Student & Graduate Stories

BU is now open for Clearing 2026.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is run by UCAS and enables universities to fill spaces on courses that aren’t yet full for the next academic year, while students without offers, or have simply changed their mind about where and what they want to study, are given another chance to pursue their higher education aspirations.

Read our guide to Clearing.

When does Clearing 2026 open?

Clearing is available from July to October each year. Our self-apply form and Clearing helpline are now open. Find out more.

If you already have your grades and aren’t holding an offer from a university, you can apply via Clearing now.

If you have a conditional offer and things don’t quite go to plan when you get your results, or you’ve changed your mind, you can enter Clearing. A-level results day is Thursday 13 August 2026.

Clearing applications will be accepted until Monday 19 October 2026, with this being the last date to add your choices, and for universities to make their final decisions.

Can I use UCAS Clearing?

Clearing is for students who:

haven’t yet made an application
were late applying for university (after 30 June)
haven’t received any offers (or none they’re willing to accept)
didn’t meet the conditions of their offers
declined their firm place.

From 2 July, if you are holding a firm unconditional place, you can release yourself into Clearing, by using the ‘Decline your place’ button in your application.

Your eligibility for Clearing will show up on your UCAS Hub page – your status says ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’. This will also be where you will find your Clearing Number (universities will need this so that they can access your application) and the ‘Add a Clearing choice’ button.

How does Clearing work?

Trained advisers are on hand, manning university hotlines to guide you through the process.

Once you’ve received a Clearing offer you need to go to the ‘Your choices’ section of your application and click ‘Add Clearing choice’. Then enter the details of the course.

How do I apply to BU through Clearing?

We are now open for Clearing 2026.