Five things you need to know about Clearing

Posted 2 days ago

Apply now to the University of Southampton through Clearing

If you’re thinking about applying to the University of Southampton through Clearing, it might all seem a bit scary. Don’t worry, Clearing is just another route to university, and it can be a great opportunity. Here are five quick things you need to know to make the process as smooth as possible.

1. What is Clearing?

Clearing is a system through UCAS that matches students who didn’t get a university place to courses that still have vacancies. It’s a way to apply to universities if you didn’t get the offers you expected, if you changed your mind about your course, or if you’re applying after the main application deadline.

Clearing opens on 5 July 2025 and runs until the end of September, giving you plenty of time to apply to available courses.

2. What if you’ve changed your mind?

If you’ve decided you want to switch your course or even your university, Clearing is the perfect way to make that change. Whether it’s because you’re no longer interested in your original choice or you’ve found a course that better suits your future plans, Clearing gives you the chance to explore other options and apply for courses that still have spaces.

3. Are you applying after 30 June?

If you’ve missed the 30 June deadline for UCAS, don’t worry! You can still apply through Clearing, which is open to anyone applying after that date. In fact, you can start applying through Clearing from 5 July 2025, even if you didn’t apply in the regular application period. We offer courses that might still have spaces, so take a look and see what’s available.

4. What if things change on results day?

Clearing is especially useful if things don’t go as planned on results day (14 August 2025). If you didn’t meet the conditions of your offer, or if your plans have changed, Clearing allows you to apply for available courses that may suit your new situation. If you're not sure what to do, the university's admissions team is there to help guide you through the process.

Even if things don’t go to plan, there are still options open to you. Keep calm, check available courses, and speak to us about your next steps.

5. Next steps (how to apply through Clearing)

Once you’re ready, here’s how to proceed:

  • Check available courses
  • Contact us: You can apply through the UCAS system or directly by calling the university’s Clearing hotline. Be ready with your UCAS ID, results, and any relevant qualifications.
  • Accept your offer: If you're given a verbal offer, accept it through your UCAS Hub, and you’ll receive confirmation via email.

Be sure to apply sooner rather than later to ensure the best chance of securing a place!