The Clearing process step by step
Looking to secure a place at university, but wondering how the Clearing process works? Our guide has all the information and dates you need to make sure you’re prepared.
First step, take a deep breath. No need to panic – we’ve got you covered.
3 July
Many universities advertise Clearing vacancies from early July.
If we can make you an offer, we’ll do this before A-level results day. In fact, we’ll usually try to make you an offer within a few days of receiving your application.
Applying early is a great way to beat the rush and, if you’re just getting your results this summer, to have an offer waiting for you on results day.
If you already know your results, you can accept your Clearing offer straight away.
If you'd like to find out more about ARU before you apply, chat to our students online.
5 July
The UCAS Clearing system opens on Wednesday 5 July 2023. Once you've received confirmation of a Clearing offer, you can add the university and course as your Clearing choice from this date.
End of July
Some results are released at the end of July, though a few may be released earlier or later than this. You can use UCAS to check if your results come to your firm and insurance choice university.
If your qualification is listed once you’ve got your results, log into UCAS Hub to check if your university has confirmed your place.
If they have, congratulations! You don’t need to do anything else.
If the qualification you've taken this year isn't listed, you'll need to send the results to the universities that you are holding a place with. If your place is with ARU, simply upload the qualifications to your portal.
If you don’t have a confirmed place at your firm or insurance choice university, UCAS will automatically enter you into Clearing. At this point you can contact other universities to apply through Clearing. We recommend having your UCAS personal ID number and exam results to hand.
If a university can make you an offer, they’ll usually do this by phone or email. You may receive several offers and it’s up to you which one you choose to accept.
You can accept your offer through UCAS Hub from 3pm on results day.
"For me the process could not have been easier, and I am proud I made the right decision to join ARU through Clearing."
Results day: morning
A-level results are released at 8.30am on results day, Thursday 17 August 2023.
Once you’ve got your results, log into UCAS Hub to check if your university has confirmed your place.
If they have, congratulations! You’re all set.
If you don’t have a confirmed place at your firm or insurance choice university, UCAS will automatically enter you into Clearing. At this point you can contact other universities to apply through Clearing. We recommend having your UCAS personal ID number and exam results to hand.
If a university can make you an offer, they’ll usually do this by phone or email. You may receive several offers and it’s up to you which one you choose to accept.
You can accept your offer through UCAS Hub from 1pm on results day.
Browse our courses with Clearing vacancies.
Results day: afternoon
From 1pm, you can add the university offer you want to accept as your Clearing application on UCAS Hub.
Your university will then confirm your place.
After results day
Ah, the morning after the day before…
Once your place is confirmed, it’s a good time to start making a few preparations for uni. This could include applying for student loans or accommodation. Our handy guide to preparing for student life has some pointers.
You might also like to check out our guides to Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle.
Going to university is a big achievement, so one final bit of advice? Don’t forget to celebrate.
Questions about studying at ARU?
We're here to answer your questions about courses, applying to university, and studying at ARU.
- Call us on 01245 686868
- Speak to us on live chat
- Email [email protected]