Best UK Universities Still Accepting Students Through Clearing 2026
Tips and Advice
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Updated at: 23 August, 2026
By Nora Mostafa
Tips and Advice
6 mins read

Updated at: 23 August, 2026
By Nora Mostafa
Share
If you are still looking for a UK university place, Clearing 2026 may provide another route into undergraduate study. This guide highlights universities accepting Clearing 2026 applications and helps students compare current options based on courses, entry requirements, location, accommodation and international eligibility.
Clearing vacancies can disappear quickly, and a course appearing in a search result does not guarantee that a place will still be available when you apply. Always check the live UCAS listing and the university’s official Clearing page before making a decision.
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UK Universities Accepting Students Through Clearing 2026
When checked, the following universities had official clearing information on open positions. This is not a comprehensive ranking of all universities with open spots; rather, it is a chosen list of universities in Clearing 2026.
Consider more than just a university's reputation when comparing Clearing universities in 2026. A university's suitability can be influenced by a number of factors, including course availability, admission requirements, tuition costs, housing, location, and international eligibility.
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
Candidates can look through available courses and submit an online application on LJMU's official Clearing page. Business, computing, engineering, health, science, creative subjects, and social sciences are all included in its broader undergraduate curriculum. Each course and qualification has different requirements for admission. For the most recent grades and subject requirements, applicants should visit the specific course page.
International students should confirm that their chosen course is open to overseas applicants and check qualification, English-language and visa requirements directly with LJMU.
Another important thing students should check is accommodation options. They must check it as soon as they receive an offer, as availability can change during Clearing. With Casita, this step is very easy so that you can check some options:
| Accommodation | Distance to University | Starting From |
| Byrom Point Roost | Ten-minute walk | £156 |
| The Lantern | 12-minute walk | £171 |
| The Octagon | 13-minute walk | £198 |
| St Lukes View Unite | 14-minute walk | £174 |
University of Surrey
University of Surrey is one of the best universities in Clearing 2026, with current course-level information published by the university. Current Clearing information includes subjects such as business, computing, engineering, sciences, psychology, social sciences, nursing and selected foundation routes.
Entry requirements vary by course. For example, current requirements include a CCD for Computer Science BSc, including a C in mathematics and a C in another STEM subject; a CCC for business management BSc; a BCC for psychology BSc; and a DDD for international tourism management BSc. Students should check the specific course page for the latest requirements, as these can change.
International applicants should check country-specific qualification equivalencies, English-language requirements, tuition fees and CAS deadlines before applying. Surrey's course pages also publish overseas fee information for individual courses.
Regarding the student accommodation, here are some options via Casita:
| Accommodation | Distance to University | Starting From (weekly) |
| The Bridge | Ten-minute walk | £270 |
| Bankside Student Living | 11-minute walk | £395 |
| Ash Grove Court | 19 minutes by bus | £335 |
SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London is an option from the best universities in Clearing, particularly relevant to students interested in subjects such as law, economics, anthropology, development studies, history, politics, languages and cultures relating to Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Applicants must meet the academic and English-language requirements for their chosen course. Check requirements directly with the Clearing team. International applicants should confirm that their chosen course is accepting overseas applicants, that their qualifications meet the required standard and that there is enough time to complete the CAS and visa process.
SOAS states that Clearing applicants who accept their offer and apply for accommodation by 20 August 2026 can receive an accommodation guarantee. Applications after this date may still be considered, with rooms allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Because London generally has higher living costs than many UK cities, students should budget carefully for accommodation, transport and everyday expenses. In case you prefer off-campus housing, you can check these:
| Accommodation | Distance to University | Starting From (weekly) |
| Depot Point | 14-minute walk | £460 |
| Kirby Street Residence - Flexible Tenancies | 15-minute walk | £598 |
| Elizabeth Croll House Unite | 15-minute walk | £332 |
| Chapter Kings Cross | 16 minutes by bus | £373 |
University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is accepting applications through Clearing for September 2026, with a live course-vacancy page. Current opportunities include subjects such as business, marine and ocean studies, geography, creative media, education and early childhood studies, and social sciences.
The university also offers foundation-year routes for students who are concerned about meeting the entry requirements for some full-degree courses. Students can apply online via the official website or call the Clearing Team.
Plymouth guarantees eligible new first-year undergraduate students applying through Clearing a place in university-managed accommodation, accredited private halls or other suitable student accommodation, subject to the university's terms and conditions.
Check the following accommodation options:
| Accommodation | Distance to University | Starting From (weekly) |
| Discovery Heights | Five-minute walk | £149 |
| Beckley Point | Six-minute walk | £148 |
| Central Point | Eight-minute walk | £129 |
| Alexandra Works | Nine minutes by bus | £109 |
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is accepting applications through Clearing for September 2026, with a limited number of places available in selected subject areas. Current Clearing opportunities should be checked directly with the university, as individual courses may close when places are filled. Current Clearing opportunities include subjects such as computer science, biosciences, art history and visual culture, and modern languages.
Eligible international students from selected countries may also qualify for £3,000 Clearing scholarships for eligible campus-based undergraduate programmes starting in September 2026. Scholarship eligibility and deadlines vary by country.
Exeter offers accommodation options to Clearing students depending on availability. Students applying after 31 July 2026 may be offered university-owned, managed or approved accommodation, although the university notes that places may be limited and could be in the city rather than on campus. If accommodation cannot be offered, Casita provides information to help students find alternative options.
| Accommodation | Distance to University | Starting From (weekly) |
| Northernhay House | 20 minutes by bus | £175 |
| The Printworks | 21 minutes by bus | £189 |
| West Gate | 22 minutes by bus | £217 |
| Trust House | 24 minutes by bus | £185 |
How to Find Available Universities Through Clearing
Whether you are comparing UK universities' Clearing options or searching for top UK universities through Clearing, use UCAS and the university website together.
1. Search UCAS
Start with the UCAS Clearing course search and filter by the following:
- Clearing 2026.
- Undergraduate study.
- Subject.
- Location.
- Qualification.
- Study mode.
- September 2026 entry.
UCAS says its Clearing vacancies are displayed in its search tool, but the availability of individual courses can change.
2. Check the University’s Official Page
Open the university's official Clearing page and the individual course page.
Confirm:
- Course title and UCAS code.
- Qualification type, such as BA, BSc or BEng.
- Campus and city.
- Full-time or part-time status.
- September 2026 start date.
- A-level, BTEC or IB requirements.
- GCSE or equivalent conditions.
- Portfolio, interview or audition requirements.
- International application status.
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation information and deadlines.
3. Contact Admissions
To continue applying for UK universities Clearing after finding a suitable course, contact the university to confirm the vacancy is still open and that you meet the requirements and have the following:
- UCAS Personal ID.
- Clearing number, if applicable.
- Final results.
- Qualification documents.
- Preferred course details.
Ready before contacting admissions.
4. Record When You Checked
In Clearing universities 2026, vacancies can change quickly, so record the date you checked each university's available courses. This helps you understand that the information may change.
Advice for International Students
International students can apply through Clearing, but a UCAS vacancy does not automatically mean that an applicant will be able to receive a student-visa-supporting offer.
Before accepting a place, confirm:
- The university is a licensed student sponsor.
- The specific course accepts international Clearing applicants.
- Your qualification meets the academic requirement.
- Your English test is accepted.
- You can provide final certificates and transcripts.
- Any tuition-fee deposit is affordable and refundable under the stated terms.
- The university can issue your CAS before its internal deadline.
Fees, Scholarships and Living Costs
Do not estimate international tuition fees from Clearing entry grades. Fees vary by university, course and applicant status.
Before accepting an offer, confirm:
- Annual international tuition fee.
- If fees can increase in later years.
- Tuition-fee deposit and refund conditions.
- Scholarship eligibility for Clearing applicants.
- Payment deadlines and instalment options.
- Placement, field-trip, laboratory or registration costs.
- Bills and contract length.
- Visa fee and immigration health surcharge.
London-based universities such as SOAS require particularly careful budgeting because accommodation and everyday expenses can be higher than in many UK cities.
Outside London, cities such as Plymouth, Leeds, Southampton and Liverpool may offer different accommodation and transport costs. However, prices vary by neighbourhood, room type and contract.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Comparing Universities
Finding a Clearing place is only the first step. Before accepting an offer, compare each university based on the factors that matter most to you:
- Course fit: Does the course content match your academic and career goals?
- Entry requirements: Do you meet all the required grades and subject conditions?
- Total cost: Can you afford the tuition fees, accommodation, transport, food and other living expenses?
- Accommodation: Is suitable accommodation available, and is it guaranteed?
- Location: Is the university's location suitable for you in terms of distance from campus, transport links and cost of living?
- International support: Does the university provide the international student support you need, and can it issue your CAS on time?
- Timing: Do you have enough time to complete your admission, visa and accommodation arrangements before the course starts?
Make the Right Clearing Choice
Clearing can help you find a university place when your original plans change, but the quickest option isn't always the best. Compare the course, entry requirements, total costs, accommodation and support before accepting an offer.
If you are an international student, make sure you have enough time to complete your CAS and student visa arrangements. Most importantly, confirm the latest course availability and requirements directly with UCAS and the university before deciding, as Clearing vacancies can change quickly.
Tips and Advice
By Nora Mostafa
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Tips and Advice
Updated at:
By Nora Mostafa
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