What is Clearing?

What is Clearing?

Clearing offers you a chance to find a full time undergraduate course to start this September. Almost 68,000 students found their university place through Clearing last year, so you wouldn’t be alone in exploring your options.

When does Clearing start?

Clearing starts from the beginning of July each year. If you have your exam results you can apply straight away, however you might need to wait until A Level or GCSE Results Day in August to be able to apply. We advise you to research your course options early though so that you are prepared when A Level Results Day arrives.

When does Clearing end?

Clearing usually closes around the middle of September or when the courses in Clearing are full.

How does Clearing work?

A university will list the courses which have places available to start in the coming September. We list our courses from the beginning of July. As soon as you have your exam results, you can apply for the course either online (until mid August) or by calling the university's Clearing hotline which opens on A Level Results Day (Thursday 16 August).

If you have the required exam results for the course, you can be made an offer in Clearing. Once you have been made an offer, you will receive an email from the university which explains what you need to do next to accept your offer and make arrangements for student finance or accommodation if you need it.

What is UCAS Extra?

UCAS Extra is a great way to apply to additional universities or different subjects after the initial UCAS deadline date of 15 January has passed. UCAS Extra is open from 25 February to 30 June but you'll need to make sure you're eligible! You can only apply to UCAS Extra if you have either received no offers from your original five choices or if you have changed your mind about the course/subject you wish to study and intend to decline all offers/choices you have. Find out more about UCAS Extra.

Who can apply in Clearing?

There are many reasons why you might want to apply for university in Clearing. Not sure if Clearing is for you? Take our quiz.

• Your exam results are worse than you expected
• You decide to apply at the last minute
• You change your mind about the course you’ve already applied for
• Your exam results are better than you expected – this is known as Adjustment.

How do I apply in Clearing?

1) Check which courses are available

Not all university courses have places in Clearing as they may already be full for this September. A full list of courses which are available in Clearing at Birmingham City University will be published at the beginning of July. Once you've found a course that you’re interested in, you'll need to check that you have the UCAS tariff points stated and any other specific entry requirements for the course. Sometimes the UCAS tariff points for Clearing are different to the main UCAS entry requirements. Take a look at the courses we offer.

2) Apply online

You will need to have your exam results before you can apply. Once you have your results, you can apply online from the beginning of July. Our Clearing hotline will then open from 6am on Thursday 16 August.

If you haven’t got your exam results yet, it’s never too early to do your research. Ask your questions to our expert course advisors.

What happens after you get an offer?

If we are able to offer you a place, you’ll receive an email telling you what to do next to accept it. You’ll also get some more information with details of the important things you need to do before joining us in September – like online enrolment, accommodation and student finance. Find out more about what to do next.

Other FAQs

Worried? Don't be.

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