Frequently asked questions about Clearing

What is Clearing?

Clearing allows you to apply for a course later in the year than usual.

Clearing courses are the same as our university degree courses. The only difference is that there are still vacancies. The course content, fees, facilities, and teaching staff are the same for those who applied earlier.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve already applied through UCAS earlier this year, or not. You can apply for a clearing course from July onwards, and start studying in September.

Clearing is most popular when A-level exam results are published in August. If we fill all our vacancies, we’ll close the course for this year.

You can contact more than one university during Clearing, but you can only add one choice at a time on UCAS Track.

Who is Clearing for?

There can be many reasons why you may apply to university through Clearing. You can check out some of the common Clearing scenarios in our guide to how Clearing works.

On results day, you’ll see the Clearing option in UCAS Hub if you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t meet the conditions of your offer and are unsuccessful, the university you applied to will release you into Clearing. You can only apply if you’re not holding an offer with a university. If you’re holding an offer that you don’t want to accept, you can release yourself from your offer on UCAS Hub. We recommend ringing universities first to make clearing enquiries before you release yourself.

How many Clearing choices can I add?

You can only apply for one Clearing course at a time. If you’re holding an offer, you’ll need to reject it in UCAS Hub before you can make a new application.

When does Clearing start and finish?

We are now closed for Clearing 2024.

If you are looking for a course starting in September 2025, please visit our subject pages.

What happens when I call the Clearing helpline?

When you call, our friendly advisers will talk you through the process. We’re here to help and guide you, so don’t worry if you feel nervous.

Please have the following information ready:

Which courses interest you.
Your UCAS Personal ID (PID).
Your academic level 2 and 3 qualification details, such as GCSEs, A-levels and BTECs.

Clearing offers are always unconditional offers. So, you must have all your results before you can get a Clearing offer. If your qualifications meet the course entry requirements, our advisers will offer you a place.

You may need to do an interview or submit a portfolio before we make you an offer. Our advisors will let you know if this applies to you.

On results day, our helpline is always busy. Please be patient and continue to call until you get through. If you’re waiting for a call back, please wait to hear from us — we’ll always return your call.

I've received my results, but a decision hasn’t been made on UCAS Track. What should I do?

If you’re awaiting a decision, check the status of your application on UCAS Hub. Or, you can contact the university you’ve applied to.

If you’ve applied to us, visit our Confirmation pages. Or, please call our Confirmation helpline on +44 (0)161 247 2931.

Can I reject my insurance offer and apply through Clearing instead?

If your firm choice is unsuccessful, you’ll transfer to your insurance choice if you meet the conditions.

However, if you don’t want your insurance choice, you can release yourself into Clearing, and apply for a new course.

For more details, please log into UCAS Hub.

View our courses

Can I defer my Clearing offer and start university next year?

We can’t accept deferred applications in Clearing. If you apply for Clearing this year, you’ll begin studying in September 2024.

Can I apply for accommodation if I have a place through Clearing?

Yes, you can apply for accommodation once you’ve accepted your place.

If you are looking for accommodation in September 2024, we have limited availability.

Please view our accommodation pages for more information and to book your accommodation.

Got questions about making a booking? Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.

I have a confirmed place. What should I do next?

Congratulations! You may now need to apply for student finance, plan for the year ahead and start looking for accommodation.

I have received an offer for a place in Clearing. What should I do next?

Congratulations! Our admissions team will contact you with instructions to add your Clearing course and qualifications on UCAS Hub. There may be a deadline. Once you’ve done this, we’ll confirm your place.

We’ll invite you to a visit day in August. This is your opportunity to get a feel for your new course and Manchester Met.