Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing

What is Clearing? 

Clearing is the process used to match students without a confirmed university place to universities with course vacancies. In Clearing, universities will publish a list of courses that still have places available which you can find using UCAS Search.

Who is Clearing for?

You can use Clearing if you don’t meet your offers from your firm and insurance choices after results are published.  You can also use Clearing if you already have your results, are applying late, or are interested in studying at a different university from your initial choices. 

How do I know if I'm in Clearing?

If you’re in Clearing, your UCAS Hub will change status to reflect this - your application status will read "You are in Clearing" or "Clearing has started".

If you don’t meet your offer requirements, you won’t necessarily enter Clearing straight away. If your UCAS Hub doesn’t say you’re in Clearing, your university choices may still be considering your application.

What can I do to get ready for Clearing?

Before entering Clearing, it’s important to do plenty of research. You should compare different courses using UCAS Search and university websites to find the options that are best for you. Thoroughly exploring your options early on will help you to make a decision more easily on Results Day.

I want to apply through Clearing. Can Durham University talk to my parents?

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to speak to third parties with regard to applying for Clearing. We must speak directly to you.

I have received my regrade and it still does not meet the entry requirement. Can you reconsider me?

If your remark still does not meet your offer conditions, we will not be able to reconsider you.

If my Clearing application is successful, will I be offered accommodation?

All students who come to Durham via Clearing will be allocated membership of one of our 16 colleges that accept undergraduate students.

We will make every endeavour to offer college accommodation to all Clearing candidates, but we cannot guarantee this at this late stage.

If you accept an offer of a place to study at Durham via Clearing, the Accommodation and Allocations Office (AAO) will contact you to let you know if you will be in receipt of an offer of accommodation.  If there is nothing available, the university will support you with finding accommodation.

Page last updated 12/07/24. Information sourced from UCAS Clearing.