Direct answer
Clearing 2026 officially opens on Thursday 2 July and runs until 19 October 2026. International Baccalaureate students can begin their Clearing search from 6 July. A significant number of places will become available on 13 August 2026, coinciding with A-Level results day. International applicants requiring visas should be aware that university application deadlines may be earlier than the official Clearing close date.
What Clearing 2026 is
UCAS Clearing helps students find alternative courses if they haven’t secured a university place. You can use Clearing if you apply after 30 June, didn’t receive any offers, or didn’t meet offer conditions.
Key dates for international applicants
- 26 February 2026: UCAS Extra opens, allowing students to add another course choice before Clearing begins.
- 30 June 2026: Applications submitted after this date go directly into Clearing.
- 1 July 2026: UCAS Extra closes.
- 2 July 2026: Clearing officially opens.
- 6 July 2026: International Baccalaureate students can begin their Clearing search.
- 13 August 2026: A significant number of places become available, coinciding with A-Level results day.
- 19 October 2026: Clearing closes.
UCAS Extra: the pre-Clearing option
UCAS Extra allows students to add another course choice from 26 February 2026 until 1 July 2026, before Clearing begins.
Eligibility for Clearing
You can use Clearing if you apply after 30 June, didn’t receive any offers, or didn’t meet offer conditions. Direct Clearing applicants after 30 June must first register and submit a UCAS application. UCAS offers a document upload service for supporting information for direct Clearing applicants after 30 June 2026.
Visa considerations for international applicants
International applicants requiring visas should be aware that university application deadlines may be earlier than the official Clearing close date of 19 October 2026.
What the official page establishes versus what requires live rechecking
The official UCAS page establishes the fixed national framework: the opening date of 2 July, the IB search start date of 6 July, the A-Level results day surge on 13 August, and the final close on 19 October. It also confirms the document upload service for post-30 June direct applicants.
What requires live rechecking includes:
How to compare international study destinations during Clearing
Clearing decisions often intersect with broader questions about where to study. For applicants weighing UK options against other destinations, understanding long-term outcomes can inform course selection.
FAQ
Who can use Clearing in 2026?
You can use Clearing if you apply after 30 June, didn’t receive any offers, or didn’t meet offer conditions.
When can International Baccalaureate students start searching for Clearing places?
International Baccalaureate students can begin their Clearing search from 6 July 2026.
What must direct Clearing applicants do after 30 June?
Direct Clearing applicants after 30 June must first register and submit a UCAS application. UCAS offers a document upload service for supporting information.
Is UCAS Extra available before Clearing?
Yes. UCAS Extra allows students to add another course choice from 26 February 2026 until 1 July 2026, before Clearing begins.
When do the most Clearing places become available?
A significant number of places will become available on 13 August 2026, coinciding with A-Level results day.
Do international students face earlier deadlines than the official Clearing close date?
Yes. International applicants requiring visas should be aware that university application deadlines may be earlier than the official Clearing close date of 19 October 2026.
Further reading
Official sources
- UCAS Clearing 2026 official timeline and eligibility rules
- UCAS Extra scheme details for 2026 entry
- Direct Clearing application process after 30 June