What is Clearing?

Clearing is a chance for students who have received their results to secure a place on a university course that still has vacancies.

When is Clearing?

Clearing will be open in UCAS from 2 July to 19 October 2026.

A lot of activity will happen on Thursday 13 August, which is results day for A levels and many other qualifications. Universities close their courses as they fill up, so it’s important to check if they have vacancies before you apply.

Who can use Clearing?

You can apply through Clearing if any of these is true:

• You’re applying for the first time after 30 June
• you didn’t receive any offers from your initial UCAS application
• you declined any offers you did receive
• you didn’t meet the conditions of your firm or insurance offer
• you have a place, but you want to explore further options. Maybe you did even better than you were expecting in your exams!

How does Clearing work?

It's never too early to start researching Clearing options, and we recommend to do this before you have your results. Everything happens quickly on results day so it's good to be prepared!

Once you have received your results, you can contact universities you’re interested in to enquire about available courses. You can enquire about as many different courses at different universities as you like at this stage.

If you meet their entry criteria, you may receive a Clearing offer. This will be an informal offer, usually over the phone or by email.

You can receive several informal clearing offers, but you can only accept one. You do this by adding a Clearing choice to your UCAS application.

How do I apply during Clearing?

Lancaster University's Clearing vacancies will be listed on our website from the start of July 2026.

Sign up to receive Clearing updates from Lancaster University

If you already have your final results, you can apply to Lancaster University from 2 July.

You can apply online via our website as soon as Clearing opens. If you apply via our webform, we will aim to decide on your application within 1-2 days, but it might take slightly longer if we require more information.

You can also apply by phone. On Results Day (Thursday 13 August 2026) this is the quickest way to get a Clearing offer, and our friendly call-handlers will help you understand your options.

Lancaster University's Clearing hotline number is:

• 0800 298 9542 if you are in the UK
• +44 (0)1524 931 300 from outside the UK

Our phone lines will be open:

• Thursday 13 August, 08:00-19:00 BST
• Friday 14 August, 09:00-17:00 BST
• Saturday 15 August, 10:00-16:00 BST
• Sunday 16 August, 10:00-16:00 BST

and then during business hours in the following days.

What happens when I call Lancaster University?

What happens during the call itself?

You will speak to one of our friendly Clearing team. They will ask you for some information to see if you are eligible for the course you’re interested in. If we can’t offer you a place on your chosen course, they will be able to talk through other potential options. They can also help with other questions you may have about studying at Lancaster.

If you meet our entry criteria, we will then take your personal details, such as your name and email address. We will then make you a verbal offer of a place. Our Admissions team will then check the details of your enquiry. If everything looks good, you'll receive an offer email with further instructions.

What do I need to have ready?

It’s helpful if you have the following information ready to go when you call Lancaster University:

• Your UCAS Personal ID (if you have one)
• your final grades, including subjects
• your GCSE English and Maths grades
• the names of the courses you’re interested in applying for.

Do I need to do an interview or provide a new personal statement?

We will not usually ask you to take part in an interview or to provide a new personal statement. If we do need any further information in particular cases, we will contact you to request this.

What grades do I need?

We will list A level grade requirements on the course list on Results Day. If you’re not sure whether we’d accept your grades, please give us a call!

Can I apply for a different course than the one I originally applied for?

Yes - you can apply for any available Lancaster University course that you’re interested in.

Can I use Clearing if I’m holding a firm or insurance place at another university?

Yes. You are welcome to apply to Lancaster and receive a clearing offer whilst you're holding a place elsewhere. If you decide to accept the clearing offer, you will need to decline your place in UCAS first, so we would recommend thinking through all of your options before you decide.

Can I get a Clearing place if I’ve previously declined my offer?

Yes - we would be more than happy for you to reapply.

Can I defer entry through Clearing?

We do not usually defer offers made through Clearing. Any offers made will be for 2026 entry.

What happens after you receive a Clearing offer?

Can I still visit the university?

Yes. Lancaster University has opportunities for you to visit campus over the summer and after Results Day if you're applying through Clearing.

Is student accommodation still available?

Lancaster University guarantees on-campus accommodation to first-year students placed through Clearing.

Will someone be in touch about accommodation?

Yes. Once your place at Lancaster University is confirmed, our accommodation team will contact you. In the meantime, you can find more information in our accommodation guide.

Can I still apply for Student Finance if I apply through Clearing?

Yes - although we recommend doing so as soon as possible. This will ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course. If you were holding an offer elsewhere, you need to contact your Student Finance body to inform them of the change.

Are scholarships and bursaries available to Clearing students?

Yes. Students placed at Lancaster University through Clearing will be automatically considered for our scholarships and bursaries.