UCAS Clearing 2024 – Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for UCAS Clearing FAQs? Here’s Britannia StudyLink’s latest guide to UCAS Clearing 2024 where we go into detail about UCAS Tariff points, key dates and deadlines, and how to apply.

Table of Contents

What is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is a system that allows you to be matched to vacant university places. If you have submitted an undergraduate application via UCAS and don’t have any offers, UCAS Clearing will be available to you. Last year, over 73,000 students got their university places through UCAS Clearing in courses such as English and Law. According to UCAS, you will be eligible for Clearing if:

  • You applied after 30 June
  • You are not holding any offers
  • Your place is not confirmed after exam results are out

Courses that are available in UCAS Clearing are not just courses that nobody wants – sometimes there may have been a change in opinion about the university or course someone wants to study, or perhaps they have missed their conditions. UCAS Clearing provides an opportunity for everyone to find the right course for them.

ucas clearing faqs

What is 80 UCAS points?

UCAS points are calculated based on your grades. The higher your grades, the more UCAS points you will have. Each grade grants a certain amount of UCAS points – 80 UCAS points are roughly the equivalent of minimum BB for two A Levels. Other grades such as A*C may be acceptable too, as long as they add up to a minimum of 80 points.

You could calculate how many UCAS Tariff points you have using the official calculator here.

UCAS Clearing Opens

UCAS Clearing will open on July 5 this year. For more key dates check out our article UCAS Deadline 2024 here.

UCAS Clearing Deadline

UCAS Clearing will close around mid-September this year.

UCAS Clearing Register

On the day your results are published, UCAS Track will notify you if you’re eligible for Clearing. You will find this notification in Track in the Your Status section. If you’re eligible, you will also receive a Clearing number.

Take note of your Clearing number and your UCAS Personal ID number as you will need these when you contact universities for vacant places in Clearing. 

UCAS Clearing Number

Simply log on to Track and go to the homepage. Your clearing number is displayed near the top left corner of the page in the Your Status section.

UCAS Clearing Search Tool

The UCAS website has a search tool for Clearing which is the most up-to-date list of Clearing courses. This is the only official vacancy list, so it’s best to stick to this search tool.

Using this tool, you can search or browse courses that are available in Clearing.

UCAS Clearing Application

Once you have your Clearing number and you have found a course you like on the UCAS Clearing Search Tool, it is time to submit an application to the university. To make an application, you will need to make a phone call to the university. Universities will have a Clearing hotline around this time.

Typically, during these phone calls, the university will want to confirm your grades. They may also conduct an impromptu interview over the phone, so you have to be well-prepared before you make any phone calls.

Sometimes, the university may make you an offer over the phone. If you choose to accept their offer, you have to go to Track and select Add Clearing Choice which can be found near the Your Status section.

UCAS Clearing Advice

  • Do your research into the course and university before applying. Although there may be a bit of a time crunch when you’re in Clearing, it’s still best to be sure that the course is right for you before you commit.
  • If you don’t find the course you’re looking for, consider a different programme. Doing research into course details is key at this stage of the application process. 
  • Read through your UCAS application before you start calling any universities. There’s a chance they’ll ask you some interview questions including questions about your personal statement so it’s best to be prepared before you make any calls.
  • Be patient when you’re calling a Clearing hotline. Try to stay calm and collected when it’s your turn on the call. 
  • Don’t forget phone etiquette – be sure to greet your interviewer, introduce yourself, and then thank your interviewer for their time and for considering your application in Clearing.

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