What is Clearing?

Clearing is an opportunity for a fresh start. 

In July and August, many universities will still have vacancies for undergraduate courses starting in September.

If you aren't holding any UCAS offers, or you've changed your mind about where or what to study, you can apply for these courses through Clearing.

Want to find out more? Join our online event on Thursday 7 August to hear from our admissions, accommodation and student life teams.

Applying in Clearing

Applications for Clearing are now open for any students who have received their final results. Students waiting for A level results or other qualifications to be confirmed must receive their final results before they apply.

Check our list of Clearing vacancies and filter by 'UK' or 'international' (overseas) fee status, as places in Clearing are limited and not all courses will be available to both groups. If you're unsure of your fee status, check the guidance with UKCISA. 

Why should I apply through Clearing?

There are a few reasons why you might want to apply through Clearing.

If you haven't got an offer from your UCAS choices, you're starting to rethink your original choices and apply for something different, or if you're applying for the first time this year, Clearing is ideal for you.

You may not be confident in your results, or you might still be deciding what you want to study. Clearing lets you choose the right university and course for you.

You can use Clearing if you:

• didn't meet the conditions of your offer(s)
• declined your firm offer through UCAS
• you didn't receive (or accept) any offers  in UCAS
• if you're applying for the first time after 30 June

When can I use Clearing?

Clearing opens in early July for people who already have their results and some universities and courses will have Clearing vacancies available then. Some other Clearing vacancies may not open until A-level results day.

At Nottingham, we typically offer some courses in Clearing at both of these times and have separate lists of vacancies for UK and international students.

You can only apply for Clearing places once you have received your final academic results.