for students who don’t get their expected grades. That’s not true. If you’re a late applicant or a mature student looking to re-enter education, for example, Clearing becomes more of a window for you to apply to uni.

Applying directly through Clearing will be a different experience for you compared to most other students who enter after getting their grades. But the end result will be the same once you go through it: a place at the right uni for you, studying a course you love, and a step closer to your future goals.

You'll find everything you need to help you through the Clearing process on our website, from our Clearing course search tool to expert tips and FAQs to guide you along the way. You can find and compare courses, book open days, find out which unis have places available, and see your chance of acceptance, all in one place.

Sophia quote

How UCAS Clearing works

You can think of Clearing as another chance to find a place at university. It matches students looking for a place at uni to unis with unfilled places, and is an increasingly popular option for students.

Universities will publish a list of courses with places still available when Clearing opens – you can find them using our Clearing tool.

Key dates for Clearing 2022

5 July: Clearing opens
18 October: Clearing ends

How to apply for Clearing courses

Follow these four simple steps:

Search and compare Clearing courses – register with Whatuni to search, save and compare courses all in one place
Contact shortlisted unis through their Clearing hotlines – have all your info and any questions on hand before calling
When you have a verbal offer, complete a Record of Prior Acceptance form (see below) – the uni will then send you a letter formally confirming your place
Start preparing for uni – once your place is confirmed, it’s time to update your student finance details and sort out your accommodation

Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)

When applying directly to a university through Clearing, you’ll still have to provide your results, a personal statement and a reference. This process is called Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA). If the uni takes this route (not all do) and makes you an offer that you accept, you’ll have to fill in an RPA form. The uni will then submit this to UCAS on your behalf.

Remember, if you accept a university offer through RPA, you won't be able to apply for any other courses. In other words, you need to be absolutely sure about the course before accepting any offer.

Clearing 2022 helplines

You can call these numbers for more guidance and advice on Clearing:

UCAS: 0371 468 0 468 (UK callers) or +44 330 3330 230 (calling from outside the UK)
For those with hearing difficulties: Text Relay service on 18001 followed by the relevant number (UK callers) or +44 151 494 1260 (calling from outside the UK)
SQA candidate advice line: 0345 279 1000
Skills Development Scotland's exam helpline: 0808 100 8000

Our cookies

Privacy overview

Manage consent preferences

Clearing

Clearing and results day 2022 guide: how to apply directly to a university

Similar articles

My Clearing Story: Arthie, SOAS

My Clearing Story: Daria, St George's

The Clearing Squad: Afia's success story

The Clearing Squad: Alistair's success story

YOUR UCAS POINTS 0