Clearing FAQs

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To ensure your transition to university is as smooth as possible, we've put together some handy tips, Q&As and general information about applying through Clearing for a September start.

Ready to apply? Call us now on 020 7365 6240.

Clearing FAQs

University of East London students that have gone through the Clearing process throughout the years answer some frequently asked questions from applicants.

What is Clearing in UK universities?

Clearing is an opportunity to secure a place at a UK university. It runs every year from July to September.

If you apply late, change your mind or miss out on the requirements of a conditional offer, going through Clearing provides another way to get on to a course and start your academic journey.

Students who come to University of East London through Clearing have gone on to achieve first-class grades and inspirational careers.

Read on to find out all about the clearing process, what it is, how it works, how to apply as well as our selections of frequently asked questions about UCAS and Clearing.

How does Clearing work?

Clearing is a late application opportunity for courses starting in September. As long as you have your results, you can submit an application.

What is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled.

UCAS Clearing is available to anyone who has made a UCAS undergraduate application and doesn't hold any offers.

You can apply for UCAS Clearing, if:

you're applying after 30 June
you didn't receive any offers
you changed your mind about the course or university
you didn't meet the conditions of your offer(s)

How to register for UCAS Clearing

You can register for Clearing through UCAS on Hub and either search through the 30,000 available courses or go through Clearing Plus and be matched to courses similar to your previous applications.

If you haven't applied through UCAS you can apply direct to the university of your choice. To apply to University of East London please visit our main Clearing page.

Who can apply for Clearing?

If any of these scenarios apply to you, then you're eligible for clearing:

You want a place at a university in September but haven't applied yet
You didn't receive any offers for a course from a university
You've changed your mind about your course or university
Your predicted grades didn't go as expected and you haven’t been accepted by your university of choice

You're applying for the first time after 30 June
You've declined your firm place

What is Clearing Plus?

Clearing Plus is a new system where UCAS will match applicants who haven't accepted any offers or have released themselves through Clearing to similar courses they have applied for in the main cycle.

The UCAS Clearing Plus tool allows you to be matched to appropriate courses that you are interested in at universities that still have availability.

How long does Clearing take?

Applying through Clearing is simple and easy and shouldn't take longer than 24 hours. The application itself only takes ten minutes but you may have to send in supporting documents before you are accepted onto a course.

I am not in UCAS. Can I still apply?

Absolutely! We welcome applications from students who have not registered with UCAS. More information can be found here.

When does Clearing open?

When does Clearing open?

Clearing opens from 5 July 2023

You are able to apply for a course through Clearing at the University of East London from July to September. Call us on 020 7365 6240.

If you already have your results, you can apply through Clearing from this date.
If you already hold a place at a university, you can release yourself into clearing and apply via UCAS Hub from 6 July.
If you don't yet have your results and are dependent on the August 17 A-level and BTEC results day, you can register for UEL's Priority Clearing service, so you can skip the queue on results day.

When does Clearing close?

Clearing remains open until there are no longer any vacancies and before the last date of enrolment. However, we strongly recommend that you apply in advance of Induction Week, which is usually in mid September.

When can I apply through Clearing?

If you already have your results, you can apply through Clearing from 5 July. Call us on 020 7365 6240, apply online or visit our University Square Stratford campus to apply in person.

If you are waiting for predicted grades, these will come out on results day. You will then be able to apply via Clearing.

If you are waiting on your results, you can register for priority Clearing with UEL, so you can skip the queue on results day.

How to accept your Clearing offer

If you are currently in UCAS

Step 1: Once we've given you a verbal offer over the phone, you can officially enter your Clearing choice in UCAS Track. You'll receive an offer email from us with a link to UCAS Hub - or login to your UCAS account here.

Step 2: Log on to your UCAS Hub account and select the 'Your Choices' menu and click the 'Add Clearing Choice' button. This means that you can now refer yourself to the University of East London. However, if you're already holding a firm or insurance offer from another university, you'll have to contact them to release you in order to refer yourself to University of East London.

Step 3: We will process this change as quickly as possible and then UCAS will send you a confirmation email notifying you of the update to your UCAS Hub.

Step 4: Book accommodation (if needed) and ensure you have arranged funding to pay for your fees.

Step 5: You're in! Your enrolment details will be sent to you via email and we will see you in September!

If you are not in UCAS this academic year

Step 1: Once you've had a verbal offer over the phone you will receive a confirmation email from us with the detail of your offer. The email will contain a link to an acceptance form to return to us. Within 48 hours you will receive an email asking you to upload a copy of your qualifications to our Applicant Portal. You must do this, even if you previously provided your qualifications as part of the application process.
Step 2: You're in! Your enrolment details will be sent to you via email and we will see you in September.

What is the most effective way to get a place through Clearing?

The best way to get a place through Clearing is to call the university directly on 020 7365 6240 or apply online. Please note the phone line and application form will be available from 9am when Clearing opens.

Emails can take longer to be answered and places on courses are limited on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to make notes and ask lots of questions when you call.

You can apply for Priority Clearing with UEL, so that you can skip the queue on results day.

What if I'm holding a firm offer and have accepted but want to go somewhere else?

Clearing self-release allows students who are already holding a university place to release themselves into Clearing, rather than wait for their original choice of university to release them.

Self-release is available in UCAS Track from early July.

I am still unsure of my options and what I should do?

Please do not worry - we are here to help you look at your choices.

Please contact us on 020 7365 6240 and we will advise you.

Where can I find my Clearing number?

If you're eligible for Clearing, your UCAS clearing number will appear in UCAS Track.

If you haven't applied through UCAS this year, don't worry, you won't have a Clearing number, but we can take an application for you over the phone.

Which courses are usually in Clearing?

Almost all our undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available in Clearing.

You can search for the specific course of your choice on our course page search.

How does Clearing affect my student loan?

If you've already applied for funding but changed your course or university, you need to update your details ASAP.

If you haven't applied for finance yet, you will need to do it straightaway to ensure you receive your first loan in time.

There is a small possibility you may not get your loan in time. More information can be found on the Student Finance England website.

Can international students apply for Clearing?

UCAS clearing is for home residents only.

If you are an international student, check out our international students page where you can find all the relevant information about applying directly.

How do I find accommodation whilst going through Clearing?

The University of East London is one of the few London universities to offer on campus accommodation. Our waterfront halls of residence are comfortable, secure and convenient, and have Clearing accommodation availability.

See our accommodation pages for more information.

We'd love to hear from you!

Get in touch with one of our experts for advice on all things Clearing, university admissions and student finance by calling 020 7365 6240 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom left of the screen. Please note the phone line and application form will be available from 9am when Clearing opens.

Student finance and Clearing

Once you have accepted your offer through Clearing you should apply for student finance, or if you have already applied then make sure you update the details of your university and choice.

More information on fees and funding can be found on our pages.

Got questions?

Get in touch with one of our experts for advice on all things Clearing, university admissions and student finance by calling 020 7365 6240. Please note the phone line will be available from 9am when Clearing opens.

A-levels and Clearing

When do A-level results come out?

UK A-level results will be published on Results Day, on Thursday 17 August.

Exam results day can be an emotional and stressful time, so we've created a Clearing guide to help you navigate UCAS results day.

Hopefully you'll get the exam results you were expecting but if you miss out there are plenty of options for your future.

What time do the A-level results come out?

Your school or college should have contacted you to let you know what to expect on the day.

You will either be going into school, receive an email or log in to the UCAS Portal.

UCAS opening time on results day is 8am so your A-level results can be received anytime from then.

When do AS Level results come out?

AS results come out on the same day as A-levels, from 8am and for some subjects will be counted as stand-alone qualifications.

AS results day will run in a similar manner as A-level results day and if you are unhappy with the predicted grade received, you can sit the exam further in the year.

Can I get my A-level results online?

You can check your A-level results via UCAS, your school's portal or via email.

When do universities receive A-level results?

Universities receive A-level results a few days in advance of results day to give us plenty of time to inform UCAS of our decision in advance. UCAS then publish the decisions on results day.

Do universities email students on results day?

Sometimes you may receive an email from your first choice university as a welcome. Universities won't email students their results so it is always worth checking on UCAS Track.

When does UCAS Hub update on results day?

UCAS Hub updates at 8am on results day. If decisions have been made by your university choices, and UCAS have been notified, you can expect to see the following changes to offers on your UCAS Hub:

Unconditional - your place on the course has been confirmed. This may be your firm or insurance offer, or both.
Unsuccessful - you've not been accepted by your choice(s). You're now eligible to enter Clearing
Unconditional Changed Course (UCC) - you don't have the necessary grades for your offer, but the university has proposed a similar course requiring lower grades. They may also offer an alternative start date, such as deferred entry. You have five days to decide and can discuss the opportunity with the university in question.

Your results day checklist

The more prepared you are ahead of results day, the more relaxed you will be on the day.

This way you are more likely to make the right decisions. Check out our results day checklist to make sure you’re well prepared:

Keep the day free
Make sure you check what time your school or college opens
Organise all your UCAS documents ahead of time
List back-up courses you would be interested in studying
Make sure your phone and laptop are fully charged

I didn't get the results I wanted. What can I do now?

Keep calm!

There are still plenty of options available to you through Clearing. Call your university of choice and see what they can offer you. Read our Clearing tips page for help.

What does Q mean in exam results?

A Grade Q indicates a pending result and is given when a result cannot be issued at present, but will follow in due course.

BTEC and Clearing

For more information and to speak to one of our team about your options call us on 020 7365 6240 or apply directly to the University of East London please visit our clearing pages. Please note the phone line and application form will be available from 9am when Clearing opens.

When do BTEC results come out?

UK BTEC results are usually published on results day. Some BTEC results may be received in July meaning you have a few extra weeks to get on with your university application.

BTEC results will be available from 8am on results day.

How do I get my BTEC results?

BTEC students will be told by their respective school or college whether you need to go in to get your results, log in to an online portal or be emailed them directly. Check with your school or college ahead of time.

When do universities get BTEC results?

For those BTEC students that have applied to university, your institution will be able to view your results from mid-July.

When does UCAS Hub update on BTEC results day?

Hub updates at 8am on results day. If decisions have been made by your university choices, and UCAS have been notified, you can expect to see the following changes to offers on your UCAS Hub:

Unconditional - your place on the course has been confirmed. This may be your firm or insurance offer, or both.
Unsuccessful - you've not been accepted by your choice(s). You're now eligible to enter Clearing.
Unconditional Changed Course (UCC) - you don't have the necessary grades for your offer, but the university has proposed a similar course requiring lower grades. They may also offer an alternative start date, such as deferred entry. You have five days to decide and can discuss the opportunity with the university in question.

What to expect on BTEC results day

The more prepared you are ahead of results day the better. Do your research on universities and courses of interest so you have a back-up should your first choice fall through.

Your BTEC results day checklist:

Keep the day free
Make sure you check what time your school or college opens
Organise all your UCAS documents ahead of time
List back-up courses you would be interested in studying
Make sure your phone and laptop are fully charged

Check out our Clearing tips for more information and advice

I didn’t get the BTEC results I hoped for – what should I do?

Keep calm!

There are still plenty of options available to you through Clearing. Call us and see what we can offer you.

See all clearing information.

Let's talk!

Get in touch with one of our experts for advice on all things Clearing, university admissions and student finance by calling 020 7365 6240 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom left of the screen.