How to Apply Through Clearing
Clearing is now closed for 2026 intake.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is a service which helps thousands of students secure university places every year. Not everyone is in Clearing because their results didn’t go to plan, you can go into Clearing if you didn’t want to accept the offers you were made or if you applied after 30 June. Any available places on courses at universities across the UK are advertised via theÌý. Queen Margaret University will also advertise our opportunities on these pages.
Who can apply through Clearing?
You can apply for a course in Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a University.
You are eligible to apply for a place with us through Clearing if:
- You apply after 30 June
- You already have your exam results but you have no offers
- You had a conditional offer but your exam results didn't go to plan
- You didn’t meet the conditions of your offer.
- You haven't applied to university yet but would like to start your studies this September.
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How does Clearing work?
You will be notified through UCAS Track if you have been released into Clearing. It will say ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’ when you log into Track. If you are still showing as conditional but have received your results, you may want to contact the university directly to check the progress of your application. If you have narrowly missed the offer conditions, your application may still be considered. UCAS Track will show you once the decision on your application is confirmed.
Not applied through UCAS yet?
You can still apply through Clearing. Contact our Admissions Team first to discuss your qualifications and eligibility. If we can offer you a place, we'll guide you through creating your UCAS application and adding Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ as your Clearing choice.
How to find university courses available in Clearing?
If you are in Clearing, you should use the UCAS search tool to see which courses have vacancies. Not every course is available in Clearing, so to save time calling up everywhere, check UCAS to be sure there are places. Check UCAS frequently, as some courses become available later in the process and may not be listed on the first day. Once you find a place/course, call up the university directly to discuss in more detail.
You are welcome to contact as many universities as you like during Clearing, but you can only accept one place. It is recommended you research the places you call in advance, to be sure they are institutions you would like to attend. Clearing places go fast, so be smart about how you use that time – check vacancies early and have a ‘Top 5’ or ‘Top 10’ list of institutions to call when the lines open. Remember to also check university websites directly when doing your research.
But you don’t have to wait for Clearing to apply for these courses. While we still have places, we are still accepting applications via UCAS before Clearing starts.
How to contact Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ During Clearing
Our friendly team will guide and support you through the process, step by step. (And don't forget that our friendly Admissions team are here to help you throughout the year, and we offer a range of other ways to meet us and talk with us.)
Got the offer! Now what?
To accept the offer, you need to add the course choice to your UCAS Track page. This is also called ‘referring yourself’. Once you select a course in Clearing, this is effectively Firmly Accepting the offer, so you should only do this once you are sure you want to take up the place.
Once you have made your decision, and ‘referred’ or added your choice, that’s it!
The university will then confirm your place and send you further details on enrolling and Freshers’ Week. You can then enquire about accommodation and anything else you want to know before starting. After that, it's time to start getting excited about your new adventure in September!
More information
You might also want to check out our Clearing Experience page, with stories of students who have joined Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ through Clearing.