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Your Ultimate Guide to University Clearing [2025]

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If you want to go to university in September but haven’t secured a place on a course that’s the right fit for you, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Every year, thousands of students in the UK find themselves in the same situation. In fact, around 74,000 students were accepted through Clearing in 2024.

Whether you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers, didn't receive any offers, missed the UCAS deadline, or simply changed your mind, clearing courses can give you a second chance to secure a place at university.

We’ve pulled together this blog to help you navigate the Clearing process and answer the most commonly asked questions about how university Clearing actually works.

Find out:

  • When clearing opens in 2025
  • Who clearing is for
  • What courses go through clearing
  • How to prepare for clearing
  • How to increase your chances of getting accepted through clearing.

What is university clearing?

Clearing is an application/enrolment process for students wanting to study a higher education course who have not yet secured a place at university or with a higher education provider. 

The process of clearing gives students the opportunity to go to university and secure a place on a course that still has availability.

At the beginning of the summer months (5 July 2025), universities and UCAS will release clearing places so that students know what courses still have availability.  If students are looking to attend a specific university, they can visit the Clearing section of the university’s website to weigh up their options. Clearing closes on October 20 2025.

Who is clearing for?

Clearing is for students that have:

  • Not yet secured a place at university
  • Been rejected by their first-choice offers on Level 3 results day
  • Declined the offers they’ve received
  • Applied to university after the UCAS deadline – Monday 30 June 2025
  • Changed their mind about their chosen course or university
  • Not achieved the required exam results.

Why choose to study a Clearing course in Manchester?

Choosing to study a Clearing course in Manchester means joining one of the UK’s most vibrant, student-friendly cities - full of first job opportunity, culture, and community. Manchester is home to a thriving job market, cutting-edge industries, and an amazing nightlife, food and shopping scene, making it the perfect place to build your future while enjoying a rich and exciting student life.

Plus, with institutions like UCEN Manchester offering hands-on courses tailored to real careers, you'll graduate ready to hit the ground running, no matter what industry you choose to go into!

When does university clearing 2025 start for UCEN Manchester?

The official opening of university Clearing 20253 is Wednesday 5 July and the period runs until mid-October. You can apply for clearing before Level 3 results day (BTECs, A Levels, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, NVQs).

However, most universities will only consider your application once you have your results. You can still make enquiries before you have your results to ensure you’re prepared and know what’s on offer.

If you need to find out your results before you know if your first choice university has accepted or rejected your application, you can apply for clearing courses on A Level results day.

Remember, clearing courses are offered on a first come, first served basis. This means early applicants are more likely to secure a place on their desired clearing course. You can speak to a member of our team about which of our courses will go through clearing this year from 8am on Saturday 5 July.

What is the UCEN Manchester Clearing process?

1. Step 1: The first step in the Clearing application process is to create a UCAS account, if you haven’t already

2. Step 2: Browse the Clearing courses available and choose your preferred option(s). Remember, you can only apply for one clearing course at a time, so do your research on the universities and courses you’re considering in advance

3. Step 3: Contact the university you’ve chosen and make sure you have your qualifications to hand when you call. Our team is contactable via 0161 674 7777 and there to answer any questions you might have. For more information about our Access to HE, Professional, Teacher Education and Construction courses, please call 03333 222 777.

4. Step 4: Log in to your UCAS account to get your unique Clearing number and select your desired course.

If you want to learn more about applying through clearing, we have an entire clearing section of our website dedicated to helping you through the process. You can also make an inquiry for more information.

Do universities lower entry requirements for clearing?

Some universities may lower their entry requirements for Clearing, however, this is not always the case.

Clearing can be competitive, and some courses may have a higher demand than others. In this case, universities may not lower their entry requirements at all. Check out our clearing FAQs for answers to some of the common questions that students have.

Is it hard to get in through Clearing?

Entry requirements vary from course to course, so how difficult you find the process will depend on your circumstances and what the university you’ve picked requires of applicants.

There’s no substitute for being well-prepared - do your research and give yourself the best possible chance of securing a place through Clearing.

What courses are usually in clearing?

There are typically a wide-range of courses available through Clearing.

We offer Clearing courses across a number of subject areas, so you’re sure to find a course that is suited to you.

Our university Clearing guide has an extensive list of courses for you to choose from.

What about student finance during Clearing?

Yes, you can still apply for student finance if you get your place through Clearing - but the sooner you apply, the better.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can apply even if you don’t have a confirmed course yet. Just update your details once your place is confirmed.
  • There’s no hard deadline to apply for student finance, but funding can be delayed if you apply too late - meaning you might not get your money in time for the start of term.
  • If you’ve already applied, log in to your Student Finance England account and update your course or university details as soon as you accept a Clearing offer.

Top tip: Apply as soon as you know you’re going to uni - even if it’s through Clearing. That way, your maintenance loan and tuition fee payment are more likely to be in place when you start.

What can you do to prepare for Clearing?

Here are a few Clearing tips you should consider before and during the Clearing application process.

  • Do your research in advance
  • Consider what course you want to study
  • Compile a list of your top three universities/cities
  • Be prepared on Level 3 results day and apply early
  • Be positive and remain calm
  • Ask the right questions
  • Sell yourself
  • Don’t make snap decisions

Visit the Clearing section of our website to find out about the courses we have available and take the first step towards securing your place.

Clearing checklist

Here is a quick, scannable list for students to tick off to ensure they’re prepared for Clearing.

  • Set up UCAS account
  • Get Clearing number
  • Write a short personal pitch
  • Research top 3 courses
  • Save contact info for each uni
  • Be ready on results day

Choose UCEN Manchester for Clearing

Choose UCEN Manchester through Clearing and take the next step toward your future with confidence. Whether you're changing direction or making a last-minute decision, our career-focused courses, expert tutors, and real-world experience will help you achieve your goals.

With supportive learning environments, industry links, and a welcoming community, there's still time to secure your place and shape your future with us. Don’t wait - your journey to a Clearing course in Manchester starts here! Apply to our Clearing courses from July 5 2025, onwards!