Clearing FAQs
Your Clearing questions answered
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Your Clearing questions answered
Clearing FAQs
To ensure your transition to university is as smooth as possible, we've put together some handy tips, Q&As and general information about applying through Clearing for a September start.
Read on to find out all about the Clearing process, what it is, how it works, how to apply as well as our selections of frequently asked questions about UCAS and Clearing.
Clearing overview
What is Clearing?
Clearing is an opportunity to secure a place at a UK university. It runs every year from July to September.
If you apply late, change your mind or miss out on the requirements of a conditional offer, going through Clearing provides another way to get on to a course and start your academic journey.
Students who come to University of East London through Clearing have gone on to achieve first-class grades and inspirational careers.
Who can apply through Clearing?
If any of these scenarios apply to you, then you're eligible for Clearing:
- You want a place at a university in September but haven't applied yet
- You didn't receive any offers for a course from a university
- You've changed your mind about your course or university
- Your predicted grades didn't go as expected and you haven’t been accepted by your university of choice
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June
- You've declined your firm place
What is Clearing Plus?
Clearing Plus is a new system where UCAS will match applicants who haven't accepted any offers or have released themselves through Clearing to similar courses they have applied for in the main cycle.
The UCAS Clearing Plus tool allows you to be matched to appropriate courses that you are interested in at universities that still have availability.
When can I apply through Clearing?
If you have your results, you can apply through Clearing from July 2025. Call us on 020 7365 6240, apply online or visit our University Square Stratford campus to apply in person.
I am not in UCAS. Can I still apply?
Absolutely! We welcome applications from students who have not registered with UCAS. Find out more about how to apply through Clearing without UCAS.
What is an informal offer?
You may receive an informal offer during your phone call with one of our advisors when you contact us to apply. When you add this as your choice via UCAS and it has been processed, it becomes a confirmed offer.
How Clearing works
When does Clearing open?
You are able to apply for a course through Clearing at the University of East London from July to September. Call us on 020 7365 6240.
- If you have your results, you can apply through Clearing from 5 July.
- If you already hold a place at a university, you can release yourself into clearing and apply via UCAS Hub from 4 July.
How do I apply through Clearing?
Step 1: Choose your course
Have a look at the courses you're interested in. You can find our Clearing list of courses with places on our course search or the full Clearing vacancy listings for all universities on the UCAS course finder.
Step 2: Apply with us today
Apply online at uel.ac.uk/clearing and submit an application now or give us a call on 020 7365 6240 and one of our helpful advisors will talk you through the process. Alternatively, pop into our University Square Stratford campus to apply in person.
Step 3: Received an offer from us? Complete the final step below:
I am in UCAS for the current cycle: Add a Clearing choice on UCAS. You'll receive an offer email from us with a link to UCAS Hub, or you can log in to UCAS Hub directly. Adding your course in UCAS Hub confirms your application. You must do this within the timeframe set out in the email we send you.
I am not registered with UCAS for the current cycle: Complete the acceptance form in the offer email. Within 48 hours you will receive an email asking you to upload a copy of your qualifications to our Applicant Portal. You must do this, even if you previously provided your qualifications as part of the application process.
Step 4: Confirming your place
You're in! Your enrolment and course induction details will be sent to you via email and we'll see you in September!
What is the most effective way to get a place through Clearing?
The best way to get a place through Clearing is to call the University directly on 020 7365 6240 or apply online when Clearing opens.
Emails can take longer to be answered and places on courses are limited on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to
What if I'm holding a firm offer and have accepted but want to go somewhere else?
Clearing self-release allows students who are already holding a university place to release themselves into Clearing, rather than wait for their original choice of university to release them.
Self-release is available in UCAS Hub.
How to accept your Clearing offer
Clearing FAQs
I am still unsure of my options and what I should do?
Please do not worry - we are here to help you look at your choices.
Please contact us on 020 7365 6240 and we will advise you.
Where can I find my Clearing number?
If you're eligible for Clearing, your UCAS clearing number will appear in UCAS Hub.
If you haven't applied through UCAS this year, don't worry, you won't have a Clearing number, but we can take an application for you over the phone on 020 7365 6240.
Which courses are usually in Clearing?
Almost all our undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available in Clearing.
You can search for the specific course of your choice on our course page search.
Does Clearing affect my student loan?
If you've already applied for funding but changed your course or university, you need to update your details ASAP.
If you haven't applied for finance yet, you will need to do it straightaway to ensure you receive your first loan in time.
There is a small possibility you may not get your loan in time. More information can be found on the Student Finance England website.
How do I find accommodation whilst going through Clearing?
The University of East London is one of the few London universities to offer on campus accommodation. Our waterfront halls of residence are comfortable, secure and convenient, and have Clearing accommodation availability.
See our accommodation pages for more information.
Can international students apply for Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is for home residents and international students based in the UK.
If you are an international student living abroad, check out our international students page where you can find all the relevant information about applying directly.
Clearing FAQs
University of East London students that have gone through the Clearing process throughout the years answer some frequently asked questions from applicants.
Results day
When do A-level results come out?
A-level results will be published on Results Day, on Thursday 14 August 2025 in England. The date is different for other nations in the British Isles.
Hopefully you'll get the exam results you were expecting but if you miss out there are plenty of options for your future.
When do BTEC results come out?
UK BTEC results are usually published on results day. Some BTEC results may be received in July meaning you have a few extra weeks to get on with your university application.
BTEC results will be available from 8am on results day.
Where can I find my results?
Your school or college should have contacted you to let you know what to expect on the day.
You will either be going into school, receive an email or log in to the UCAS Hub.
UCAS opening time on 14 August is 8am (England) so your A-level results can be received anytime from then. Other home nations may have a different date and time.
BTEC students will be told by their respective school or college whether you need to go in to get your results, log in to an online portal or be emailed them directly. Check with your school or college ahead of time.
Does UEL receive my results ahead of the results day?
Universities receive A-level results a few days in advance of results day to give us plenty of time to inform UCAS of our decision in advance. UCAS then publish the decisions on results day.
I didn't get the results I wanted. What can I do now?
Keep calm!
There are still plenty of options available to you through Clearing. Call your university of choice and see what they can offer you. Read our Clearing tips page for help.
What does Q mean in exam results?
A Grade Q indicates a pending result and is given when a result cannot be issued at present, but will follow in due course.
Let's talk!
Get in touch with one of our experts for advice on all things Clearing, university admissions and student finance by calling 020 7365 6240 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or Live chat: Click the live chat icon at the bottom of the screen.
Having the ability to find a course through clearing that aligned with my career path felt like a second chance in life to do something that I really wanted to do, in a field I felt passionate about. I’m really grateful to UEL for the opportunity.
Pariss Sailsman
BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice
