Why choose us?
At the University of Exeter, we are committed to providing an excellent education to our students. There is still time to apply to study with us this September:
Globally recognised
Top 150 universities in the world1
Top 50 most international universities in the world2
Research intensive
Joint 18th globally in the THE Impact Rankings 2023 for progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Beautiful campuses
Three beautiful, safe, green campuses across Devon and Cornwall
Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
Student stories
Hear from current students who secured their place at the University of Exeter through Clearing. You can also visit our student blogs page to read some of their Clearing stories.
Zack - BSc Evolutionary Biology (Penryn Campus)
On A-level results day, I received my grades and unfortunately, I had slightly underperformed. This meant I hadn’t got into my firm or insurance choice and caused me to enter Clearing. 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. 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. I’ve had the time of my life here, meeting new people, learning more about a subject I love and exploring new hobbies/sports!
Tae - Neuroscience BSc (St Luke's Campus)
On Results’ Day I was filled with a number of emotions and after processing my results, I plucked up the courage to pick up the phone and start calling a range of universities across the country. I was very apprehensive about entering the clearing process, and to be honest, I was seriously considering not bothering at all and re-applying the following year.
After endless unanswered calls and being put on hold I started to cry and wanted to give up all together. Once I got through to Exeter, they made me an offer and I actually spoke to the Director of Neuroscience who offered his opinion on what he loves about the degree and asked if I thought I’d be happy on the course. I processed all of the offers made to me and then a few hours later, I formally accepted the offer made by Exeter disregarding the other universities. Now, I am enjoying studying Neuroscience and feel that I made the right decision, even if it wasn’t what I had originally planned.
Hazel - Mathematics BSc (Streatham Campus)
Initially, I entered Clearing because I was waiting for a remark on an exam paper that had the potential to change my options. Releasing myself into Clearing was extremely daunting and stressful; not knowing where I was going to be studying soon was a cause for concern. I had lots of universities contacting me and offering me a place. However, I knew that these opportunities were not what I wanted, so I had to remain patient. Finally, I received my remark, which allowed me to contact Exeter to get the place on the course that I truly desired- BSc Mathematics.
From this moment, my university experience has been alike anyone else’s. Now, I am happy about the course I am studying and about being at the University of Exeter. I cannot imagine myself being or studying anywhere else. For students going into Clearing, I recommend ensuring you are making an informed decision on the university/course you are choosing and not rush into any decisions. Also, remember that, once you enrol at a university, you will not be treated any differently by anyone at the university.
Sarah - BA Communications (Streatham Campus)
When I found out that I didn’t meet the requirements of my firm choice on UCAS, I was overwhelmed about applying to other universities in the UK. With the help of an education agent back in Hong Kong, they advised me about the possible courses I could apply for and assisted me through the clearing process.
Everything turned out to be better than I expected. I got to study in a beautiful campus and met like-minded friends. My tutors are friendly and approachable, and most importantly, I enjoy my course and find the modules stimulating.
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.
Heinrich - LLB Law with Business with Professional Placement (Penryn Campus)
Entering Clearing was a rather stressful and scary experience which eventually worked out in my way and I got the course I wanted to study here at the University of Exeter! As I am an overseas student, due to the time difference, I was up late at night calling up universities and visiting Clearing fairs to see if there were any places left. I finally got a place here at Exeter after calling the clearing hotline confirming my admission into the Law with Business programme. I was overjoyed and grateful to have finally secured a place at a reputable university, along with a course which I had a good interest in.
So far, the Law with Business course has been great. I have really enjoyed learning here especially with the mix of having law and business. To those entering Clearing this year, I would say just keep calm and keep searching. Eventually, you will get the place you want as long as you have faith. Don’t give up if you are rejected, pick yourself up and keep going!
Salma - LLB Law (Streatham Campus)
I am from Dubai and am a second-year law student. Initially, I applied for pharmacy through UCAS; however, I decided to take a different route and apply for law. The UCAS deadline had unfortunately passed. Subsequently, I chose to apply to different universities for law through Clearing. The University of Exeter was very cooperative. The admissions team were in constant contact to ensure that they had received all the required documents and grades to make an offer as soon as possible.
I have had a great experience at Exeter. One of my favourite things about the university is the campus, which creates an environment of a small collaborative community, especially for international students away from home.
Tom - Business BSc with Industrial Experience and Proficiency in Advanced Spanish (Penryn Campus)
I was absolutely terrified going into the Clearing process; I had initially applied for the Streatham Campus. I was actually on holiday, so I made a few phone calls to and from home about the situation, but if it wasn't for the Business School getting in touch with me directly I don't know where I'd be.
The course is great, I've been able to do absolutely everything that I would have wanted from a Business degree. The course itself still teaches you fundamentals in Accounting, Management, CSR etc., but there's that sustainability focus that is what I found super interesting. The amount of support you get from the very first day right up until the final submission of your degree is second to none. I genuinely couldn't have asked more from the Business School faculty.
Having gone through Clearing myself to get here, my biggest bit of advice would be to be opportunistic, and stay positive. Clearing can be really scary, but instead of dwelling on the negatives look to make the very best of the situation and don't take anything for granted.
Scarlett - BSc Geography (Penryn Campus)
The clearing process was far from what I expected. The day itself is not stressful if you are ready to get up early and have had a look at the places available the day before. I made sure I knew roughly what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go, then I sent in my application for Exeter early in the morning. That afternoon, I had my place confirmed and was so happy. The university was so kind, I felt totally prepared after I accepted my offer. They explained how it would all work and I felt in the same boat as all the other offer holders, I had just come in a slightly different route!
I love my course and I love Exeter! Everybody is so welcoming and the campus is beautiful, it was everything I could have ever wanted in a university. I became an academic rep soon into the term and made a fantastic group of friends.
Chat to a student
To find out what it’s like to study at the University of Exeter, speak to one of our current students now through our online chat and messaging system
1. 137th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023
2. 39th in the Times Higher Education Most International Universities in the World 2023
3. REF 2021