UCAS Clearing 2026: Everything International Students Need to Know

Getting a place at a UK university doesn’t always go exactly to plan. UCAS Clearing can help you find a university place if you didn’t receive the offers you expected, missed your required grades, or decided that another course is a better fit.

For international students, Clearing can be a useful way to find a university place, but there are a few extra things to consider, from checking entry requirements and preparing documents to arranging your Student visa and finding accommodation. This guide explains how UCAS Clearing 2026 works, what you need to prepare, and what to do once you find a place.

What Is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is an official service run by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) that helps students find available places at UK universities and colleges. It’s available from 2 July to 19 October 2026 for 2026 entry and typically becomes much busier after A-level results come out in mid-August.

Students use Clearing to explore available university places when their original plans change or they decide to pursue a different course.

You may be able to use Clearing if:

• You applied through UCAS but didn’t receive any offers.
• You decided not to accept the offers you received.
• You didn’t meet the conditions of your offer, for example, you got lower grades than expected.
• You’re applying to university for the first time after Results Day.

When Is UCAS Clearing 2026?

Since UCAS Clearing 2026 runs from 2 July to 19 October, here are the other UCAS Clearing dates in 2026 to keep in mind, especially around Results Day.

Important note: If you’re an international student, check your chosen university’s deadlines carefully. Some universities may set earlier deadlines for students who need a Student visa, so you may need to apply before UCAS Clearing officially closes.

Who Can Apply Through Clearing?

International students can apply through UCAS Clearing, just like UK students. You may be able to use Clearing if:

• You apply to university after 30 June.
• You don’t receive any university offers.
• You don’t achieve the grades required for your conditional offer.
• You meet your offer conditions but decide you’d prefer a different course.

Clearing for international students is largely the same as it is for UK students, but international students may have additional requirements to consider depending on their university, course, and country, such as:

• Providing academic qualification documents
• Meeting English language requirements or taking an additional language test
• Completing an interview, assessment, or additional test if required
• Providing information needed for a Student visa, if required

If you receive your results earlier, you may be able to start exploring Clearing before A-level Results Day. For example, IB results are published in July. However, some universities may not publish all their available places until around UK Results Day.

So, it’s best to start early and check each university’s requirements directly, especially if you need a student visa. The university may also have an earlier deadline than the official Clearing closing date.

How to Apply Through Clearing as an International Student

So, how does Clearing work for international students? You first find a suitable course, contact the university, prepare any required documents, and get permission to add the course to your UCAS application.

Check Clearing Courses

Check available courses, entry requirements, and whether international students are accepted. Pay particular attention to how your qualifications are assessed and whether you meet the course requirements. You can also use Clearing Plus in UCAS Hub to see course recommendations based on your application and available places.

Contact Universities

Contact the universities you're interested in to check availability and discuss your eligibility. Have your UCAS ID, qualifications, and English language results ready when you contact them.

Prepare Your Documents

Have your academic qualifications, transcripts, English language certificates, passport, and relevant visa information ready. Requirements can vary by university.

Add Your Clearing Choice

Once a university confirms that it wants to offer you a place, log in to UCAS Hub and add the course as your Clearing choice. You can only add one Clearing choice at a time.

Wait for Confirmation

Once you've added your Clearing choice, wait for the university to accept or decline it. If it's declined, you can contact other universities and explore more available courses. Vacancies can change throughout the summer, so keep checking UCAS if you don't find a suitable option straight away.

What Documents Do International Students Need?

Have your key documents ready before contacting universities. Requirements vary, but you’ll generally need:

If you're making a new UCAS application through Clearing, you may also need to provide a personal statement and reference. Requirements vary depending on your circumstances and university. Students applying directly to Clearing after 30 June can also upload supporting documents through UCAS. This includes certain international qualifications, transcripts, English language certificates, and passport or visa documents. Your university may also ask for additional information, so check its requirements before applying.

What Happens After You Get a Clearing Offer?

Once your Clearing place is confirmed, there are a few important steps to take, especially if you're an international student.

Confirm Your Place

Make sure your Clearing choice has been accepted through UCAS Hub before treating your university place as confirmed.

Check Visa Requirements

If you need a UK Student visa, check your university’s visa guidance and make sure you have everything required for your application. You’ll generally need your CAS before applying for your Student visa, so ask the university when it expects to issue yours.

Get Your CAS

Once you've met your university's requirements, it will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you'll need for your Student visa application.

Arrange Your Accommodation

Once your university place is confirmed, start looking for accommodation.

Plan Your Arrival

Once your university place, visa, and accommodation are sorted, check your university’s enrolment and arrival dates and start planning your move to the UK.

Finding Student Accommodation After Clearing

After securing your university place, finding somewhere to live is your next step. If you're moving to the UK from overseas, accommodation can also become more limited as the start of the academic year approaches. Since accommodation is your next priority, here's what to know before you book:

Types of accommodation

• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): Furnished accommodation with shared facilities and often on-site support. Many properties include bills in the rent.
• Shared apartments or houses: Private room, shared communal space. Usually more budget-friendly.
• Studio apartments: Fully private and self-contained, at a higher price point.
• University-managed halls: Some universities guarantee a halls place for Clearing students who meet certain criteria, so ask directly.

If you’re looking for student accommodation after securing your Clearing place, Casita can help you compare accommodation options across the UK so you can find a room that suits your location, budget, and preferences.

What booking usually requires

• Proof of your university place: Your Clearing confirmation or university offer.
• Passport or ID: Usually required to verify your identity.
• Guarantor details: If required by the accommodation provider.
• Deposit or advance rent: Depending on the provider and payment terms.

If you don't have a UK-based guarantor, look for accommodation that accepts international guarantors or offers a guarantor service, since this is a common sticking point for overseas students.

Booking remotely

Many providers offer virtual tours, online booking, digital tenancy agreements, and remote payment options. This lets you secure a place before you arrive, which matters if your Clearing offer comes through late in the summer.

When comparing your options, check the following:

• Location: Check how far the accommodation is from your university and whether you can easily travel to campus.
• Room type: Choose an en-suite room, shared apartment, or studio based on your budget and privacy needs.
• What’s included: Check whether Wi-Fi, electricity, water, heating, and other essential utilities are included in the rent.
• Contract and move-in date: Make sure the tenancy covers the period you need and that the move-in date works with your university’s enrolment dates.
• Cancellation terms: Check what happens if your visa is refused or your university plans change.
• Availability: Book early, as popular accommodation can fill up quickly after Clearing.

Tips for International Students Using Clearing

• Start early: If you already have your results, don't wait until A-level Results Day to explore your options. Popular courses and places can fill quickly.
• Contact more than one university: Having several options can help if your first choice doesn't have availability.
• Wait for confirmation: Make sure your Clearing place is confirmed through UCAS Hub before booking accommodation.
• Ask about visa deadlines: Your university may have an earlier deadline if you need a Student visa.
• Allow time for your visa: If you need a Student visa, check your university's latest application and arrival deadlines and allow enough time for your visa application to be processed.
• Keep checking Clearing: Available courses can change throughout the Clearing period.

Final Thoughts on UCAS Clearing 2026

UCAS Clearing 2026 can give you another opportunity to find a UK university place that suits your goals, even if your original plans have changed. For international students, start early, check university and visa requirements carefully, and keep your documents ready so you can act quickly.

Once your place is confirmed, don’t leave accommodation until the last minute. Compare your options early and make sure your choice fits your budget, location, and needs.