Clearing can be a time of uncertainty for students and the people supporting them. Find out how you can help someone through the process.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is part of the UK's application process run by UCAS. It helps students find and apply for courses that still have places available.
Students can use Clearing if:
- their results weren't what they expected
- they didn't receive any offers
- they received offers they don't want to accept
- they've changed their mind about what or where they want to study
- they're applying after 30 June 2026
When can students apply?
Clearing opens on 2 July 2026 and continues until the beginning of September, or until all courses are full.
Students can apply as soon as they receive their results. In most cases, this will be on or after A Level results day.
If a student is studying one of the following qualifications, they may be able to apply earlier:
- Access to HE Diploma
- BTEC
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- T Levels
Learn more about applying with alternative qualifications.
Tips for supporting students
The best way to support a student through Clearing is to offer practical, positive guidance while leaving decisions firmly in their hands.
Here are some ways you help them during the process:
- Learn what's involved – familiarise yourself with how Clearing works so you can help them understand the steps, deadlines and what to expect
- Encourage independence – students need to lead the conversations with universities themselves, so encourage them to prepare questions and articulate their interests and goals
- Explore options together – support them to research different courses and campuses, and to think about the wider student experience as well as the subject they want to study
- Focus on the future – reassure them that the right choice is one where they feel comfortable, supported and excited about the future
What to do when students have their results
If a student already has their results, they can apply online nowGo to Clearing online application form.
On A Level results day, students can either apply online or by calling our Clearing hotline.
If they call us, they may need to speak with an academic on their course, so they should be prepared to answer questions about their motivations for applying.
If the phone lines are busy, you can hold their place in the queue, but we can't discuss their application with you – so they'll need to speak with us as soon as we answer.
What students need to apply
Students should have the following to hand:
- their UCAS ID
- their results, including any GCSEs
- copies of their transcripts and certificates
- a list of courses they're interested in studying
If they're an international student, they'll also need the results of their English language qualifications.
International students
You can find tailored application guidance and useful resources on our Clearing advice for international students page.
For visa guidance and practical support to help international students transition to studying in the UK, see our Visas and advice page.
Why Westminster?
If you're supporting someone considering Westminster, learning more about what we offer can help you talk them through their options.
- Explore the wide range of work-related opportunities available through our new home of careers and enterprise, Zone29
- Find out what support is available to students, from disability support to free counselling, on our support and services pages
- Discover the halls of residence we offer and how to apply on our accommodation pages
- See what funding may be available to help with tuition fees and living costs by contacting our Student Advice Team
- Get a feel for the wider university experience at Westminster on our student life pages
- Learn about the spiritual and pastoral support we offer, from faith advisers to prayer and contemplation spaces, on our Faith and spirituality page
Contact us
If you need help supporting someone through Clearing, email [email protected].