How Clearing works
Learn how Clearing works and what to expect from the process.
Clearing 2026 is now open. Apply now.
Make a bold move - Watch our advice on applying through Clearing
Need to know
What is Clearing?
Clearing is an alternative way of applying to university. You may choose to go through Clearing if:
- You’ve applied through UCAS but haven’t got the results you need to attend the universities you applied for
- You got better results than expected and you’d like to apply for a different institution
- You’ve changed your mind about the course you want to study or where you want to study
- You’re applying for university for the first time and you’ve missed the normal UCAS cycle
When does Clearing open?
Clearing 2026 will open on 2 July 2026. You can register you interest now.
How do I know that I need to go through Clearing?
You can see whether you’ve been offered a place at a university on your UCAS Hub. Even if you didn’t get the results you needed, you may still have been offered a place. Universities make offers based on a range of factors.
Make sure you check your UCAS Hub on the morning of Results Day, so you know what your situation is.
If you haven’t got a place, now is the time to start contacting universities about Clearing.
How do I sign up for Clearing?
There’s no need to sign up for Clearing, you can simply start contacting universities. That way institutions can start considering your application as soon as you get your exam results.
Goldsmiths offers a register your interest option before Clearing opens. You can also request to take part in our VIP Clearing service and receive a call back from us.
Come with an open mind and make the most of your time here. Don't be afraid to pursue your interests and experiment.
Adya, BA History of Art
Applying through Clearing
How do I make a Clearing application?
To apply through Clearing, you contact universities directly. Many universities will have a dedicated Clearing hotline you can call to speak to an advisor about your situation.
If you already have your results, you can also usually apply online. From 2 July 2026, you can apply to Goldsmiths via Clearing using our online application form.
What grades do I need for Clearing?
Every university will have different grade requirements for their courses in Clearing. These are generally lower than the grades they’d ask for earlier in the year.
At Goldsmiths, many courses are available through Clearing, and we take a flexible approach to entry requirements.
Our typical offer for many programmes is CCC, but we often accept students with lower grades, depending on the course and availability.
In some cases, you may want to consider applying for an integrated degree which includes a foundation year to boost your academic skills.
What if I got better grades than expected?
If you received better results than expected, you can still apply via Clearing. It can be a great option if you changed your mind on where and what do you want to study.
Decline your place
If you have decided you no longer want to take up your firm choice and would like to take up an offer from elsewhere or no longer want to study at university this year, you can ask to decline your place and be released into Clearing. You just need to contact your firm choice institution.
If you are an unconditional firm Goldsmiths offer holder, then you will be able to decline your place via our Release into Clearing form.
Once you have declined your place and entered Clearing, you have given up your place. If you change your mind please contact us, but we are not able to guarantee you can get your original choice back.
Clearing Plus
UCAS has introduced a service to help applicants find suitable courses through Clearing. Clearing Plus will match you with a number of courses based on your qualifications, grades and your course choices if you have applied earlier in the cycle.
You can then tick off the ones you are interested in on the Hub and those universities can then get in touch with you and potentially offer you a place on a course. Please visit UCAS for more information.
Am I eligible?
Can I make an application through Clearing before I know my results?
Universities will need to know your results before they can make you an offer through Clearing. However, you can call a university the moment you have your results if you want to discuss your Clearing options.
You are also welcome to get in touch before this to discuss your options based on your predicted results. You can contact our Admissions Team: admissions (@gold.ac.uk).
Can I apply through Clearing if I already have an offer?
You will be able to make an application through Clearing even if you already have an offer to study at a university.
However, Goldsmiths will not be able to make you an offer unless you are released from your initial offer, which you do by contacting the institution where you have a place and asking them to release you into Clearing.
If you are already holding an offer from Goldsmiths and want to change to a different programme, you don't need to reapply via Clearing. Just contact admissions (@gold.ac.uk) to ask us to transfer your offer. This is normally straightforward, except where the new programme you want to apply for has additional entry criteria (we will let you know if that is the case).
Can international students apply through Clearing?
Yes, international students are able to apply through Clearing.
However, you’ll need to make sure that you meet any English Language Requirements and that you apply in time to be able to fulfil any visa requirements that are necessary for you to study in the UK. If you need advice, you can contact our International team or visit our Immigration Advisory Service page.
If I’ve been rejected for a course, can I reapply for the course again in Clearing?
If there are places available, and you meet the new application criteria, then you are able to reapply for the course when it enters Clearing.
The diversity and care I’ve found here have been striking. I truly feel like I’ve found my people. I feel welcome and seen. The individuals who work and study here are all so different, yet somehow deeply connected in their openness and passion.
Emma, BSc Psychology with Clinical Psychology
Clearing process
Do I need a personal statement for Clearing?
For most Clearing courses, you’ll be assessed purely on your grades.
However, some courses may require a portfolio or a quick chat with the course leader to learn more about you. You may also be asked to write a short statement about why you’re interested in studying the course.
When you contact a university, they’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to make an application.
Do I need a Clearing reference number?
When your application enters Clearing, you’ll be given a Clearing reference number. This is different to your UCAS ID. Most universities will only ask you for your UCAS ID, which they use to verify your results and track your application.
Can I apply without a UCAS account?
You can apply through Clearing without a UCAS account. However, if you are made an offer, you’ll need to accept it via UCAS.
The best thing to do is to set up a UCAS account before you start contacting universities, so you’re ready to accept any offers that come your way.
How long does the Clearing application process take?
The initial phone call should only take around 10 minutes, and you’ll usually get a decision straight away.
Sometimes the university may require some additional information or have to complete some additional checks before they can offer you a place. In this case, you can usually expect to hear back about your Clearing application within 48 hours.
Receiving an offer
I’ve been made an offer through Clearing. What next?
Congratulations! If you’ve been offered a place through Clearing, you’ll need to log on to your UCAS Hub and accept it. If you've been offered a place on A-level Results Day, you'll be able to do this from the 3pm.
This confirms that you definitely plan to attend that institution in September. You'll usually be sent an email outlining further information.
Can I still apply for accommodation if I go through Clearing?
This depends on the university you're interested in.
At Goldsmiths, our Accommodation team reserve a number of rooms for those applying through Clearing. They will be happy to discuss your options with you, including advice on finding private housing if you don't want to live in halls.
Students at Goldsmiths also have access to the experts at University of London Housing Services (ULHS) who can assist and support you in looking for private accommodation.
The ULHS has a dedicated Housing Advice Team who can also help provide legal advice and check private contracts. Most importantly they have an online housing database of private landlords, letting agents, private halls and other providers of private accommodation who have signed up to their Code of Practice.
