Clearing advice for parents and supporters
We understand that Clearing can be an uncertain time, so have put together some facts and advice to help you navigate the process with confidence.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is how universities and colleges fill places they have remaining on their courses. There are lots of reasons why someone might be looking for a university place through Clearing:
- They might not have achieved the grades for their firm or insurance choice.
- They may have received better grades than predicted and want to find a place on a different course at a university with higher entry requirements.
- They may have changed their mind about the course or university they applied to.
- They are not holding any university offers either because they were not accepted onto the courses they applied to, or they declined their offers.
- They did not apply by the UCAS deadline but have now decided they would like to go to university.
Clearing runs from the beginning of July until the end of September. It is busiest around UK A-Level results day in August; however international students who receive their exam results before this are usually able to apply earlier.
While the prospect of Clearing may seem daunting, thousands of students successfully secure a university place through this process every year.
Find out more about applying to us through Clearing
Supporting someone in Clearing
If a student thinks they might need to use Clearing to find a place at university, preparing in advance can make the process as stress-free as possible. Here are our top tips for ways you can help:
- Ensure they understand what Clearing is and how it works.
- When Clearing opens in July, universities will post their course vacancies online. Help them compile a list of potential course options, including their UCAS codes.
- Familiarise yourself with how each university accepts applications, as this varies depending on the institution. Some may accept applications over the phone, via email, or through online forms. At the University of Exeter, we use an online form for Clearing applications.
- Make sure they have a phone, pen and paper, and reliable internet access.
- Assist them in gathering all the necessary documents and information, including their UCAS Personal ID, academic results and any other required documents such as English Language tests.
- Many universities will encourage students to call in on a dedicated phone number. At the University of Exeter, applicants must complete an online form to be considered for a place through Clearing. This process is quick and easy, but if assistance is needed applicants can contact our team via our live chat or hotline.
- Encourage the student to contact universities directly, as we are not able to discuss applications with third parties unless they have been listed as a nominated contact.
- Applicants are able to receive lots of offers from different universities, but they can only accept one in the UCAS Hub.
- Take the time to consider each offer but be mindful of the offer deadlines.
The process was straightforward and efficient, and the admissions team were helpful with my application as well. After a week, I confirmed my place to study BA Communications at Exeter. I was excited about coming to Exeter and studying in the UK.
During the two years in Exeter, I am glad that everything turned out to be better than I expected. I got to study on a beautiful campus and met like-minded friends.
My advice for going through clearing as an international student would be to keep calm, seek help if you need to and be patient while waiting. Everything will fall into place soon.
Sarah, studying BA Communications at our Streatham Campus
When results day came around, I had been looking into clearing options and had seen Exeter was an option for my course. I applied and secured my place, with all the staff at Exeter being extremely helpful in getting everything sorted for me.
Exeter is a beautiful place to live and being by the coast is such a benefit for me. The teaching I have received at Exeter has been great, being a Russell Group university means your lecturers are truly passionate and at the top of their field.
Clearing shouldn’t be stressful and finding out where is offering spaces before the day can mean you know where to call first if you need to.
Elly, studying BSc Medical Imaging at our St Luke’s Campus
To prepare for Clearing on the morning of results day, I had googled around some institutions who had Clearing places available in a biology-related course - Exeter being my 1st choice if I had to go into Clearing!
When I entered Clearing, the process to secure Exeter was quite simple, easy and stress-free. I had to complete a short form including information about me and my new grades. Within a few hours, I was notified via email that I had got into BSc Evolutionary Biology which made me feel very happy and glad! Looking back now, I’m so thankful I’ve ended up at the University of Exeter.
Zack, studying BSc Evolutionary Biology at our Penryn Campus
When I was preparing for Clearing, I looked up universities that offered programmes comparable to the one I had originally selected. I was drawn to Exeter because of its excellent reputation and stunning campus.
At Exeter, the Clearing procedure was simple, and the admissions staff were super helpful and encouraging throughout. When I was given the opportunity to study my desired course at Exeter, I was thrilled and thought it was meant to be.
My experience at Exeter has been wonderful thus far. I have made so many friends from all over the world at the University because of its friendly and inclusive community. The teaching is outstanding, and the academic standard is very high.
Edison, studying BSc Biological and Medicinal Chemistry at our Streatham Campus
Further information
We also have other advice and information for parents and supporters of students in the process of applying to university, including guidance on financial help, wellbeing and safety, accommodation and more.
Parents of international students can find further information in our dedicated international students' parents guide. This is also available in Mandarin.
