Clearing Guide 2026
Here you’ll find your essential guide to everything Clearing. The site is loaded with our top tips, student stories and how-to guides – everything you need to know about Clearing in one place.
Got your results? Ring us on 0333 241 2800
What is Clearing?
Clearing is a service provided by UCAS that enables prospective students to find places on undergraduate courses where there are still spaces. Clearing runs from July until September every year.
A-Level results are scheduled to be released on the 13 August this year.
Clearing eligibility
Tens of thousands of students go through the Clearing process every year and successfully find a place on an undergraduate course – so you are certainly not alone.
You are eligible to apply through Clearing if you:
“Don’t think of Clearing as a bad thing – think of it as an extra opportunity and take it quickly because it’s been fantastic”
How Clearing works
When you have your results, get in touch with the university you’re interested in applying to through Clearing. Places tend to fill up fast so it’s best to contact universities as soon as you can.
Places are allocated based on your application, and if you are successful, you’ll receive a verbal offer. To secure this place, you must add the course to your UCAS application by midnight (UK time) on the same day you receive your offer.
If you already have a confirmed place at another university but have changed your mind, you will need to decline that place (known as self-releasing) before you can accept your new Clearing offer. If you do not currently hold any university offers at all, you are already automatically in Clearing and can accept the new offer straight away.
What is self-release?
If you currently hold a place at a university but want to accept a Clearing offer elsewhere, you need to be released from your original choice. Instead of calling your firm university and waiting for them to do this, you can do it yourself online using self-release.
Self-release steps
It’s important to only self-release once you have spoken to other universities and gained an offer to study elsewhere.
Step 1
Step 2
Click ‘Decline my place’ on the homepage
Step 3
Read the explanation of what self-releasing means and answer the drop-down question to confirm.
Step 4
Check your inbox for an email confirming you are now in Clearing.
Clearing calls
How to prepare for the Clearing call
Calling a university directly to discuss the courses they have available and talking through your exam results is usually the easiest way to secure a place. Before you call, make sure you do the following:
- Have all your grades to hand, including your GCSEs or equivalent.
- Keep your UCAS personal ID number nearby.
- Use the UCAS Clearing search or check university websites. You can look at our undergraduate course search to see available vacancies, but you will need to call us to find out the latest entry requirements.
- Make a list of universities you like, along with their contact details and entry requirements. Call them in order of preference on Results Day.
- You have time to make an informed decision, so write down details during your calls to help you decide which option is the best fit.
Cardiff University Clearing enquiry centre
The Cardiff University Clearing enquiry centre is run by a team of advisers who are ready to support you.
We will look at your results and interests to help you find a suitable course. During the call, we will ask a few questions to learn more about you and your experience.
Ellie
What to do after your call
If you receive a verbal offer over the phone, we will send you a confirmation email. You must then submit your application on UCAS by midnight (UK time) on the same day.
Before you accept, make sure you take a moment to reflect. You may be offered many Clearing places at a variety of universities, so it’s important to choose the course and university which feels like the best fit for you.
Look into where you will live. We offer guaranteed accommodation for most students who apply through Clearing.
Remember to amend your details with your student finance provider, too!
Izzy
Gwen
Results Day checklist
Here’s a quick checklist of everything you’ll need to secure your place through Clearing on Results Day.
Hear from the students
Contact us
Got your exam results? We have Clearing places across a range of subject areas available now for 2026 entry.
Call us on
0333 241 2800
to discuss your options and secure a place.
Clearing Open Day
Our Clearing Open Day will take place on Saturday 15 August 2026 from 10:30-14:30. Staff from our support teams and academic schools will be there to answer any questions and discuss your options. There will also be a tour around our Cathays Park so you can get a good feel of our campus.
Contact us
Got your exam results? We have Clearing places across a range of subject areas available now for 2026 entry.
Call us on
0333 241 2800
to discuss your options and secure a place.
Clearing Open Day
Our Clearing Open Day will take place on Saturday 15 August 2026 from 10:30-14:30. Staff from our support teams and academic schools will be there to answer any questions and discuss your options. There will also be a tour around our Cathays Park so you can get a good feel of our campus.