Guide to UCAS Clearing 2024

Each year, thousands of students fall short of the necessary grades or have a last-minute change of heart about what they want to do with their futures. However, many still find a university that is right for them. While it can be overwhelming when things do not go exactly to plan, many students have gone through Clearing to find a course and university that enables them to flourish.

But what is the Clearing process, why might you need to use it, and how do you apply to our University through Clearing? Here’s our guide.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is the period around results day which offers students an opportunity to explore alternative universities and courses.

Once A-level exam results have been published on Thursday 15 August, most universities will still have course places available. The Clearing process helps you to find and apply for those places at UK universities.

Why might you need Clearing?

More than 74,000 students found a university place in Clearing last summer. Every year, there are scores of universities to choose from in Clearing, including some of the most prestigious. There are many reasons to apply for a university place through Clearing,but might include:

• You are holding an offer but wish to change universities or courses due to unexpected exam results or a change of heart.
• You didn't apply to UCAS during the main cycle and want to make a fresh Clearing-only application.

You are automatically eligible for Clearing if:

• You are not holding any offers due to not meeting the grades of your firm/insurance.
• You are not holding any offers because you declined or withdrew from all your main cycle choices.

Top tip: Don’t forget that missing out on your grades may not necessarily mean you have to enter Clearing. Always check with your university to see if you can still be accepted. That can be done through the UCAS website on Thursday morning.

When is Clearing?

While Clearing technically started on Friday 5 July with the release of the International Baccalaureate results, for many people Clearing begins in earnest on A-level results day. Students across England, Northern Ireland and Wales will pick up their AS and A-level results on Thursday 15 August.

This means that most prospective students can already start to prepare (rules differ for those taking Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers). Clearing is now open and closes on Saturday 12 October. Universities make an offer to join a course based on qualifications and grades or the UCAS tariff points system, external .

Each A-level grade is worth a certain number of UCAS points. For example, an A* is worth 56 points and a D is worth 24 points. While some of the most popular courses may fill up quickly, many will be filled during the days immediately after results day and some even more quickly than that.

That’s not to say you won’t be able to find a course you’re happy with after this time, but you'll have fewer options to consider – so don’t wait around!

How to prepare for Clearing?

You may need to act quickly come Thursday morning, or even earlier this week. Some tips below to be aware of:

• Have a back-up plan. Which universities offer the same or similar courses, perhaps at a slightly lower grade tariff? You can search here.
• You will need your UCAS number, your Clearing number and your grades on the day.
• Double check your personal statement – this will be available to universities you apply to through Clearing.

So, why apply to City St George’s through Clearing?

City St George’s, University of London is in the heart of London and a leading university for business and professions. The Complete University Guide 2024 ranked City, University of London in the top 40 universities in the UK. The University’s undergraduate experience has also become increasingly positive, according to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2024.

City, University of London has formally merged with St George’s, University of London, creating a powerful multi-faculty institution with a distinctive focus on professional education and research at the frontier of practice.

The combined university is now one of the most significant suppliers of the health workforce in the capital, as well as one of the largest higher education destinations for London students.

Apply for Clearing.

Anything else?

Read our FAQs on Clearing.

Good luck to all those receiving their results this week!