UCAS Clearing has evolved far beyond a last-minute vacancy list. In 2025, Clearing Plus has become one of the most powerful tools available to students navigating results day and post-results admissions.
Built into the UCAS Hub, Clearing Plus uses data-driven matching to connect students with courses they are likely to be accepted onto—quickly and efficiently. When used well, it can turn uncertainty into confirmed offers within hours. When misunderstood, it can leave students waiting while places disappear.
This RevisionDojo guide explains exactly how Clearing Plus works, how to use it strategically, and how to combine it with traditional Clearing for the strongest possible outcome.
What Is UCAS Clearing Plus?
Clearing Plus is an enhanced version of standard Clearing. Instead of requiring students to manually search through hundreds of vacancies, it uses UCAS data and algorithms to create personalised course matches.
Clearing Plus:
Suggests courses you are likely to be eligible for
Alerts universities that may be interested in you
Acts as a two-way matching system rather than a one-sided search
The goal is efficiency. Universities see candidates who closely match their requirements, and students see courses where an offer is realistically achievable.
How the UCAS Clearing Plus Algorithm Works
UCAS does not publish its exact formula, but based on official guidance and observed behaviour, Clearing Plus follows a clear multi-step process.
1. Eligibility Check
You will only see Clearing Plus if you are eligible for Clearing. This typically means:
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9/6/2025
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You have released yourself into Clearing
Your UCAS Hub profile meets minimum completeness requirements
If eligible, a “See Matches” or “Find Courses” button appears in UCAS Hub.
2. Analysis of Your Application Data
The system analyses multiple data points, including:
Your achieved grades and qualifications
Subjects and courses from your original application
Keywords and themes from your personal statement
Acceptance patterns of similar applicants in previous years
This allows Clearing Plus to estimate where you are most likely to be successful.
3. Matching Against Live Course Vacancies
Your profile is cross-referenced with live vacancies submitted by universities. Factors include:
Entry requirements compared with your actual results
Subject relevance and academic background
Institutional recruitment needs
Historical offer data for similar students
4. Creation of Your Personal Match List
You are shown a curated shortlist in UCAS Hub under “Your Matches.” This list is not exhaustive. It is intentionally selective and conservative.
5. Expressing Interest
By clicking “I’m Interested”, you share your profile with the university. This is not a formal application and not a guaranteed offer.
Universities may:
Call you
Email you
Invite you to apply formally through Clearing
How to Opt In to Clearing Plus (Step by Step)
Clearing Plus is opt-in, not automatic.
Log in to UCAS Hub once Clearing opens (5 July 2025).
Check for a “See Matches” or “Find Courses” option.
Review your personalised matches.
Read and accept the data-sharing terms.
Click “I’m Interested” on any course you want to pursue.
Wait for contact—or proactively call the university to follow up.
How to Maximise Your Clearing Plus Matches
Clearing Plus is only as strong as the data behind it. Small changes can significantly affect your matches.
Refine Your UCAS Hub Profile
Before opting in:
Ensure grades are entered exactly as shown on results slips
Add additional qualifications (EPQ, certificates, short courses)
Review your personal statement for clarity and relevance
Understand What Clearing Plus Is Optimised For
Clearing Plus prioritises high-probability matches, not stretch choices. If you want to aim above your grade profile, traditional Clearing calls are essential.
Check Matches Multiple Times Per Day
Vacancies change rapidly. Checking early morning, midday, and late afternoon gives you access to new matches before they fill.
Combine Clearing Plus With Direct Calls
After clicking “I’m Interested,” call the admissions team. This shows motivation and can accelerate offers dramatically.
Express Interest in Multiple Courses
There is no penalty for showing interest in several courses. Only add a Clearing choice once you have a confirmed offer you are happy to accept.
Clearing Plus vs Traditional Clearing
Speed
Clearing Plus: immediate personalised matches
Traditional Clearing: manual searching
Personalisation
Clearing Plus: data-driven and targeted
Traditional Clearing: student-filtered
Proactivity
Clearing Plus: semi-passive
Traditional Clearing: fully proactive
Scope
Clearing Plus: limited to algorithm suggestions
Traditional Clearing: any listed vacancy
RevisionDojo advice: Use both. Clearing Plus secures fast, realistic offers. Traditional Clearing opens doors to ambitious or unusual options.
Common Clearing Plus Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming matches guarantee offers
Ignoring universities not using Clearing Plus
Waiting passively for calls instead of following up
Accepting the first match without checking course fit
Using a vague or outdated personal statement
Example Clearing Plus Success Journey
A student applied for Psychology at competitive universities and narrowly missed their grades. On results day, they opted into Clearing Plus early, received five matches, expressed interest in two, and followed up with phone calls. A verbal offer was secured within hours.
This is typical of students who act quickly and proactively.
FAQs About UCAS Clearing Plus
Do all universities use Clearing Plus? No. Always check the full Clearing vacancy list as well.
Can I withdraw interest after clicking “I’m Interested”? Yes. It is not binding until you add a Clearing choice.
Is Clearing Plus useful if my grades are higher than expected? Yes, but also explore Adjustment routes and direct calls for competitive courses.
Is Clearing Plus available to international students? Yes, subject to eligibility and UK entry requirements.
How fast do I need to act? Immediately. Popular courses can close within hours.
Final RevisionDojo Advice
Clearing Plus is a shortcut, not a substitute for strategy. The strongest results come from combining:
Immediate action on Clearing Plus matches
Direct calls to admissions teams
Proactive email follow-ups
Prepared documents and clear priorities
Used correctly, Clearing Plus can turn results-day uncertainty into a confirmed university place faster than ever before.
