Everyone talks about Clearing, but what actually is it, and who can apply?
There are plenty of myths around Clearing, but the reality is that it’s simply another route to finding the right university and course for you. We’re here to answer your questions, ease the pressure, and guide you through every step of the process.
Clearing is your chance to find the right university place for you, no matter where you are on your journey.
Whether your results were unexpected, you've had a change of heart, or you're applying for the first time – we’re here to help.
Explore our exciting courses and let’s take the next step together – your future starts here!
This is where it begins.
We know that Clearing can feel overwhelming, but you won’t be going through it alone. At Lincoln Bishop, our experienced and friendly team is here to support you every step of the way.
From helping you explore the right course options to answering your questions and guiding you through the application process. We’ll help you feel confident about your next step, with advice on student support, accommodation, and everything you need to get ready for university life.
Clearing is a positive opportunity to shape your future, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.
Step by Step Guide to Clearing
Getting started with Clearing is easier than you might think. It all begins with a quick call to our friendly Clearing team, who will guide you through each step and help you explore the right options for you.
We try to make the process stress-free, so you can focus on getting excited about what comes next.
FAQs
No, Clearing actually opens much earlier. In 2026 Clearing starts on Thursday 2nd July and closes in October. Please note that the closing date for Clearing may also depend upon the courses reaching capacity.
Some courses may already be at full capacity so may either not be available to apply for through Clearing or may close when they reach capacity.
No. Clearing is for undergraduate courses only.
The entry requirements during Clearing can vary from university to university, so you'll need to speak to them and let them know the grades you've achieved, and ask if they will consider you for the course. It's usually easiest and quickest to do this by telephone.
A 'Conditional offer' means you are required to meet certain criteria to enrol on this course. These conditions may be in notes attached to the offer, so you can see exactly what the Admissions Team needs to see to update your offer. In the first instance, follow this guidance. If in doubt, call the confirmation line on 01522 583648.
If it says 'Conditional' next to your offer but you have the required grades for your firm or insurance offer, don't panic - UCAS Hub may not have been updated. Contact the university if you are concerned about this. If you have missed the grades for your firm or insurances offer and it still says 'Conditional' then contact the university, as they may not have made a decision yet. If your firm or insurance choice don't accept you, then you'll enter Clearing.
If you have missed your firm or insurance offer but you've been accepted onto a different course, this will show up on UCAS Hub as 'UCC' (Unconditional Changed Course) with the new course code.
The new course may be quite different from your original choice, so make sure you look through the university website or speak to someone at the university to find out everything you need to know before accepting. You may also be eligible for other alternative courses at the university, so it is worth speaking to them about this.
You have five days to decide whether to accept or decline this alternative. If you decline, you will either go to your insurance university (if applicable and if they have accepted you) or into Clearing. If you are happy with the changed course offer, you must accept it on UCAS Hub. Remember - you must do this within five days.
This depends on lots of things including your course of choice, your grades, and your personal circumstances.
You have the option to release yourself into Clearing. If you decide that you no longer want to go to your firm choice university, you don't need to contact them. Simply log into your UCAS account and click on the 'Decline My Place' button. You'll be asked to submit a reason. Select 'I want to apply somewhere else in Clearing.' You'll then receive an email from UCAS to confirm that you've been release.
Once you've found a course and have been given a verbal offer by the university, you need to add the choice as your Clearing choice in the 'Your Choices' section of UCAS Hub. You'll only be able to add your choice from 1pm on Thursday 15th August.
If you accept an offer from us through Clearing, we will do our best to make sure that your enrolment takes place as soon as possible so that you can join your course as quickly as possible.
This will depend on the university at what spaces are available, if you are offered a place, you should ask the Clearing hotline if you can be put through to the accommodation team to speak about accommodation options. Although we can’t guarantee a room on campus, we can guarantee accommodation for all first-year students.
If you know you're going to be away over results day and if you can't get them online, you'll need to make arrangements with your school to ensure you can receive your results. If you go into Clearing, make sure you do everything possible to contact universities as soon as you can - if you leave it until you get back, you will have much less choice.