University Centre Leeds tells all about UCAS Clearing

But really, what is clearing?

Clearing is a service provided by UCAS for anyone who hasn’t received an offer from a university. Essentially, it gives you a second chance to get on a course you really want, even if you think you’ve missed the opportunity to do so. The process includes a series of straightforward steps, but it’s essentially a match-making service in the form of an online portal (called Clearing Plus) that assigns you a vacant university place for the course of your choice. Clever, right?

There are specific benefits

Clearing can also give students who were late applying for university, didn’t meet the conditions of their offers, or have none they are willing to accept, the luxury of more time and choice. Instead of feeling pressured to start a course that's no longer the best fit, they can decline their confirmed place (received upon a successful UCAS application) and apply for a more suitable Clearing course instead. This means students can make the most of their time, money and energy, and higher education courses are filled with learners who will most benefit from them - which benefits learning environments as a whole.

Are there requirements?

As with life, not everything goes to plan, and there are many reasons why course places might not be filled, or you may need to change your own. By starting a course through Clearing, you'll be connected with the ideal start to your career future without a year's delay, and you can become part of a vibrant course community in the location that suits your needs best.

This year's Clearing period is from 5th July until 18th October. Anyone can apply for a course in Clearing if they have:

- No current course offers (following a UCAS undergraduate application)

- Decided to make an application after 5th July 2022

- Paid the multiple choice application fee

- Not already received an offer that they want to accept

- Not met the conditions on their offered courses

- Declined their place in UCAS Track

- Not found a suitable course

How does the Clearing application process work?

Applications take place via UCAS, using their online Clearing Plus portal. This enables you to browse all Clearing courses, be matched with available spaces and start the process.

At UCLeeds, we automatically enter any application into Clearing made after 30th June to make life easier. Before applying for your course, we always recommend talking to an adviser at your school or local careers office. You will also need to call us with your Clearing number and personal ID (you can find this in your application), so we can confirm course details and eligibility.

If you are offered a place, you can add your course choice to UCAS or make a direct application through your higher education provider.

Why Clearing at University Centre Leeds?

We have an extensive range of employer-led and industry-based courses in UCAS application Clearing. If interested in a course, we will happily show you its facilities and speak to our curriculum team about a potential place on it. Head to ucleeds.ac.uk/our-courses/courses for our course options.

Important things to remember:

The world is your oyster! You can apply for courses that are completely unrelated to previous applications

Take your time. It's important to read through course details thoroughly before starting the process

UCLeeds is here to help! We can support you in finding and applying for the best UCLeeds course for your goals and finance or accommodation options. Pop in or call us: 0113 235 4450

For more information visit the website here.