You are disappointed with Parcoursup? You don't have the required notes to reserve a seat in the training of your choice ? He it's not too late to find a course at an English university with a late application, called Clearing!
What is the UCAS Clearing system?
The clearing is a system used by UCAS and the British universities at the end of the application season. It is by no means just about filling places that have not been taken – rumour has it that some of the best universities hold back places for a’excellent candidates that arrive through the Clearing House.
Why use Clearing to apply to an English university?
One of the most common reasons for using it is that you do not get the marks or the results that you need for the university offer you have already received. Other reasons might be that you have changed my mind about the training course or the university you want to choose, and Clearing then allows you to apply for another course or at another university. Similarly, you may have applied to the UK through UCAS before 30 June, but received no offers.
If you have applied after 30 June, you will be automatically entered into Clearing once you have submitted your application.
Another reason might be that you just decided that you want to study in the UK.
If you don’t get the grades you were hoping for, don't give up necessarily your initial choice of course or university... it is always worth contacting them to ask if they would accept you anyway.
When does Clearing take place?
Generally, the Clearing procedure opens at the beginning of July, the date on which the results of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the French baccalauréat are published. You must be in possession of your exam results to be able to apply through Clearing. Thus, for example, students in the British school system cannot register for it until mid-August when A level results are published.
Getting ready for the Clearing opening
Even if you are certain to get the grades and the university place you want, it is good to have prepare for all eventualities and to have a backup plan, so as not to panic at the last minute.
It is worth considering how much flexibility you are prepared to allow in your choices before getting your results, in order to don't worry having to make these important decisions in a hurry. You don't want to make a quick choice that you would regret later.
The first thing to do is start with your initial education choices - you already have a list and you have information on the universities and courses you have already looked into, which is a good starting point when you contact UCAS for the clearing.
Reflecting on your previous choices, you may realise that you want something different, or that you want to work in a different field to the one you originally chose.
Draw up a shortlist of the universities you are considering attending and note down the clearing telephone numbers as well as all the relevant website addresses you need to avoid wasting time searching on Clearing day.
Are all British universities in Clearing?
No, some universities do not never participate in Clearing, including, in particular Oxford and Cambridge, as well as some of the other universities the most competitive.
Similarly, some of the most popular and competitive degrees, such as the medicine, dentistry and the veterinary science, are generally not accessible through Clearing. The reason for this is that these courses are usually already in high demand and that there is often a waiting list.
If I am an international student, can I still apply through Clearing?
Yes, Non-British students can enrol. You will be eligible if:
- you submitted your application through UCAS before Clearing opened
- your initial choices were rejected
- you haven't yet received an offer from a university
- You are qualified for the position, but we have decided not to accept your offer.
- you applied through UCAS before 30 June, but have not received an offer
As a foreign student, you will need to apply for a student visa and spend a language test to be accepted. If you haven't applied to an English university yet, you can still do so during the Clearing period.
Conclusion
Get ready The earlier you apply through Clearing, the more likely you are to secure a place and a visa in time for the start of the academic year.
- Make your research before Clearing opens to find out more about British universities and the courses on offer.
- Tickets can be snapped up as soon as Clearing opens, so even if you must be fast, take the time to think before accepting an offer – it could have an impact on your entire future career.
- Show some flexibility in your choices.
If you are worried about certain aspects of Clearing, or if you would like to make a late application to UK universities, Expat Student can help you prepare, then contact us to obtain some advice and help.
Q&A on English university applications
What are the deadlines for applications to an English university?
The deadline for applying to a UK university is 15 October for applications to Oxford, Cambridge and all medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry courses. For all other courses and universities, the application deadline is the second Wednesday in January.
Can I submit a late application to an English university?
The answer is yes, but the university is not obliged to consider your application. We advise you to contact the university before applying to ensure that it will take your application into consideration. When Clearing opens in early July, universities indicate the courses for which they still have places and for which they are accepting applications.
How to apply via UCAS to study in the UK
To apply to UK universities through UCAS, you need to create an application profile on the UCAS website. You must provide your personal contact details and your educational history, including the qualifications you are currently studying. You will then need to write a Personal Statement – which explains why you are applying to study that particular subject. Finally, you will also need a reference from a teacher and your predicted grades if you have not yet taken your exams.
Can I submit a late application to Cambridge and Oxford?
No, if you choose to apply to Cambridge or Oxford, you will not be able to submit a late application. Cambridge and Oxford have specific application deadlines, set for 15 October of the year preceding entry, and do not take part in the clearing system.
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