Results day can bring a mix of emotions, with many students feeling excited and nervous as the day approaches. This day is one of the biggest milestones in your journey to university, and for some students, it’s also the moment when clearing becomes the key to securing a place.
Clearing is a process that helps students confirm a spot at a university or college if they haven’t received an offer or haven’t met the conditions of their offers after A-Level results. Clearing may also be used if a student has had a change of heart about where or what you want to study.
The busiest period for Clearing is right after results are released. This is when thousands of students are calling universities, making quick decisions, and securing last-minute offers. If you find yourself without a confirmed place on results day, Clearing gives you a structured way to take action immediately.
How It Works
- Log in to your UCAS account to see if you’re eligible for Clearing.
- Search the UCAS website for courses with vacancies.
- Contact universities directly to discuss your results and see if they can offer you a place.
Once you have an offer, you can add it to your UCAS account to confirm.
SLC Advice to Students on Clearing
The Student Loans Company (SLC) is reminding students who have secured a place through Clearing to arrange their student finance as soon as possible. Those who have not yet applied are advised to submit their application before their course begins.
Students who have already applied but whose plans have changed, such as a different university, course, or tuition fee amount, should update their online account immediately so their funding can be kept on track.
SLC is currently processing a high volume of post-results-day applications and changes. For late applicants, tuition fees will be paid directly to providers and the minimum Maintenance Loan will be issued while household-income details are being confirmed. Any additional maintenance entitlement will be added once the full assessment is complete.
SLC’s Clearing Top Tips
- Apply online for Student Finance. It is quick and easy, and you don’t need to have a confirmed place to apply: https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/
- Track your application in your online account and complete any tasks assigned to you.
- Update your details if anything changes. For example, your university/college, course or living location. Remember, your student finance application is not linked to UCAS, so please tell the SLC directly. Also, make sure you double-check the tuition fee for your new course.
- Allow enough time for your application to be processed. Applications that include household-income details may take up to six weeks for full assessment. During this time, tuition fees will be paid directly to your university or college, and you’ll receive the minimum Maintenance Loan. Any extra entitlement will be added once the assessment is finalised.
- If you are a parent or partner and we request household-income information, please submit it promptly through your own online account to help prevent delays.
Useful Links:
- UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/
- Student Finance: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-register-login