University Clearing 2026: Complete Guide for Mature Students

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UCAS Clearing is one of the best ways for mature students to get a university place, even if you have not applied through the standard UCAS cycle. Every year, thousands of students find their course through Clearing — and mature applicants are often well-positioned because of their life experience and clear motivation.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Clearing 2026 as a mature student.

What Is UCAS Clearing?

Clearing is a UCAS process that matches unfilled university course places with applicants who do not have an offer. It runs from July to October each year. You can use Clearing if:

• You did not receive any offers from your UCAS applications
• You declined all your offers
• You did not meet the conditions of your offers
• You did not apply through UCAS at all and want to find a course late

Mature students who decide to apply late in the year often find great options through Clearing.

When Does Clearing 2026 Open?

• Clearing opens: 5 July 2026 (Vacancy listings go live)
• A-Level results day: August 2026 (busiest period)
• Clearing closes: 21 October 2026

You can start calling universities from 5 July even if your results are not out yet. Many universities will make provisional offers based on your predicted grades or existing qualifications.

How Clearing Works for Mature Students

The process is straightforward:

• Search available courses on the UCAS website using the Clearing tool
• Call universities directly — you speak to admissions tutors who can make decisions on the spot
• Have your personal details, qualifications, and a list of questions ready
• If a university offers you a place, add your Clearing choice in UCAS Hub

What Courses Are Available Through Clearing?

All types of courses appear in Clearing, including:

• Full-time and part-time undergraduate degrees
• Foundation years and Access to HE progression routes
• Degree apprenticeships (some universities list these separately)
• Courses starting in January (some universities offer January intake options)

Popular subjects like nursing, business, computing, law, and psychology often have Clearing spaces at multiple universities. Use the UCAS search tool to filter by subject and location.

Clearing Tips for Mature Students

• Prepare a script — write down what you will say when a university answers. Include your name, qualifications, course interest, and why you are a good fit
• Have questions ready — ask about class times, part-time options, mature student support, and how your existing experience might be recognised
• Call early — vacancies fill quickly. Start calling as soon as Clearing opens on 5 July
• Do not be put off by rejections — keep calling other universities. Persistence pays off
• Check entry requirements carefully — some courses require specific qualifications or GCSEs. If unsure, ask during the call

Can You Apply Through Clearing Without UCAS?

Yes. If you did not submit a UCAS application earlier in the year, you can still register for UCAS and apply through Clearing. You will need to create a UCAS Hub account and pay the standard application fee (£28.50 for multiple choices). Then you can browse Clearing vacancies and call universities directly.

For more on alternative application routes, read our guide on applying to university without UCAS.

What to Have Ready Before You Call

• Your UCAS Clearing number (available in UCAS Hub)
• Your qualifications (grades, certificates, Access to HE transcript)
• A list of questions about the course and university
• A pen and paper to take notes
• Your personal statement or a brief summary of your experience

After You Get a Clearing Offer

• Ask for time to think — most universities give you 24-48 hours to decide
• Compare offers if you receive multiple — read our guide on comparing university offers as a mature student
• Add your Clearing choice in UCAS Hub to confirm
• Arrange accommodation and funding as soon as possible