Can I use clearing?

Good news — it’s not too late to apply for university in 2026.

Clearing is your opportunity to find a course and start university this September.

Priority clearing opens on 2 July. Sign up for clearing tips now and get a reminder when we open for applications

Late applications and clearing webinar

On 2 June we'll cover how clearing works, who it is for, and how to make choices if plans change or results are unexpected, with time for Q&A at the end.

Book your place.

Who is clearing for?

Most people apply through clearing because they didn't get their predicted grades or they had a change of heart about going to university.

You can also apply through clearing if:

you have predicted grades but haven't received your results yet
you’ve already accepted a place at another university or want to change courses at Sheffield Hallam
you missed the UCAS deadline and haven’t already applied

Results and grades

Your clearing application will be assessed on your qualification results. But we’ll also take your other accreditations and experiences into account.

You can also apply through clearing if you haven’t received all your grades yet.

If we do make you an offer, it will be conditional on your results—a final decision will be made when your grades have been confirmed.

Foundation Years

If you didn't get the grades you needed for the undergraduate degree you applied to, you might be able to apply for a foundation year in the same subject.

Holding a place

Did you know that you can apply through clearing even if you’re holding a place at another university?

If we offer you a place, make sure you wait until you receive your confirmation email. You’ll need to release yourself from your previous place on the UCAS Hub.

You will also need to inform Student Finance England that you have changed university.

Requesting a release

Once you've been released from your current place you can't change your mind and go back to your initial selection, so it's important to be sure about your decision!