So, you’ve got your results back and they’re good! Really good, actually much better than predicted. If you’d known they’d be this good, then you might have applied to university elsewhere. Not to worry, if you act fast then you can seize a fresh opportunity through Clearing.
Updated: 07 Jul 2026
Clearing is a UCAS service which allows unis to fill course places which are still available after results day. Every year there are thousands of places which aren’t taken, and if you’ve outperformed your current course offers then you can search for something new from thousands of course vacancies until as late as October.
If you’re sure you want to change courses, here's what you should do...
This is very important. If you think that Clearing might be an option for you, then do some research and have a clear idea of which courses and unis you’d like to switch to. You'll find loads of great information on Whatuni, and can use the chance-of-acceptance calculator to estimate what the odds of success might be, to help inform your decision.
The best part is that you can do this before you even get your results. Have a browse and see what's on offer at the unis you're interested in or the courses you want to study.
NEXT: Find courses in Clearing now.
Once you've got your results, you'll need to start calling the universities to see if they'll accept you on to the course. You can use our website to get the Clearing hotline number for your chosen universities. Keep a note of your UCAS personal ID, as you'll need it close to hand when speaking with university advisors.
NEXT: Guide to calling Clearing hotlines
While you're calling unis, if they'll accept you onto the course, they'll give you a verbal offer. That's what you're looking for! Ask any other questions you need to at this point - it can be handy to hear about what the university can offer Clearing students in terms of accommodation before you make any big decisions.
Once you've got a verbal offer you want to accept, you need to log into UCAS Hub and decline your place on your original course. You'll need to answer a drop-down question to confirm you're happy to decline your original place.
Once you've declined your original place, you'll get a message that you've entered Clearing. Here's when you'll be able to add your Clearing choice. Only do this after you've received a verbal offer, otherwise the uni might not confirm your place. You can only add one at a time, so be sure you're happy with the course before you add it as a Clearing choice.
NEXT: How to decline your place and enter UCAS Clearing
Once you've added your Clearing choice to UCAS Hub, it needs to be confirmed by your new chosen university. Unis should confirm your place in 24-72 hours. Once the uni has confirmed your offer, your placement is guaranteed. Congratulations! Excellent work! You did it!
NEXT:
Receive a monthly newsletter packed with useful tips and updates to help you find the right uni.