Clearing can be a stressful time for parents and guardians. Many people want to make sure that the young person they’re supporting is making the right decision for their future.
Clearing is open now for those hoping to start university in September 2025. To help relieve some pressure, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to Clearing with you in mind.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is just another route to secure a place at university. Students may apply through Clearing if they:
submitted their application after 30 June 2025 (they will be automatically placed in Clearing if they apply after this date)
didn’t receive any offers or declined all offers.didn’t meet the conditions of their offers
declined their firm place—using Clearing as an opportunity to explore other options
haven’t applied to university but don’t want to wait another year.
Clearing dates 2025
30 June
UCAS main application closes
4 July
UCAS Extra closes
5 July
Clearing opens
14 August
A level results day (including BTEC)
How does it work?
When your young person receives their results, they can log into their UCAS Hub account. Here they’ll see whether they’ve been accepted by their firm or insurance choice universities. If they don’t meet the conditions of their offer, their status will show that they are in Clearing.
Alternatively, if they’ve received better than expected results or want to consider alternative university options, they can enter Clearing by selecting ‘decline my place’.
They will be placed in Clearing if they haven’t submitted their application or received any offers by 30th June.
They can then contact universities with available places on courses that interest them. They’ll need to have their UCAS ID number, results and Clearing number ready (this will show under their ‘Application status’ on UCAS). If they meet the course requirements, they may receivean offer, which they must accept through UCAS. Due to GDPR regulations, universities can only discuss application details directly with the applicant. Encourage them to make the call and be there to support them.
Be prepared
You can support your young person by:
understanding the Clearing process and any key dateshaving key details noted down, such as their UCAS login details, ID number and results
having a pen and paper ready so you can take note of key information.You could also review their UCAS personal statement —this will help you focus on their strengths and interests and find Clearing courses that may suit them.
Empower them to explore their options
Your young person might feel nervous about receiving their exam results. Encourage them to see Clearing as an opportunity to consider their options and find a course that is best for them.
Stay positive
Not all universities and courses will have places available, so you will need to do some research. UCAS’s search tool can help find all the eligible courses available. UCAS’s Clearing Plus service can also personally match them to courses they may find interesting, based on their results and university expectations.
Clearing could be a chance to discover something new that really interests them and could set your young person on a different career path.
Next steps
Secure the offer: if your young person is offered a place at Coventry University, they’ll get an email detailing the next steps, which will include any deadlines.
Attend a Clearing Open Day: get a real feel for the campus, the location and the people.
Get accommodation sorted: Coventry University has guaranteed accommodation for all students who join us through Clearing.
