Savanna Hoffman
UCAS Clearing is a system that matches students to vacant places on undergraduate courses at UK universities. It is available to international students, including those from the EU, who may be applying to study in the UK for the first time or returning for postgraduate studies. International students applying through Clearing may need to apply for a student visa, take a language assessment, and provide evidence of their academic qualifications, English proficiency, and financial means. They can contact universities directly by phone or email, or they can use a consultant or adviser to discuss their options and submit their Clearing choice through UCAS.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is UCAS Clearing available to international students? | Yes |
| Who can use Clearing? | Non-UK students, EU students, Indian students |
| Requirements | Application through UCAS at an earlier stage, rejection by firm and insurance choices, qualification for a firm or insurance offer, payment of the application fee, English proficiency, visa status, academic qualifications |
| Additional information | UCAS does not update during the embargo period, so many UK providers won't make Clearing decisions during this time. |
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What You'll Learn
Clearing is available to international students
International students can use Clearing to apply for undergraduate programmes at UK universities. The Clearing process is a system set up by UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which handles student applications for UK universities at the undergraduate level. International students can use Clearing if they:
- Applied through UCAS at an earlier stage (including after 30 June)
- Have been rejected by their firm and insurance choices
- Applied to a course before 30 June but weren't made an offer
- Qualified academically for a firm or insurance offer but decided not to take it up
- Have paid the application fee
International students will have to pay the same application fee as other students. They may also have to apply for a student visa, take a language assessment, and provide evidence that they can afford to study and live in the UK. It is recommended that international students contact universities by phone or email to discuss their qualifications, English proficiency, and visa status. Universities will make informal offers over the phone, and students will usually have one or two days to decide.
International students can also apply directly to some UK universities during the Clearing period, bypassing UCAS. This is known as the Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) path.
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How to apply to UCAS Clearing
UCAS Clearing is available to international students, including EU and other overseas students. The process for international students is similar to that for UK students, but there are some differences to be aware of. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply to UCAS Clearing as an international student:
Step 1: Consider Your Options
Before applying through Clearing, it is important to consider your options and research the courses and institutions that interest you. You can use the UCAS search tool to find available courses and vacancies, as this is the official vacancy list and is the most up-to-date. Keep in mind that you don't have to stick with your original subject choice; you can explore different subjects or joint honours courses. Additionally, don't be discouraged if you can't find your preferred universities or colleges in the search results, as vacancies may become available later.
Step 2: Contact Universities
Once you have identified the courses and universities you are interested in, you or your consultant should contact the institutions by phone or email to discuss your options. You can find the Clearing contact numbers on the UCAS website, university profiles, and university websites. Be prepared to discuss your academic qualifications, English proficiency, visa status, and any other relevant information. Universities may make informal offers over the phone, and you can consider multiple offers before making a decision.
Step 3: Accept an Offer
After receiving informal offers, take some time to research the institutions, areas, and accommodation options. If you decide to accept an offer, you will need to enter your Clearing choice through UCAS. You can only enter one Clearing choice at a time, but if the university does not confirm your place, you can add another choice. To accept an offer, you will need to provide your UCAS ID number and password, and the university will then appear on your UCAS Hub as an offer you can accept.
Step 4: Prepare for Enrolment
If the university or college confirms your place, you can proceed to finalise your student accommodation arrangements and ensure you have everything ready to begin your studies. International students should also consider their financial arrangements and visa applications, as these processes may take additional time. UCAS provides useful information on financial options and accommodation advice for international students.
It is important to act quickly when applying through UCAS Clearing, as vacancies can fill up, and there may be specific deadlines to meet. Additionally, international students may need to take language assessments or interviews, depending on the university's requirements.
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What to do if you're unhappy with your offers
UCAS Clearing is available to international students. If you're an international student unhappy with your offers, you have several options:
Firm and Insurance Choices
If you have an unconditional offer, you can confirm your place immediately. If your offers are conditional, you can pick two: a firm choice, which is your first choice, and an insurance choice, which acts as a backup. Your insurance choice should be a university you'd be happy to attend with lower offer conditions than your firm choice. That way, if your exam results are lower than expected, you may still meet the conditions for your insurance choice.
Declining Offers
You must decline all offers except your firm and insurance choices. If you decline all your offers, you can add more courses using the UCAS Extra service. You can apply for the same course at a different university or a completely different course.
UCAS Extra
If you've used all five choices and don't want to accept any of your offers, you can apply for another course using UCAS Extra. You can only apply to one course at a time and won't have an insurance choice. If you don't hear back within 21 days, you can choose to wait or add a new choice. If you accept an offer, you can't apply for any more in Extra.
UCAS Clearing
If you don't find a course through UCAS Extra, you can try UCAS Clearing, which opens in July and ends in October. You'll need your exam results before applying. Contact universities by phone or email to discuss your qualifications, English proficiency, and visa status. Universities will make informal offers, and you'll usually have one or two days to decide. Once you decide, contact the university and give them your UCAS ID and password.
Reapplying
If you're still unhappy with your options, you can reapply next year. Consider how you'll spend the following year to strengthen your application, such as by gaining work experience or improving your grades.
Alternatives
If you're unsure about attending university, consider other options like higher or degree apprenticeships, which offer a combination of study and real-world experience. Apprenticeships provide a debt-free degree and valuable work experience, but competition can be fierce, and you'll be expected to excel academically and work full-time hours.
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Visa requirements for international students
UCAS Clearing is open to international students who want to apply for undergraduate programmes at UK universities. International students can use Clearing in the same way as UK students. However, there are some differences in the documents required and the timing of applications. Most international students applying through Clearing will need to apply for a student visa.
International students from outside the UK will likely need to apply for a student visa. The visa fee must be paid for each dependent joining the student in the UK. Dependents may be a partner or children, known as 'dependants'. A healthcare surcharge must also be paid as part of the application. The visa application fee is £524.
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before the start of your course. If you are already in the UK, you can apply to extend or switch your visa, which costs £524. You will need to prove your identity as part of the application, and you will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks. You may be able to pay more to get a faster decision. If your application is successful, you will get an eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status. You may also need to get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
If you are under 18 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa. If you are doing a master's degree or above, you may need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa. If you break the conditions of your visa, you may not be able to enter the UK again.
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English language proficiency requirements
UCAS Clearing is a process that allows students who have not secured a place at a university or college through the main application cycle to find alternative courses or institutions. International students, including EU and other overseas students, can use Clearing in the same way as UK students. However, there are some differences in the documents they need and when they can start applying.
International students must prove their proficiency in the English language to be eligible for UCAS Clearing. Each university and course has different English language proficiency requirements. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific requirements of your chosen course and institution. University websites usually provide information on the required English proficiency level, especially on course pages within the entry requirements sections. If you cannot find this information, you can contact the university directly.
Universities typically accept results from various English language test providers, and you can take the test in your country of residence. Examples of standardised English proficiency exams accepted by UK universities include IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET). The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale is often used to assess English proficiency, and you should be able to prove your proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.
Some universities may also accept other methods of demonstrating English language proficiency, such as previous courses studied at school. Additionally, if you are struggling to meet the required level, many universities offer pre-sessional English language programmes that you can take during the summer before starting your course.
It is important to note that international students applying through Clearing may need to apply for a student visa. The visa processing time varies depending on the country and service chosen. Therefore, it is recommended to work closely with your chosen university and apply for your visa as soon as you receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, UCAS Clearing is available to international students.
Clearing is a system set up by UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) to match students to vacant UK university places.
International students can apply through UCAS Clearing by contacting universities by phone or email to see what places are available. Students will then discuss their academic qualifications, English proficiency, visa status, and academic qualifications.
International students applying through UCAS Clearing must pay the application fee, provide evidence of academic qualifications, English proficiency, and visa status. Students may also have to take tests such as a language assessment and interviews to secure a place.
UCAS provides a range of resources and support for international students, including guidance on visas, English language skills, qualifications, accommodation, and financial options. International students can also attend open days, take virtual tours, and join events to get insights from staff and students.
