Clearing is how UK universities fill the places they still have on their courses. Many families think of it only as a rescue route for missed grades, but it is broader than that. For 2027 entry, Clearing opens on 2 July 2027, and vacancies are listed in the UCAS search tool.
For students from Türkiye, Clearing can work well, but only with preparation. International applicants have extra steps to take after an offer, and in late summer there is very little time to take them.
Who can use Clearing
- students who hold no offers, whether because their applications were unsuccessful or because they declined their offers
- students whose results did not meet the conditions of their firm or insurance offers
- students who apply after 30 June 2027, whose applications go straight into Clearing
- students who have changed their mind and release themselves from their firm place using the Decline My Place button
Decline My Place cannot be reversed, so a student should never use it without a new offer arranged first. The last date to add a Clearing choice for 2027 entry is 18 October 2027, but for international students the practical deadline is much earlier, because of the visa.
Before results day: make a plan B
- Know exactly when results will arrive. IB results are normally released in early July, before A-level results in August, so IB students may be able to act earlier.
- List possible courses and universities, with admissions phone numbers and email addresses, so you can act quickly.
- Keep the UCAS ID and Clearing number, passport, transcripts and English test certificates ready to send, and check that the English test result will still be accepted.
- Make sure a parent has nominated access, so universities can speak to you if the student is unavailable.
- Agree as a family, in advance, what the student would and would not accept: subject, location and budget.
On results day
The student's UCAS Hub shows whether the firm or insurance place has been confirmed. If neither has, the steps are:
- Search the vacancies in the UCAS search tool. Clearing Plus may also suggest matched courses to students who are eligible for it.
- Phone, email or use online chat to contact universities. The student should speak for themselves where possible.
- Give the UCAS ID and Clearing number, and ask whether the university would make an offer.
- Add a Clearing choice in UCAS Hub only after the university has agreed. Only one offer can be accepted at a time.
Questions to ask before accepting
- Is the offer conditional on anything else, such as an English score or documents?
- What is the tuition fee for international students, and is a deposit needed before the CAS is issued?
- When will the CAS be issued, and what do you need from us first?
- Is university accommodation still available?
- What happens if the visa arrives after the start of term?
Universities may also ask the student a few questions on the phone about why they want the course, so prepare a short, honest answer in English beforehand. Before accepting, ask how long the university will hold the offer, and use that time to read the course page and talk as a family.
Extra steps for international students
A Clearing offer is only the start for a student who needs a visa. UCAS's guidance for international students highlights:
- applying for the Student visa as soon as the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number arrives
- allowing for processing, which usually takes about three weeks but can vary
- waiting until the visa has been granted before booking travel
- checking accommodation early, since the best options go first
- meeting the English language requirement of the new course, which may differ from the original one
For a course starting in September, a Clearing place found in late August leaves very little room. Families should follow the current visa guidance on GOV.UK, and our guide to UK student visas explains the main routes.
Keeping perspective
Clearing is a normal part of UK admissions, and it can lead to a course that suits the student better than the original plan. The aim is not to accept the first offer on the phone, but to find a course and a university the student will genuinely be glad to attend. A Clearing place should not push the student into a subject they do not really want; if the course is in a different field from the original plan, look honestly at the first-year modules and whether the student will enjoy them. If the timing or the visa steps look too tight, applying again the following year can be the wiser choice. You can read how offers and conditions work in firm and insurance offers.
How YES can help
We help families prepare a plan B before results arrive and think through the options calmly when they do. Learn more about our university application support or contact us.
Questions families ask
Can international students use Clearing?
Yes. International students can apply through Clearing, but they also need a CAS and a visa in time for the course, so speed and preparation matter.
When does Clearing open for 2027 entry?
Clearing opens on 2 July 2027. The last date to add a Clearing choice is 18 October 2027, although visa timing makes the practical deadline for international students much earlier.
Should my child use Decline My Place to look for something better?
Only with a new offer arranged first. Decline My Place cannot be reversed.
Sources and further reading
This article is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change; always check the official sources before you apply.
