Clearing

What is Clearing?

Clearing is the process by which applicants who are not holding any offers through UCAS (‘Universities and Colleges Admissions Service', the UK centralised Admissions system) can seek entry into University. There are several reasons why an applicant may enter the clearing process:

1. He / she is not holding any offers after consideration of initial applications (i.e. was either rejected by all institutions or declined all offers that were made to them).
2. Those applying late in the cycle after 30 June.
3. They haven't met the conditions for a place at their chosen University and the University has rejected their application after the publication of the results.

After the publication of results, most universities find that they still have some places to fill, so the Clearing process aims to marry those applicants still looking for a place with Universities that still have places.

Although the term ‘Clearing' refers to a specific UCAS process, the term ‘Clearing' is often used to denote that time in August/September when enquiries are received about course vacancies.

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is the period of time after the exam results are available. During this time Universities who have made offers to applicants will check to see if their requirements have been met. If so, the Institution is committed to accepting that applicant for the course to which they applied. If the conditions have not been met, the Institution may still accept the applicant, reject the applicant, put them on a preparatory course first or offer them an alternative degree course. All Applicants are notified of this decision through UCAS.

Clearing at Dundee

During Clearing we extend our opening hours during the week until 9pm and also on Saturday and Sunday on the first weekend following the release of the examination results. Our clearing service usually operates from the 1st August until the end of September. For our contact hours click here.

The Clearing Helpline is ready to receive enquiries via telephone, email, Fax, the internet, letter, or drop-in/in-person enquiries. We have a team of trained Helpline staff and a dedicated group of Admissions tutors/selectors that enable us to respond to any enquiry with a minimum of delay. The average turnaround time from initial enquiry to an offer being made is usually 15 minutes for a non-interviewing programme. Interviews may add a delay. We require applicants to send in any relevant paperwork for example their exam certificates if requested.

Visit our Clearing website.