A-level results day 2025: All you need to know about clearing and how to apply

A-level results day has finally arrived, with students across England, Northern Ireland and Wales discovering whether they've achieved the grades required for their chosen universities.

If you missed out on your top choices, it's important not to panic as there are other options. But those hoping to secure a university place through clearing must act swiftly, according to Clare Marchant, the chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas). She warned that "highly selective courses" would be snapped up quickly, but reassured there will be a "wide range of opportunities" available elsewhere.

In 2024, a total of 39,620 18 year olds secured a university place through this system, marking the highest number ever recorded for this age group. Essentially, clearing is the process by which universities and colleges fill any remaining places. It comes as boys outperformed girls in A-levels for the first time in seven years.

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It's primarily used by students who didn't achieve the A-level or equivalent grades needed for their initial university offer. However, it's also utilised by those who exceeded their predicted grades or have had a change of heart about their course choice.

Here, we break down how clearing works and how you can navigate it.

What is clearing and who is eligible?

Clearing is the method by which universities and colleges fill any remaining spots on their courses. If you don't already hold an offer from a university or college, and the course still has vacancies, you're permitted to apply via clearing.

The Ucas website says you can use clearing if:

• You're applying after 30 June
• You didn't receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
• You didn't meet the conditions of your offers
• You've paid the multiple choice application fee of £28.50
• You've declined your firm place using the 'decline my place' button in your application

How do you apply for clearing?

When you're ready to apply, utilise the Ucas search tool to hunt for courses. If you can't locate the course you desire, consider joint honour courses.

Also, keep an eye out as universities frequently update their course availability.

Before adding your choice to your application, it's necessary to contact the university/college and provide them with your clearing number (which will be on your application) and Personal ID.

Only include your clearing choice in your application once you've received permission from the university/college. This is considered as them accepting the offer.

You can only add one choice at a time, if the university/college doesn't confirm your place you can then add another.

Everything you need to know about the clearing process can be found here

When does clearing start and end?

Clearing is open from 5 July until 20 October 2025.

You can add a Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub from 13:00 (UK time) on 14 August (Level 3 results day).

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