Guide to Clearing
Clearing is the final opportunity for applicants to apply to a full-time course, and is open between July - late September. You may use Clearing if you are applying for the first time, thinking of changing your course choice or exploring new options.
You can apply for a Clearing course anytime between 5 July and late September, if you’re not already holding an offer from another university or college and the course still has places available.
Everything you need to know about Clearing
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What is Clearing?
Clearing is how we fill any places remaining on our courses after we process our existing applications.
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Who is Clearing for?
Clearing is the final opportunity for applicants to apply via UCAS. Clearing is not just for those who do not have a place at university.
It provides an opportunity for applicants to change their minds about the course they wish to study or the university they wish to attend. It is an opportunity to reassess your options once you have your grades in hand.
You can use clearing if:
- You're applying after 30 June;
- You are applying for the first time;
- You didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept);
- You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers;
- You’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ on your application in your UCAS Hub.
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Find a course
Clearing applications for September 2024 are now closed.
Clearing for September 2025 entry will open on 5 July 2025, when our full list of available courses will be published.
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Contact Us
Getting in touch could not be easier during Clearing – complete an enquiry form and our team will be in touch.
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UCAS Hub
Once you complete your Clearing enquiry form, our team will be in touch to let you know if we can make you an offer. If you would like to accept our offer, you can add your Clearing choice in UCAS Hub.
However, you must decline any existing offers before adding your Clearing choice.
Fill out the details we give you, and when we confirm the offer it will show as an acceptance on your 'Choices' page in UCAS track.
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Clearing Plus
In addition to clearing, UCAS will operate a system called ‘Clearing Plus’.
This system will offer those not holding any offers a place at 2 institutions where they meet the entry requirements.
Students are encouraged to opt in for this process through UCAS. Find our more about Clearing Plus from UCAS.
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I've seen a course at Ulster University that I'm really interested in, but I already have another firm offer. What do I do?
Let us know which course you would like to apply for by completing an enquiry form.
We will contact you and let you know if we can make you an offer. If you would like to accept our offer, you can decline your place for your existing Firm choice and add your clearing choice in UCAS Hub.
Fill out the details we give you, and when we confirm the offer it will show as an acceptance on your 'Choices' page in UCAS Hub.
You can find more about the clearing process on UCAS.com.
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I didn't apply for any courses through UCAS. Can I still enter clearing?
Yes. You will have to complete a UCAS application form. The easiest way to apply is online via the UCAS website.
Once the form is processed UCAS will make your Clearing Number and UCAS Personal ID number available to you via your UCAS Track account.
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I’ve applied to 5 choices but now want to go to Ulster, what should I do?
Let us know which course you would like to apply to by completing an enquiry form.
We will contact you and let you know if we can make you an offer.
If you would like to accept our offer, you can decline your place for your existing Firm choice and add your clearing choice in UCAS Hub.
Fill out the details we give you, and when we confirm the offer it will show as an acceptance on your 'Choices' page in UCAS Hub.
You can find more about the clearing process on UCAS.com.