See how you can apply for other university courses through Clearing 2026 if your exam results are better than expected.
Updated: 09 Aug 2026
Sam went through the Clearing process after getting better-than-expected grades. Hear his story.
If you end up getting the grades you need – or even better, you exceed them – then you’ve already won results day. Because not only will you now be able to get into your firm-choice university, you’ll also have the option to see if you can find an even better course.
Clearing lets you apply for a different course or university if you meet or outperform the conditions of your firm offer. So you can apply for any course at any uni where you meet entry requirements, all while holding on to your original offer. It’s your chance to get into the best uni possible – it really is a win-win.
Whatuni has everything you need to help you get through the Clearing process, 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.
We've got loads of handy Clearing articles and more on our Clearing Hub. Browse unis across the UK, find courses with open Clearing spaces, and get advice on your next steps in Clearing.
Clearing offers you the chance to find an alternative place on a university course starting that same year. Anyone holding a conditional offer who's exceeded the conditions of that offer can apply again through Clearing. You’ll need to register through your UCAS Hub account . You can only do this once your firm choice becomes unconditional on results day.
When Clearing opens, universities will publish a list of courses with places still available – you can find them using our Clearing tool.
2 July: Clearing opens
20 October: Clearing ends
Remember you can’t enter Clearing before you have your grades.
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 your UCAS ID, personal statement, results and any questions on hand before calling
When you have a verbal offer, add the course on UCAS Hub – the uni will then confirm your offer and your original offer will be automatically removed from Hub
Start preparing for uni – once your place is confirmed, it’s time to update your student finance details and sort out your accommodation
You can call these numbers for more guidance and advice on Clearing:
UCAS: 0371 468 0468
For those with hearing difficulties: Text Relay service. Download the app and follow the instructions.
SQA candidate advice line: 0345 279 1000
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