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. 

When is UCAS Clearing open?

Clearing opens on 5 July and closes at 6pm on 21 October. If you already have your exam results, you can apply to universities and courses that have vacancies. If you don’t have your exam results yet, you’ll need to wait until you have these to be able to apply through Clearing.

How does Clearing work?

If you have your exam results and are in Clearing, you can contact universities to check if they have course vacancies available and to apply for any that you meet the requirements for. Some universities will list courses available through Clearing on their websites - you can find Durham’s Clearing opportunities here.

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.

How do I apply through Clearing?

If you’re applying to Durham University through Clearing, you’ll need to have all your exam results to hand, as well as your UCAS ID and contact details. When you’re ready to apply, you can call our Clearing helpline on +44 (0) 800 987 4120 (available from 5 July until 14 August, Monday – Friday from 10am-4pm, and from 15 August 8am-6pm and 16-23 August 9am-5pm).

You’ll need to tell the adviser your name and which course you’re interested in – if there are vacancies and you meet the entry requirements, you’ll be asked some more questions, and your details will be passed to our UG Admissions Team to make a decision on your application. If we’re able to make an offer, we’ll let you know by email and provide further instructions to continue your application. For more information on the Clearing process and how to prepare, see our Essential Guide for Students.

How do I add my Clearing choice on UCAS?

On the “Your Choices” section of your application, you can click “Add Clearing choice” to enter the details of the course. You should only add a Clearing choice if the university has given you permission.

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 26/07/24. Information sourced from UCAS Clearing.