(Updated for 14 August 2025 – with top universities, practical tips, and real student stories)
Top 20 Universities Still Offering Clearing Places (Updated 14 Aug 2025)
As of A-level results day, several universities—including Queen Mary University of London, University of Glasgow, Southampton, Exeter, UEA, Durham, and Northumbria—still have Clearing places in popular fields like Psychology, Law, Computer Science, Economics, and Engineering.
Check the UCAS Clearing search tool for the latest real-time vacancies.
Mistakes to Avoid When Calling Universities in Clearing
Don’t:
- Sound unprepared or unsure of your results
- Ignore course entry requirements
- Rush decisions without checking deadlines and offer terms
Do:
- Prepare a script
- State your grades clearly
- Ask about accommodation, finances, and deadlines
- Get the caller’s name and contact info for follow-up
UCAS Clearing Checklist – What to Prepare Before You Call
- UCAS ID and personal details
- Official grades and certificates
- Personal statement and reference info
- Ranked course/university list
- Notepad for offer details
- Script to stay focused during calls
RevisionDojo recommends printing this checklist so you can tick each item before dialling.
Using UCAS Clearing Plus Effectively
Clearing Plus matches students to courses based on their grades, preferences, and previous application choices.
To maximise results:
- Opt in early via UCAS Hub
- Act quickly when matched
- Combine with direct university calls for the best chances
RevisionDojo advises not relying solely on Clearing Plus—mix it with proactive outreach.
Personal Statement in a Hurry
30-Minute Structure:
- 5 min – Strong intro and motivation
- 10 min – Key skills and achievements
- 10 min – Course/university fit
- 5 min – Closing statement + proofread
UCAS Clearing Success Stories
From missed offers to dream places—real examples show how flexibility, persistence, and preparation lead to success. Many students report that Clearing led them to better courses than their original firm choice.
The Psychology of Clearing – Staying Calm
- Don’t make panic decisions
- Delay acceptance until you’re sure
- Stay open to new opportunities
- Use friends/family for advice and support
RevisionDojo suggests taking regular breaks during results day to stay clear-headed.
UCAS Adjustment vs Clearing
- Adjustment: For students who beat predicted grades and want to aim higher without losing their firm place
- Clearing: For those who didn’t meet firm/insurance offers, applied late, or want to switch courses
What to Do After Accepting a Clearing Offer
- Apply for accommodation quickly (some unis guarantee if before deadline)
- Update Student Finance details
- Arrange travel and prepare for enrolment
- Join social groups for your course
FAQ – UCAS Clearing 2025
When is UCAS Clearing open in 2025?
5 July – 20 October, with peak activity around 14 August
What’s the difference between Clearing and Clearing Plus?
Clearing Plus uses UCAS algorithms to suggest suitable courses based on your profile
What should I have ready when calling universities?
UCAS ID, grades, personal statement, and a shortlist of courses
Summary for RevisionDojo:
RevisionDojo’s UCAS Clearing 2025 guide combines up-to-date vacancy info, practical calling tips, Clearing Plus advice, quick personal statement hacks, and inspiring success stories to give you the competitive edge in securing your ideal university place.
