UCAS Points for Clearing 2026: How It Works

Quick answer: Yes — UCAS points still matter in Clearing, and your total is exactly the same as on results day. Many Clearing courses list points-based entry requirements (often 48-112), and offers are frequently more flexible than your original one. Calculate your confirmed total first.

If you've landed here on results day, take a breath. Your points still count in Clearing, your total hasn't changed, and the offers you'll see are often more flexible than the one you originally held. Below we'll walk through exactly how points work in Clearing, what totals are realistically in range, and the clear next step to take — calmly and in order.

Do UCAS points still matter in Clearing?

Yes — for a great many courses, your points are still the headline number. The same UCAS Tariff that applied when you got your offer applies in Clearing too, so your total is identical to results day. Plenty of universities advertise Clearing places using a points figure, which makes your confirmed total the quickest way to see whether you're in range.

A few things worth knowing:

• The Tariff doesn't change between the main cycle and Clearing — an A-level A is 48 points in both.
• Many Clearing listings quote a points range rather than fixed grades, which can work in your favour.
• Not every course uses points. Medicine, and most Russell Group courses, often still ask for specific grades or subjects even in Clearing.

So your number matters, but it isn't the whole story. Check whether each course you're eyeing lists points or grades. If you're unsure how widely points are used, our guide on whether all universities use UCAS points explains it plainly. Either way, the first move is the same — calculate your confirmed total.

How many UCAS points do you need for Clearing?

Here's the honest answer: there's no single Clearing minimum. Requirements are set course by course, so two universities offering similar degrees can ask for very different totals. That's actually good news — it means a lower total still opens real doors.

As a reference, here's how common A-level combinations convert:

Many Clearing courses sit lower than these competitive totals — often somewhere in the 48-112 range — while the most in-demand courses ask for 120 and up. The point is that whatever your number, there are realistic options to explore. Don't assume a lower total rules you out; search by your exact figure instead. Our page on how many points you need gives more detail, and if your total is modest, the list of universities with low points in Clearing is a calm place to start.

Confirm your points before you call

On results day your grades are final, which means your points are too. Before you pick up the phone, work out your exact confirmed total — admissions teams will ask for it, and having it ready makes every call faster and clearer.

To get your number:

• Add up the points for the grades you actually achieved, using the Tariff for each qualification.
• Include everything that counts — A-levels, plus an EPQ, Core Maths or other Tariff qualifications you sat.
• Write the total down so it's in front of you when you call.

The quickest way is to use the UCAS Points Calculator. If you sat A-levels, the A-level points calculator gives your total in seconds; for vocational qualifications, the BTEC points calculator does the same. Get the figure first, then move to finding courses.

Finding Clearing courses in range of your points

Once you know your total, work outward from it. Rather than chasing one dream option, search by your number to build a short, realistic list of courses that are genuinely in range — then call a few of them.

A calm approach:

• Use the reverse tool to see what you can study with your points at your exact total.
• Read each Clearing listing carefully — note whether it asks for points or grades.
• Shortlist three or four courses, not just one, so you have backups if a line is busy.
• Jot down phone numbers and reference codes before you call.

If your total is around 112, browse courses at 112 UCAS points; if it's nearer 96, look at courses at 96 UCAS points. Having a small spread of options keeps things steady — you're choosing from a realistic list, not pinning everything on a single call.

The 2026 Clearing timeline

Knowing the dates helps you act at the right moment. Here are the key 2026 markers:

• ~2 July 2026 — Clearing opens (approximate, third-party sourced).
• ~4 August 2026 — SQA (Scottish) results released.
• 13 August 2026 — A-level results day and the main Clearing rush.
• ~19 October 2026 — Clearing closes (approximate, third-party sourced).

The 13 August results day is firm; the open and close dates can shift slightly, so treat them as a guide. The single most useful thing to know is that the best places move quickly on results day — so the earlier you have your confirmed total and shortlist, the better. You can also self-release from a place you no longer want to free yourself for Clearing. For the full picture, see our A-level results day 2026 guide, the full Clearing 2026 guide, and the key UCAS dates 2026.

What if your points fall short?

First, a missed grade is not the end of the road — far from it. Clearing exists precisely because plans change, and there are several realistic routes if your points came in lower than your offer.

• Many Clearing courses accept fewer points than your original offer asked for, so you may already be in range somewhere new.
• Contextual offers can lower the requirement based on your circumstances — worth asking admissions about directly.
• Foundation years, retakes and point-boosting courses are all genuine options if you'd rather aim again.

The calm next step is to match your situation to the right path. If you're short on points, not enough UCAS points? walks through the choices; if results didn't go to plan, missed my grades is written for exactly this moment; and contextual offers explains how universities can flex their requirements. Whatever your number, there's a realistic next step from here.

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Sorted your place? Get ready to start

If you've confirmed a Clearing offer — well done. The focus now shifts from points to getting ready for term. There's no rush to do it all at once, but a few practical things are worth lining up early: somewhere to live, your finance in place, and a bank account that works for student life.

Helpful next reads:

• Student accommodation guide
• Student finance basics
• Student bank accounts

See courses in range of your points

Frequently asked questions

Do you need UCAS points for Clearing?

Often, yes — many Clearing courses set points-based entry requirements, so your total matters. But not all do: some courses ask for specific grades or subjects instead of points. Calculate your confirmed total and check each course's Clearing requirement, which may be points or grades.

How many UCAS points do you need for Clearing in 2026?

There's no single national minimum — it's set course by course. Many Clearing courses sit in the 48-112 range, while competitive ones ask for more (BBB=120, ABB=128 or higher). Lower totals still have realistic options, so search by your exact number rather than assuming.

Are my UCAS points different in Clearing?

No. The same UCAS Tariff applies all year, so your total in Clearing is exactly the same as on results day — an A-level A is still 48 points, an A* still 56. Clearing offers are often more flexible than your original one, but the points themselves don't change.

Can you get into university with low UCAS points through Clearing?

Yes, this is realistic. Many universities advertise Clearing places with lower points requirements, and some offer contextual or foundation routes. Use the reverse tool to see courses in range of your number, then call the universities to confirm.

When does Clearing open in 2026?

Clearing opens around 2 July 2026, with the main rush on A-level results day, 13 August 2026 (SQA results land around 4 August). Clearing stays open until roughly 19 October 2026, but the best places move fast — act early once you have your confirmed total.