University for the Creative Arts Clearing 2026

Clearing is the process where students can apply to university courses that haven’t been filled yet.

Clearing is open to anyone looking to start university in September 2026.

You might be applying to UCA or university for the first time, reconsidering the course or universities you have applied to, or exploring your options after results day.

No matter your circumstances, our team are here to support you through the process and help you find the perfect course for your goals. And as a creative university, we know you’re more than just grades – your passion, personality, and portfolio will be taken into consideration alongside your certificates.

Clearing works by letting you apply for university courses that still have places available after the main application cycle. The basic process is:

• Search for available courses on the UCAS website or university websites
• Contact universities directly to discuss your grades and eligibility
• If the university is happy to accept you they will likely give you a verbal offer during your initial call
• If you decide to accept the offer you add the course as your Clearing choice on UCAS
• The university you’ve chosen will then confirm your place

Clearing opens in early July each year and stays open until mid-October.

The busiest time for Clearing is on A-level results day in August as this when most students with conditional offers will find out if they have been accepted by their firm or insurance choice.

Clearing usually closes in mid-October each year and this is the last date you can add a Clearing choice in UCAS.

However, some universities may choose to close Clearing applications sooner and some specific courses may fill up well before the deadline (especially for popular subjects). Because of this, it’s best to apply through Clearing as soon as you can after you receive your results.

It’s never too late to go through Clearing, as long as Clearing is still open!

Some popular courses may fill up quickly, so you may have fewer choices if you apply late through Clearing, but there will certainly be places available at most universities in Clearing.

Most universities in the UK take part in Clearing, offering courses in a wide range of subject areas.

Universities list courses in Clearing when they still have spaces to fill after the main application cycle. University and course availability can change daily during Clearing, so it’s best to apply as soon as you have your grades and check the UCAS website and university Clearing pages to make sure your preferred course is still available.

UCAS Clearing Plus matches you to courses similar to your original choices at universities that have availability. You'll be able to express an interest in courses you are matched to and tell UCAS if you’re happy to be contacted directly.

Not all universities use the service, so you’ll be matched based on the assumption that you still want to study a similar course to the ones you originally applied to.

You can apply through Clearing if you don’t currently hold a confirmed university place. This usually includes students who didn’t receive offers, didn’t meet their offer conditions, declined their firm choice or applied after the main UCAS deadline.

If you’re eligible, you can search for available courses, contact universities directly and add your chosen course as a Clearing choice on UCAS.

International students can apply to courses during Clearing, if the universities still have places available.

However, many universities will ask international applicants to apply directly through the university rather than through UCAS Clearing.

If you’re an international student interested in a course during Clearing, it’s best to contact the university directly to check availability, entry requirements and the correct application process.

Yes, you can sometimes go through Clearing without a UCAS account by using a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA).

An RPA is a form issued by UCAS that allows universities to offer a place to a student without needing a full UCAS application.

Yes, you can go through Clearing even if you get into your firm choice. Some students choose Clearing if they decide they prefer a different course or university than their firm choice.

You would need to decline your firm offer first and then contact the university you would like to apply to through Clearing. Once you receive an offer from that university you can then add it as your Clearing choice on UCAS.

Yes, you can reject your university offer and go through Clearing. If you decide you want to study a different degree, you’ll need to decline your current offer on UCAS before you can start applying to other universities on UCAS.

If you don’t get the grades for your firm choice, your university may reject your application.

You can then use Clearing to find other courses with available places. UCAS will notify you that your firm offer conditions weren’t met, and you can start searching for suitable courses, contact universities directly, and add a Clearing choice on UCAS once a new offer is confirmed.

If you get better grades than expected, you can keep your firm choice if you’re happy with it or apply through Clearing.

It may be that you want to apply for a course with higher UCAS point requirements, but you might want to apply through Clearing for other reasons (such as deciding to study a different subject).

If you want to change to a different course at the same university because of better-than-expected results, it’s best to contact your university directly. They may be able to transfer your application to a different course without needing to apply through Clearing.

Universities may accept different grades in Clearing compared to their usual entry requirements. This doesn’t mean they compromise on standards. Instead, it allows them to offer places to students whose qualifications meet academic expectations.

Grade flexibility varies by course and university, so it’s important to check requirements and contact the university directly during Clearing.

Universities don’t automatically lower entry requirements in Clearing, but some courses may have flexible requirements to reflect the range of qualified applicants still seeking a place.

This flexibility ensures that students who meet the course’s academic standards can still secure a spot. Please check requirements directly with each university during Clearing.

Yes, it is very common for students to change course through Clearing.

To do this, you will need to contact universities with available places, discuss your eligibility, and add the new course as a Clearing choice on UCAS.

Yes, you can change universities through Clearing and aren’t limited to courses offered by your firm choice university. It’s important to act quickly, as popular courses can fill up fast.

Yes, you can apply for a different degree at the same university through Clearing.

If you contact the university directly, they may be able to update your application to the new course without you having to go through Clearing, so it’s best to check with them first.

You can find Clearing courses by searching on the UCAS website, which lists all courses across the UK with available places during Clearing.

Universities also update their own websites to list courses that are in Clearing.

Clearing can be competitive, but it depends on the course and university. Popular courses and universities often fill quickly, so demand can be high.

Acting quickly and being prepared with your details can improve your chances of securing a place.

You’ll need key details about yourself and your results when going through Clearing. This usually includes:

• UCAS ID number
• Exam results
• The course you’re applying for
• Contact details

Make sure you have these details ready when you contact universities about Clearing.

Universities may also ask for additional details such as other qualifications, English language level or a portfolio.

You can contact universities during Clearing by phone. Many also offer online forms or live chat on their website.

Most universities set up dedicated Clearing hotlines so you can speak directly with admissions staff about available courses and your eligibility.

Be prepared to provide your contact details, UCAS ID, and results when you get in touch.

Start by explaining which course you’re interested in and that you would like to check if you’re eligible for a place. Universities will then guide you through the call, asking for the details they require.

You’ll usually be asked for details such as your exam results, UCAS ID, and contact details.

Yes, you can receive multiple offers from different universities while you’re exploring your options in Clearing.

Universities may give you a verbal offer when you speak with them, but these offers will be subject to confirming your results are accurate.

You can only add one Clearing choice on UCAS at a time. Once you decide which offer you want to accept, you can add that course as your Clearing choice on UCAS for the university to confirm your place.

Clearing offers usually last between 24 hours and a few days, but the exact timeframe depends on the university.

Admissions teams often give you a short period to decide so they can manage course availability during the busy Clearing period.

If you receive a verbal offer, the university may provide you with a deadline for adding the course as your Clearing choice on UCAS.

Yes, you may be able to get student accommodation through Clearing, but it will depend on the university you are applying to.

Some universities may reserve rooms for students who secure their place during Clearing. If you require accommodation you should ask when you initially contact universities to apply through Clearing.

If there is accommodation available, the university will likely email you the details of how to apply. This may be when you receive an offer or when the university confirms your Clearing choice via UCAS.

Once your place is confirmed, you should apply for accommodation as soon as possible and contact the university’s accommodation team if you need help finding housing.

Yes, you can still get student finance if you apply through Clearing. You should apply for student finance as soon as possible to ensure it’s processed in time for when your degree begins.

If you already applied for student finance but change university or course through Clearing, you can update your application with the new details.

No, you usually can’t defer a Clearing offer. If you are applying through Clearing you can only apply for the current year. This is because Clearing places are to fill places that are still available for that intake.

If you want to take a gap year, you’ll normally need to apply for next year’s entry once Clearing opens in the autumn.

In some cases, it may be worth contacting the university directly to discuss your options before making a decision.

Yes, you can usually visit universities during Clearing.

Many universities offer Clearing open days, campus tours or virtual events so that you can learn more about the course and facilities before accepting an offer. Check the university’s website to see what options are available.

Be aware that some courses and universities may fill places quickly. Keep this in mind if you delay accepting your offer until you have visited the university.