Hi there, I'm Luna.
Do you want me to help you find the perfect course in Clearing this year?
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.
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 2024
- 5 July: Clearing opens
- 21 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 2024 helplines
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
