Here's everything you need to know

Rethinking your university or subject choice? Clearing is an opportunity for a fresh start. 

Whether you don't have any UCAS offers, or you've simply changed your mind about where or what you want to study, you can apply for university or specific course through Clearing. 

Clearing is a process that helps universities and colleges fill any places they have left on their courses, giving you a chance to apply for something new if you are not already holding an offer from a university or college. 

You can use Clearing if you: 

• Didn't meet the conditions of your offer(s)
• Declined your firm offer through UCAS
• If you didn't receive or accept any offers in UCAS
• If you're applying for the first time after 30 June

When can I use Clearing?

Clearing opens from 5 July 2025 for people who already have their results and closes on 20 October 2025. Some universities and courses will have Clearing vacancies available at this time, however some other Clearing vacancies might not ope until A-Level results day. 

We typically offer some courses at both of these times and have separate lists of vacancies for UK and international students. 

It's important to remember that you can only apply for Clearing places after you have received your final results. 

How to apply through Clearing

Clearing applications can be confusing and sometimes stressful, so we'd recommend having someone else there to help you navigate the process. This could be a parent, guardian, family member or even a teacher. 

The first thing you need to do is use our course vacancy list (available from 5 July) to find a suitable course for you. We have a list for home students and one for international students, final listings will be live on Wednesday 13 August. 

If you are a UK applicant

Once you have found a course, you can apply in two ways: 

1. Use our Clearing application form which will be available on the University of Nottingham website on results day.
2. Call the Clearing hotline (open from 9am on 5 July and on results day). We encourage students to talk to us directly, but we can talk to family/supporters with their consent. 

If you are an international applicant

Enquiry forms will be available from 5 July and no matter which way you choose to apply, make sure you have this information on hand:

• UCAS ID – if you applied previously in the cycle
• Full details of your qualifications and exam results
• Name and UCAS code for the course you want to apply for

What happens after applying?

1. A provisional offer is issued if there are spaces available and if you have met the specified entry requirements.
2. If you have a provisional offer, you will be advised to refer to yourself to UCAS to select the 'University of Nottingham' as your Clearing choice by the given deadline (which will be sent once you have an offer).
3. Certain courses might want to interview you before a decision is made, you'll be sent emails to confirm details if needed.

At every stage of the process you will receive communications so please make sure you keep an eye on your emails, including the junk and spam folders. 

Once your offer is confirmed, it's time to choose your accommodation

In the confirmation email you will also get a link to apply for accommodation. This is where you'll let us know your accommodation preferences and we'll make sure to adhere to this as much as possible. 

You'll then receive an email confirmation and further details shortly after. Once you've received your offer, carefully review it – including the terms and conditions. 

Are you a first year student? You're guaranteed a place in university-arranged accommodation as long as you apply by Friday 22 August 2025. 

Make sure you prepare, discuss and research before you apply through Clearing to make sure you're making the right decision for you.