Our Clearing Checklist 2026

Clearing gives you a great opportunity to reconsider your university options. Whether you change your mind about your course or university, or didn’t get the grades you were hoping for, Clearing can provide an alternative route into university. We’ve created a Clearing checklist that will guide you through each step of the process and explain some key information.

Step 1 - Find out what Clearing is

So, what is university Clearing and who is it for?

Clearing gives you another opportunity to find the best course for you, UCAS Clearing opens on 2 July 2026. It gives students who missed the application deadline or have reconsidered their options a great opportunity to get into university.

Clearing is for students who:

• Have decided to study a different course
• Didn’t receive any offers from the universities they’ve applied for  
• Missed the application deadline on 30 June
• Achieved grades they did not expect

You’re eligible to apply through Clearing if you haven’t already accepted an offer from another university, and there are spaces available on the course you are interested in. Most courses available through Clearing will be for full-time, on-campus undergraduate courses. 

Step 2 - Know your Clearing dates

You may now be thinking, when can you apply through Clearing?

This year you can apply through Clearing from 2 July up until 19 October.

*Please note that this date is when UCAS keeps their Clearing service open and we may close applications earlier than this date.*

You can contact our expert admissions advisors at admissions@port.ac.uk (for Home applicants) for any questions you may have.

Step 3 - See what our students say about Clearing

You might still be wondering whether Clearing is the right path for you. To help you decide, take a look at some of our students’ Clearing stories. You can explore all of our blogs here, but we’ve picked out a few stories to get you started.

The best place to get to know Portsmouth, is to visit in person at one of our Open Days. You’ll be able to ask questions to our staff and students.

Step 4 - Get your Student Finance set up

We recommend getting your Student Finance sorted as soon as possible. This is so you have enough money to cover your living costs from the start of your studies. Once you know you want to go to university, check out our information on undergraduate fees and student finance.

Step 5 - Look into what courses you may be interested in

Changed your mind about what course you want to do? Curious what Clearing courses are on offer at the University of Portsmouth? Check out our undergraduate courses to find a degree you’d like to study.

Picking a course can feel overwhelming so we encourage students to speak with their Careers Advisor at school or college.

Step 6 - Browse accommodation options

At this point you may be thinking about where you will live when you go to university. Typically, students will either live in halls during their first year or go into private housing. Whichever option you pick, our housing support team, Res Life, is on-call for any support you need.

If you and your friend want to secure the same accommodation, both of you will need to email our student housing team and make a request.

Some students choose to stay at home during their studies. Please let our admissions team know this when you call our Clearing phone number.

Step 7 - Get in contact with us during Clearing

Now you know what Clearing is, when it is, what course you want to study and your finance and accommodation options, your final step is to get in touch with us.

You can apply through Clearing once you’ve received your final and confirmed exam results and once the Clearing period opens. Clearing 2026 opens 2 July.

You’re welcome to contact our admissions team at any time if you have any questions.

Good luck with your Clearing application.

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