Russell Group Clearing Spaces 2026: Universities, Courses, Websites and Contact Details

If you are searching for Russell Group Clearing spaces 2026, there is still an important opportunity to explore—but you need to act carefully because vacancies can change quickly.

Clearing runs from 2 July to 19 October 2026, according to UCAS. Students may use Clearing if they are applying late, did not receive or do not want to accept an offer, missed the conditions of their offers, or have changed their plans.

The most important rule is simple: do not rely on an old list of Clearing vacancies. Check the university's official website and UCAS for the latest availability.

Russell Group Clearing Spaces 2026: Universities to Check

Below are some Russell Group universities with official 2026 Clearing information.

1. University of Exeter

The University of Exeter has an official Clearing 2026 page with information about available courses, applications and admissions.

Official website:

Admissions email: ug-ad@exeter.ac.uk

UK telephone: 0300 555 6060

International telephone: +44 1392 723044

Exeter states that its admissions team can be contacted by email, telephone and online enquiry routes.

For students from India: Exeter also has information specifically for Indian applicants considering Clearing.

2. University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a Russell Group university with official 2026 Clearing information.

However, its current official page states that it is no longer accepting new Clearing applications. Students who have already applied can still contact the university regarding their application.

Official website:

Clearing telephone — UK: 0114 212 9900

Clearing telephone — outside UK: +44 114 212 9900

University main telephone: +44 114 222 2000

University address:
The University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
United Kingdom

If you have already applied through Clearing, the university recommends checking your Sheffield Clearing account and waiting for the admissions team to contact you.

3. Newcastle University

Newcastle University has an official Clearing 2026 service and provides separate information for international applicants.

Official website:

UK Clearing telephone: 0800 073 5050

International Clearing telephone: +44 191 222 5000

University main telephone: +44 (0)191 208 6000

Newcastle specifically warns that Clearing entry requirements can differ from the requirements shown elsewhere, so contacting its advisers is recommended when checking eligibility.

International students:

Newcastle currently provides an international Clearing route with the international telephone number listed above.

4. University of York

The University of York has published information for its 2026/27 undergraduate courses and Clearing.

Official website:

Clearing telephone: +44 (0)1904 234868

Clearing email: clearing@york.ac.uk

International Clearing email: international-clearing@york.ac.uk

University main telephone: +44 (0)1904 320 000

York states that some courses may have vacancies but warns that places can fill quickly.

University address:
University of York
York
YO10 5DD
United Kingdom

5. Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London is another Russell Group university offering a 2026 Clearing route.

Its official website states that final places were available through Clearing from 13 August 2026, with a course finder showing programmes with vacancies.

Official website:

Queen Mary accepts applications from UK, EU and international applicants through Clearing, subject to course availability and eligibility.

For the latest telephone number, students should use the number displayed directly on Queen Mary's official Clearing page because the university explains that it uses different hotline numbers to manage call demand.

International students:

Don't Assume a Russell Group University Has Every Course in Clearing

This is extremely important.

A university can be open for Clearing while a particular course has no remaining spaces.

For example, Newcastle's individual course pages can explicitly state that a particular programme is not available in Clearing 2026.

Therefore, search for:

University + course + Clearing 2026

rather than simply searching for:

Russell Group Clearing

Where Should You Check for the Latest Clearing Vacancies?

UCAS

UCAS should be one of your first places to check.

Official website:

UCAS says official Clearing vacancies are available through its search tools and are updated according to the places universities and colleges have available.

University Websites

Always check the university's own Clearing page before calling.

This is particularly important because vacancies can disappear quickly.

What Information Should You Have Before Calling?

Before contacting a university, keep the following information ready:

• UCAS Personal ID
• Clearing number, if applicable
• Your exam results
• A-level, IB, BTEC, T Level or other qualification details
• GCSE results where relevant
• Course name
• UCAS course code, if available
• English-language qualification details for international applications
• Passport information if requested
• Questions about accommodation and fees

Being prepared can make the conversation much easier.

Can International Students Apply Through Russell Group Clearing?

Yes, some Russell Group universities accept international applicants through Clearing.

However, international students should check additional requirements carefully.

These may include:

• Academic qualifications
• English-language requirements
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Student visa requirements
• CAS arrangements
• Accommodation
• Financial requirements
• Application deadlines

UCAS confirms that international applicants can use Clearing and notes that universities may continue adding vacancies during the Clearing period.

Russell Group Clearing 2026: Important Contact List

University	Clearing website	Contact
University of Exeter		0300 555 6060 / +44 1392 723044
University of Sheffield		0114 212 9900 / +44 114 212 9900
Newcastle University		0800 073 5050 / +44 191 222 5000
University of York		+44 1904 234868
Queen Mary University of London		Check current official Clearing page

Important: telephone numbers, opening hours and available courses can change. Always verify the details on the university's official website before calling.

What If Your First Choice Has No Clearing Space?

Don't panic.

You can consider:

1. Another Russell Group university.
2. A related degree.
3. A foundation-year programme.
4. A university with strong industry placements.
5. A different course with similar career outcomes.
6. Waiting for another suitable vacancy where appropriate.

Don't choose a university solely because it has the Russell Group label.

The course, career opportunities, accreditation, placement options, location and total cost should all be considered.

A Simple Russell Group Clearing Strategy

Use this order:

1. Choose your subject

↓

2. Search UCAS

↓

3. Check the university's official Clearing page

↓

4. Check exact entry requirements

↓

5. Contact the university

↓

6. Ask about accommodation and fees

↓

7. Get a confirmed offer

↓

8. Add your Clearing choice through UCAS

This approach can help you avoid making an expensive decision under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Russell Group universities have Clearing spaces in 2026?

Clearing availability changes continuously. Official 2026 Clearing information is available from universities including Exeter, Newcastle, York and Queen Mary, while Sheffield's current page says it is no longer accepting new Clearing applications. Always check the individual university's current course vacancies.

Can I get into a Russell Group university through Clearing?

Yes, if the university has a vacancy on a suitable course and you meet its requirements. There is no guarantee that your preferred course will be available.

Can I apply through Clearing if I got better grades than expected?

Yes. Clearing isn't only for students who missed their grades. UCAS and universities explain that students can use Clearing when their circumstances or university preferences change.

Can international students use Clearing?

Yes. Some universities accept international students through Clearing, although additional academic, English-language and visa requirements may apply.

When does Clearing 2026 close?

UCAS states that Clearing runs from 2 July to 19 October 2026. Individual university courses may close much earlier when spaces are filled.

Can I call a university before applying?

Yes. Calling the university's official admissions or Clearing team can be useful for checking whether your qualifications meet the current requirements and whether a course has a vacancy.

Should I give up if my preferred Russell Group university has no space?

No. Search other universities, related courses and alternative routes. Clearing vacancies can differ substantially between universities and subjects.

Final Thoughts

Searching for Russell Group Clearing spaces 2026 can be stressful, but you still have options.

The most important thing is to combine speed with careful research.

Check UCAS, visit the official university Clearing website, confirm the exact course vacancy and entry requirements, and contact the university directly before making a decision.

If you are an international student, pay particular attention to visa, English-language, tuition-fee and accommodation requirements.

And remember: don't choose a university simply because it is Russell Group. Choose the course and university that best fit your academic goals, career plans and circumstances.

*Information in this article was checked against official university and UCAS pages available in August 2026. Clearing vacancies, entry requirements, telephone numbers and opening hours can change. Always verify current information directly with UCAS or the university before applying.*