UCAS Clearing 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: UCAS Clearing 2026 runs from 2 July to around 19 October 2026, with main Clearing on A-level results day, 13 August 2026. It matches applicants without a confirmed place to courses that still have spaces. Calculate your UCAS points, then call universities to secure an offer.

UCAS Clearing 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are reading this on or near results day, take a breath — you are in the right place, and you have options. Clearing 2026 runs from about 2 July to roughly 19 October, with main Clearing on 13 August. Not having a place yet is far more common than people think, and it is fixable. Thousands of students find a great course this way every single year. This guide walks you through exactly what Clearing is, the dates that matter, whether it applies to you, and the precise steps to take. Start by knowing your number — calculate your UCAS points and how many points you need.

What is UCAS Clearing 2026?

UCAS Clearing 2026 is the system that matches applicants without a confirmed place to university courses that still have spaces. It runs alongside the main 2026 admissions cycle, opens in early July, and reaches its busiest point on A-level results day. If you do not hold an offer, you can use Clearing to find and secure a place.

Think of it as a second matching round, not a consolation prize. Universities list their available courses, you find the ones in range for your grades, and you call them directly to ask for a place. It is open to anyone eligible — whether you are reapplying, changing direction, or just received results that were not what you hoped for. Understanding what UCAS points are and how the UCAS application works will make every step here feel simpler and less stressful.

Key Clearing 2026 dates

Here are the dates that matter most. The exact open and close dates are set by UCAS and can shift slightly, so we have phrased them as "around" — confirm them on the official UCAS site nearer the time.

For the full calendar, including application and decision deadlines, see all UCAS key dates 2026. For a closer look at the biggest day of all, read our A-level results day 2026 guide so nothing catches you off guard.

Are you eligible for Clearing?

There are four normal routes into Clearing, and each one is a valid way to find a place — not something to feel bad about.

• You have no offers. You applied but did not receive any offers, or you turned them all down.
• You missed your grades. Your results did not meet the conditions of your firm and insurance choices. This happens to many capable students every year — see missed my grades.
• You declined your place or changed your mind. You decided your original choice was not right for you and want a fresh start.
• You applied after 30 June 2026. Late applications go straight into Clearing.

If your worry is the points total itself, our guide on not enough UCAS points explains exactly what counts and how close you really are. Often you are nearer than you feel. Whichever route brought you here, the next steps are the same — and they are clear.

Step by step: how to use Clearing 2026

Here is the exact process, in order. Work through it calmly, one step at a time.

1. Check your status in the UCAS Hub. Log in to see whether you are in Clearing and to find your Clearing number — you will need it to call universities.
2. Calculate your exact UCAS points. Know your real total before you call. Calculate your points so you can speak with confidence about where you stand.
3. Find courses in range. Use your total to see realistic matches — find courses that match your points shows what is genuinely open to you.
4. Make a shortlist. Pick a handful of courses you would be happy to study, in order of preference. Note their Clearing phone numbers.
5. Call the universities. Have your details ready and call your top choices. You can call several — there is no penalty for shopping around. See universities with low UCAS points in Clearing for ideas if you need a wider net.
6. Get a verbal offer. If a university is happy to take you, they will offer a place over the phone and tell you how long you have to decide.
7. Add your Clearing choice in the Hub. Once you are sure, add the course as your Clearing choice. This confirms the place and makes it official.

That is the whole journey. Most of the work is on the phone, and most calls are friendly and quick.

What UCAS points do you need for Clearing?

Many Clearing offers are points-based, so the single most useful thing you can do is know your total. Universities will often quote a points figure rather than specific grades, which gives you flexibility. Here are typical totals from the UCAS Tariff to anchor your thinking:

Treat these as typical figures and always confirm the exact requirement for the course you want. Many courses use the Tariff, but selective ones — including most Russell Group universities, Medicine, and Law — still ask for specific grades rather than a points total alone. A points figure helps you find courses in range; it does not by itself secure a place. For more, see UCAS points for Clearing, check whether all universities use UCAS points, and browse courses at 96 points to see what a typical total opens up.

How to call universities in Clearing

The phone call is the heart of Clearing, and it is far less daunting once you are ready. Before you dial, have these to hand: your Clearing number, your Personal ID, your grades, and your UCAS points total. Keep a pen, your shortlist, and a glass of water nearby.

Here is a calm script to follow:

• "Hi, I am calling about Clearing for [course name]. My Clearing number is [number] and my Personal ID is [number]."
• "My grades are [grades], which is [your points] UCAS points. Do you have a place available?"
• If yes: "Thank you. What is the deadline for me to confirm?"
• If you need time: "May I call you back shortly once I have compared a couple of options?"

You can call several universities and compare what they offer before deciding — that is completely normal. Ask about the offer, the deadline, and anything practical like accommodation. Once you have spoken to your top choices, weigh them up the same way you would any firm vs insurance choices, then pick the course that fits you best. To re-check matches between calls, keep what can I study with my points open.

After you accept a Clearing place

Once a university offers you a place and you are sure, add it as your Clearing choice in the UCAS Hub to lock it in. After that, a few practical steps will set you up well:

• Sort your funding — start with student finance basics so your loan is in place for the new course.
• Sort somewhere to live — our student accommodation guide covers halls and private options near your new university.
• Breathe. The hard part is done.

A Clearing place is a real, full university place with exactly the same status as any other offer. You have a place, a course, and a fresh start — that is a genuinely good outcome.

If Clearing isn't right: your other options

*This section is supplementary — extra context if Clearing does not feel like the right fit for you right now.*

Clearing is not the only path forward. If the courses in range are not what you want, you might consider retaking to lift your grades, taking a gap year and reapplying next cycle, or boosting your total with an extra qualification. If you held a higher offer than your confirmed place, it is also worth understanding UCAS Adjustment as context. Explore retake A-levels for points, how to get more UCAS points, and UCAS Adjustment before deciding. Whatever you choose, make it a positive plan rather than a reaction — you have time and real options.

See which courses are in range for your points

Frequently asked questions

When does UCAS Clearing 2026 start?

UCAS Clearing 2026 opens around 2 July 2026, but main Clearing — when most applicants take part — begins on A-level results day, 13 August 2026. Scottish (SQA) results land earlier, around 4 August. Clearing closes around 19 October 2026.

Who is eligible for Clearing 2026?

You are eligible if you have no offers, you missed the grades for your firm and insurance choices, you declined your place, or you apply after 30 June 2026. All four are normal routes into a full university place — not a fallback to feel bad about.

How does Clearing work step by step?

Check your status in the UCAS Hub, calculate your UCAS points, find courses in range, shortlist them, then call universities with your details ready. If they offer you a place verbally, add it as your Clearing choice in the Hub to confirm it.

How many UCAS points do I need for Clearing 2026?

It depends on the course. Many Clearing offers are points-based, so know your total — for example, CCC is 96 points, BBB is 120, and AAA is 144. Some courses accept lower totals, while selective ones still ask for specific grades. Knowing your contextual offers options can help too.

Can I use Clearing if I already have a place?

Yes. If you have a confirmed place but have changed your mind, you can use "decline my place" in the UCAS Hub to release yourself into Clearing. Be sure first, as this step is final and you give up your original offer. If you simply want one more choice, look at UCAS Extra explained first.

Is a Clearing place as good as a normal offer?

Yes — a Clearing place is a real, full university place with the same status as any other offer. Thousands of students start their degree through Clearing every year, including at well-known universities. Calculate your points and check which courses are in range.