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What Time Does Clearing Open on Results Day?

UCEN Manchester Fashion student

Clearing phone lines open on Level 3 Results Day 2025 - Thursday, 14 August at 8am.

Level 3 Results Day, including T Levels, A Levels, BTECs and other technical qualifications, is the most important morning of the year for thousands of students across the UK. It’s the day plans either stay on track or take a detour - and Clearing is the route many will take.

In fact, in the previous academic year, a record number of students (67,990) found a place using Clearing. If you’re wondering what time you should be online, what Clearing actually involves, or how to give yourself the best chance of securing a place, this guide breaks it all down.

What time should I be ready for Clearing on results day?

Clearing officially opens at 8am on Results Day, Thursday, 14 August 2025, but you should be ready well before that.

Your UCAS Hub will be updated early in the morning with your application status. If you didn't meet your firm or insurance offer, or if you’re not holding any offers at all, you’ll see a notification that says you’re eligible for Clearing.

You want to be logged in and ready by 7:30am at the latest. Why? Because:

  • UCAS servers can get overwhelmed, and logging in early can help you avoid delays.
  • University Clearing hotlines open at 8am, and they fill spots on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Research and preparation before 8am can give you a major advantage.

The best Clearing opportunities are gone fast, sometimes within hours! If you're slow to start, you may miss out on your desired Clearing options.

Who is Clearing for?

Clearing is designed to help students find a university place if things haven’t gone as expected, or if plans have changed.

You’re eligible for Clearing if:

  • You didn’t receive any offers when you first applied.
  • You declined all your offers.
  • You didn’t meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choices.
  • You applied after the 30 June UCAS deadline.
  • You’ve changed your mind and want to apply somewhere else.
  • You got better grades than expected and want to apply for a different course (this used to be called Adjustment, but it’s now part of the standard Clearing process).
  • Clearing isn’t just a fallback option, it’s a flexible path that gives you control over your next steps, whether you're recovering or upgrading.

Is Clearing only for students who didn’t get any offers?

No. This is a common Clearing misconception.

Clearing is not just for students who missed out on all offers. Many students enter Clearing with qualifications in hand and simply want something different. This could be for a better location, a course that better suits their interests, or a university with stronger career prospects.

You can be holding an offer and still choose to self-release into Clearing if you decide it's not the right fit. It’s about finding the course and university that works best for you, on your terms.

How does Clearing work on results day?

Here’s how the Clearing process plays out on the day:

1. Check your UCAS Hub status

When UCAS updates your account, you’ll see one of several outcomes: you’ve been accepted by your firm or insurance choice, or you’re now in Clearing.

2. Research available courses

Use the UCAS Clearing search tool or go directly to university websites to find vacancies. Make a list of the courses that interest you and meet your grade profile.

3. Contact universities directly

Call the admissions teams of the universities you're interested in. Be prepared to give your UCAS ID, your grades, and a quick summary of why you're interested in their course.

4. Receive informal offers

If they like what they hear, they may offer you a place verbally. This is not yet binding though, so you’ll need to formally accept the offer via UCAS to confirm.

5. Add your Clearing choice

Once you’ve accepted a verbal offer, you enter the university’s course as your single Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub. They’ll then formally confirm the offer online.

You can only add one Clearing choice at a time, so only enter a university after they’ve offered you a spot. If they reject you, or you change your mind, you can add another.

"No matter what your results say, there’s a path forward. We’re here to help you take control and find the course that’s right for you." - Admissions Team, UCEN Manchester

How many Clearing choices can you make?

Technically, you can contact as many universities as you want, but you can only have one active Clearing choice in UCAS Hub at any given time.

This means you can’t apply to five different places and wait to see who accepts you. You must:

  • Call and get an informal offer.
  • Decide which university you want to go to.
  • Add that single course as your Clearing choice.

If the university doesn’t confirm your place, the choice will be removed and you’re free to try another. But again, time matters - this is why it is important to act as early in the day as possible.

Learn more: Tips for Choosing the Right Course During Uni Clearing

What happens on results day?

Here’s a breakdown of how results day unfolds:

  • Early morning (6–8am): Most students receive their results from their school or college.
  • From 8am: UCAS Hub updates with your status. If you didn’t meet your offers and don’t have a confirmed place, you’re officially in Clearing.
  • 8am onwards: University Clearing phone lines open. Students begin researching and calling universities to find available places.
  • Throughout the day: You’ll negotiate with admissions teams, consider offers, and decide where you want to go.

It’s fast-moving, emotional, and requires you to be decisive. But with the right preparation, you’ll get through it.

Tip: Have a parent or friend with you, who can help you get through the Clearing process.

It’s also important to have someone with your best interests by your side so you can weigh out your options with them.

Can you apply for Clearing before results day?

Yes, under specific circumstances.

Clearing officially opens in early July, and if you:

  • Already have your qualifications (like BTECs or Scottish Highers).
  • Or applied after 30 June.

Then you can enter Clearing before results day. However, most universities wait until after A-level results are published before they make most of their Clearing places available. So even if you apply early, the full range of options won’t open until 14 August.

How fast do Clearing places fill up?

Very quickly.

Some high-demand courses and universities fill places within hours. Others might last a few days, but there's no guarantee. Courses in the following areas often go first:

  • Healthcare
  • Computer Science
  • Law
  • Business

So, if you're interested in competitive fields, every hour counts.

Universities only allocate a fixed number of Clearing spaces. Once those are gone, that’s it. The later in the day (or week) you act, the fewer choices you’ll have.

Tips to get through Clearing on results day

1. Prepare everything the night before

Have your UCAS ID, personal statement, and grades ready. Know what courses you're interested in and write down university phone numbers.

2. Stay calm and professional on calls

Admissions teams are busy, but they’re also human. Speak clearly, be polite, and sell yourself. You don’t need to be perfect, just be prepared.

3. Don’t accept the first offer blindly

Just because a university says yes doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Ask questions about the course, campus, support services, and graduate outcomes.

4. Write things down

Keep track of who you spoke to, what they said, and what the next steps are.

5. Be flexible, but don’t settle

You might not get your first choice, but don’t pick a course you’ll regret. Look for places that match your long-term goals.

"Clearing isn’t about settling, it’s about finding the right fit. Many of our students found their place here through Clearing and haven’t looked back." - Admissions Team, UCEN Manchester

6. Have backup options

List 3-5 courses you’d be happy with and rotate through them based on availability.

Learn more about Clearing tips here.

Why choose UCEN Manchester for your Clearing course?

If you’re entering Clearing in 2025 and want a place that combines strong academic support with real-world preparation, UCEN Manchester is a standout choice. Every course is built around employability, covering areas like computing, business, construction, performing arts, and healthcare.

You’ll benefit from smaller class sizes, personalised tutor support, and access to modern facilities designed to replicate industry environments. UCENM also has strong links with employers, giving you valuable opportunities for placements, networking, and career advice. On top of that, it’s an accessible, affordable option without compromising on quality.

Ready to take your next step?

Clearing might not have been your original plan, but it could lead you somewhere better. UCEN Manchester is ready to help you make that move. From expert tutors to real career opportunities, we’ll support you from application to graduation.

Enrol onto clearing now and find your future with UCEN Manchester