UCAS Clearing 2027
Confirmed by UCAS · last checked 7 September 2026
Clearing opens
Friday, 2 July 2027
confirmed Earlier than most people expect, well before results day.
Last day to add a choice
Monday, 18 October 2027
Clearing runs right through to mid October.
The busy day
Thursday, 12 August 2027
A Level results day, when most Clearing places are filled. Results day →
Clearing is how UCAS matches students without a place to courses that still have one. It opens in early July, months before results, and runs to mid October. Most of the action happens in the 48 hours after A Level results, when universities publish their remaining places and their phone lines fill up.
How it works, in order
- You find courses with places using the UCAS search tool or university websites.
- You ring the university. They give informal offers on the phone, often in minutes.
- You add one Clearing choice in UCAS. Only add it after a university has said yes.
- The university confirms, and that's your place.
The one mistake that costs people places: adding a Clearing choice before a university has agreed to take you. You can only hold one choice at a time, and while it sits unconfirmed you can't approach anywhere else through UCAS.
Common questions
Who can use Clearing?
Anyone without a confirmed place: you missed your offers, declined them, applied after 30 June, or changed your mind about your firm choice (that route is called decline my place). You don't need to have applied through UCAS already, though late applicants go straight into Clearing.
Does Clearing mean worse courses?
No. Courses end up in Clearing because universities misjudge how many offer-holders will hit their grades. Strong courses at large universities appear every year, especially on the first morning after results.
Can I enter Clearing before results day?
Yes, and you should prepare before it. Clearing opens in early July, so anyone without a place can start then. If you're waiting on results, spend the week before making a shortlist of courses and phone numbers so results morning is calls, not research.