What is university Clearing?

Clearing is the process by which unis fill any places they still have on their courses. UCAS Clearing gives you the opportunity to secure your university place by applying through the Clearing process.

From 5 July to 20 October 2025, you can enter Clearing if you didn’t get the results you were hoping for – or if you did better than you thought you would. 

University Clearing at university is a way of matching students without a university place to universities who have course places to fill.

Once your results are available, check the UCAS Hub to see if you’re eligible for Clearing. This is also is where you’ll find your Clearing number.

You can use university Clearing to find a course place if:

• you didn’t receive any offers;
• you declined offers you did receive;
• you didn’t meet the criteria for conditional offers for your chosen universities;
• you applied after 30 June and were automatically entered into Clearing.

Clearing is about preparation, acting fast and picking up the phone to us as soon as you get your results. Find out how to get prepared for Results Day.

Holding another offer does not stop you coming to the University of Stirling. If you contact our Clearing helpline we'll be happy to check your eligibility and talk you through the processes involved.

Yes, you will need to contact your relevant student finance organisation. Keep all your important documents and identification to hand, as this will make the application process run smoothly.

• England: GOV.UK student finance
• Northern Ireland: Student Finance NI 
• Wales: Student Finance Wales
• Scotland: Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
• Republic of Ireland: Students from the Republic of Ireland who are living in the Republic of Ireland, who have been ordinarily resident in the Common Travel Area of the UK, Islands or Ireland for three years prior to the relevant date (for autumn start courses this is 1 August) who are studying in Scotland will be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from SAAS. Find out more on the SAAS website.

Once you've secured your place at Stirling through the UCAS Clearing process, you'll receive a confirmation email from us. This will have your Applicant Number on it. We'll send you an email in the weeks after accepting your place with instructions on how to apply for accommodation at Stirling.

If you're from England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland or international, we’ll guarantee you an offer of University-managed accommodation in your first year of study if you meet the eligibility criteria. Your accommodation application must reach us by 31 August.