Clearing explained
Find out about Clearing, who can use it and when to apply, and read our step-by-step guide to the process.
We do not have any Clearing vacancies for 2023 courses.
Find out more about applying to Bristol in 2024.
Jump to section
What is Clearing?
Clearing is a process for students who have received their school leaving qualifications to apply to available undergraduate courses at universities across the UK.
Who can use Clearing
The Clearing process is available to home (UK) and international students.
Visit our fee status page if you are unsure whether you are a home or international student.
You can only apply through Clearing after you have received your exam results.
You can use Clearing in any of these situations:
- you do not have a place
- you have a place but have changed your mind about where to study
- you have not yet applied through UCAS for this year.
Step-by-step guide to Clearing
Step 1 - Explore vacancies
If you find a course vacancy that interests you, read through the information on the course page to decide if you want to apply.
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Search for your country for advice on what qualifications we consider.
Step 2 - Contact us
Contact us to discuss whether we can offer you a place.
Have your UCAS personal ID (if you have one), your exam results, and the UCAS course code ready.
When you call, we can only talk to you or your nominated contact.
A nominated contact can be a parent, teacher, agent, adviser or another person who can talk to us on your behalf. If you want us to talk to one of these people, you will need to either:
- add them as your nominated contact on UCAS
- personally give us your permission over the phone before we can talk to them.
If you are applying through an agent and you want them to talk to us about your Clearing application, you will need to add them as your nominated contact on UCAS. We cannot give them information about you and your situation without your permission.
Step 3 - Get an offer
We’ll email you to let you know if we can offer you a place through Clearing or not.
You may receive several verbal or email offers from other universities before choosing which to accept, but you can only accept one.
If you haven't applied through UCAS before, you must register with UCAS before you can confirm your offer.
Step 4 - Update your UCAS Hub
Add your course in your UCAS Hub as your Clearing choice. This confirms your Clearing course choice. You must do this within the timeframe set out in the email we send you.
Using Clearing because you've changed your mind about where to study
If you have a place at another institution, you can contact other universities to ask about vacancies and receive offers. However, you must release yourself into Clearing before you can add your new course choice on UCAS. There is more information about declining your firm place on the UCAS website.
Step 5 - Next steps
If you accept an offer of a place, you will need to think about accommodation, funding and applying for a visa.
Find out what to do once you've got your Clearing place at Bristol.
Deferring or changing course
If you already have a place at Bristol and you would like to defer it, or you want to change to one of our other courses, don't use Clearing. Instead, find out what to do if you change your mind.
Adjustment
Adjustment is no longer available through UCAS.
More information
Find out more about the Clearing process, including costs, on the UCAS website: What is Clearing?
The Clearing process was very simple. The person who helped me on the phone was friendly and reassured me. I'm extremely pleased that I came to Bristol - it was one of the best decisions I've made. I've made the best of friends, alongside being on a very reputable course at a top-class university. Don't be afraid, be proud of what you've achieved and apply!