Clearing gives students another opportunity to apply for university courses with available places.

For information about Clearing and available places, visit UCAS.

You can apply through Clearing if:

• you achieved higher or lower grades than you expected
• you have changed your mind about what or where you want to study
• you haven’t yet applied to study at university
• you didn’t meet the conditions of your offer
• you have used 'decline your firm place' in your UCAS Hub 

Clearing is open to everyone, whether you’re a UK or international student, a school leaver or a mature student (i.e. over 21 and returning after a break from full-time education).

Clearing takes place each year during the undergraduate admissions cycle. If you already have your exam results, you can apply to universities and courses that have available places. If you don’t have your exam results yet, you’ll need to wait until you have these before you can apply through Clearing.

Visit UCAS for the latest information about Clearing dates and deadlines.

If you have your exam results and are in Clearing, you can contact universities to check whether they have course vacancies available and apply for any for which you meet the requirements.

Universities may list courses available through Clearing on their websites. Information about Durham's Clearing opportunities will be published on our Clearing pages when available.

If you’re in Clearing, your UCAS Hub will change status to reflect this. Your application status will read ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’.

If you don’t meet your offer requirements, you won’t necessarily enter Clearing straight away. If your UCAS Hub doesn’t say you’re in Clearing, your university choices may still be considering your application.

Before entering Clearing, it’s important to do plenty of research. You should compare different courses using UCAS Search and university websites to find the options that are best for you.

Exploring your options in advance can help you make an informed decision if you decide to apply through Clearing.

Our application process and available courses may vary each year. We'll publish information about how to apply, along with any Clearing opportunities available at Durham, during the Clearing period.

For more information on the Clearing process and how to prepare, see our Essential Guide for Applicants.

On the ‘Your Choices’ section of your application, you can click ‘Add Clearing choice’ to enter the details of the course.

Universities will want to speak directly with applicants during the Clearing process, but we can accept verbal consent from an applicant over the telephone for a parent or guardian to speak on their behalf.

Going through Clearing is a valuable opportunity for applicants to develop independence and decision-making skills.

Yes, if you are not accepted by us during the main UCAS cycle, you can absolutely try again through Clearing.

We will make an offer of accommodation to all new undergraduate students who request it.