What do I do once I have applied to clearing through UCAS?

Once you have submitted your application to clearing through UCAS you need to start looking for a university / college and course.

Most people who are applying for courses through clearing wait until after A level results as this is when universities and colleges confirm acceptance of students on to courses and know the availability of places on their courses.

A-level results are usually on the 2nd Thursday of August.

After this date it is very easy to find clearing guides which will list every course at every university / college in the UK that still has places available. The Independent newspaper usually has a daily clearing guide from A level results day for a week or so.

You will find that most institutions will also have their own clearing guides on their web sites and they will usually have a ‘clearing hotline’ for you to ring.

You may of course start talking to universities or colleges at any time about their course availability so certainly don’t think you can’t do anything until after A level results day, especially if you already have your results or are not waiting on getting A level results.

Next: I've found a course to apply to >>

This clearing guide will give you a better idea on what clearing is all about - and you can even search for a clearing place using our very own clearing guide.