A Russell Group university may still be within reach through UCAS Clearing 2026 — even if your results were lower than expected, you applied late, or your original university plans have changed.
For thousands of students, results day is not the end of the university journey. It is the moment when a different route opens.
UCAS Clearing 2026 is now open, and 13 August 2026 is A-level results day in the UK. UCAS says its full application service becomes available from 13:00 on results day, allowing eligible applicants to add a Clearing choice once they have secured an offer from a university or college.
And yes, some Russell Group universities have courses available through Clearing.
But there is an important catch: Clearing vacancies can change quickly. A course showing today may disappear tomorrow — or another course may become available later.
Here is exactly how UCAS Clearing works, what the key 2026 dates are, whether Russell Group universities take students through Clearing, and how to give yourself the best chance of securing a place.
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a system that helps universities and colleges fill undergraduate places that are still available.
For 2026 entry, Clearing runs from 2 July until 19 October 2026.
You may be able to use Clearing if:
- You applied after the main UCAS deadline.
- You did not receive any university offers.
- You did not want to accept the offers you received.
- You did not meet the conditions of your firm or insurance offer.
- You have changed your mind about your university choice.
- You have used UCAS's “Decline my place” option and are eligible for Clearing.
Clearing is not simply a system for students who “failed” to get into university.
It can also be used by students whose circumstances or plans have changed.
Most importantly, being in Clearing does not automatically mean you have to compromise on the quality of university you attend.
Some highly regarded universities, including members of the Russell Group, can have vacancies on particular courses.
UCAS Clearing 2026 key dates
If you are looking for Clearing places in 2026, these are the dates to know.
Date| What happens
30 June 2026, 18:00 UK time| Applications received after this deadline are automatically entered into Clearing
1 July 2026| Last day to add a UCAS Extra choice
2 July 2026| Clearing opens and vacancies begin appearing in the UCAS search tool
4 August 2026| Qualifications Scotland results day
13 August 2026| A-level/JCQ results day
24 September 2026, 18:00 UK time| Final date for 2026 entry applications
19 October 2026| Last date to add a 2026 Clearing choice
The most important date for many students: 13 August
If you are receiving A-level results, 13 August 2026 is a major Clearing date.
UCAS begins updating applications from 08:00 on results day. The full application service becomes available from 13:00, when eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice or reply to offers.
That means you should be ready before results day rather than starting your research after you see your grades.
Can you get into a Russell Group university through Clearing?
Yes, it is possible.
However, there is no single list of “Russell Group Clearing places” that remains fixed throughout the entire Clearing period.
Vacancies depend on:
- The university
- The specific course
- The number of students who accept their offers
- Entry requirements
- Available capacity
- Your qualifications
- Whether the university is still recruiting for that course
The Russell Group represents 24 research-intensive UK universities, including institutions such as Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Imperial College London, King's College London, Leeds, Liverpool, LSE, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Queen Mary University of London, Queen's University Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, UCL, Warwick and York.
But being a Russell Group university does not mean every course will be available through Clearing.
In fact, availability can differ dramatically between subjects.
Russell Group Clearing 2026: examples of courses currently listed
UCAS's course database currently shows a number of 2026 courses at Russell Group universities as available through Clearing.
Examples include:
University of Birmingham
UCAS currently lists some University of Birmingham courses as available in Clearing, including Accounting and Finance, Business Management with Year in Industry, Liberal Arts and Philosophy.
University of Exeter
Some University of Exeter courses currently shown by UCAS as available through Clearing include Artificial Intelligence, Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, English, and Computer Science and Mathematics.
University of Liverpool
UCAS currently lists Clearing availability for courses including Accounting and Finance, Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Financial Computing with a Year in Industry and Mathematics and Statistics with a Year Abroad.
Newcastle University
Some courses currently listed through Clearing include Mathematics, Economics, Business Management, Politics and International Relations, and English Literature and History.
University of Sheffield
UCAS currently shows some Sheffield courses available through Clearing, including Physics with a Foundation Year and Environmental Science.
Cardiff University
UCAS currently lists some Cardiff courses as available through Clearing, including Physics and Astrophysics.
Important: These examples are not a promise that places are still available when you read this article. Clearing vacancies can change quickly. UCAS says its search tool is the official vacancy listing and is updated as universities and colleges have places available.
How to find Russell Group Clearing places
The safest approach is to start with the official UCAS Clearing search.
Do not rely solely on social media posts, old blog articles or screenshots of Clearing vacancies.
Search for your:
1. Preferred subject
2. Course type
3. Location
4. Entry requirements
5. Preferred university
Then check the individual course carefully.
Look at:
- Required grades
- Required subjects
- Course length
- Campus
- Start date
- Placement requirements
- Accreditation
- Foundation-year options
- International-student requirements, if applicable
A course being listed under Clearing does not necessarily mean you automatically qualify for it.
How to apply through UCAS Clearing 2026
The process is easier if you approach it systematically.
Step 1: Check your UCAS status
Sign into your UCAS Hub.
Your application will tell you whether you are in Clearing or whether you have another confirmed status.
If you are eligible, UCAS will provide your Clearing number in your application.
Step 2: Search for vacancies
Use the official UCAS Clearing search tool.
Make a shortlist rather than immediately choosing the first university you see.
Ideally, have several suitable courses to investigate.
Step 3: Check the entry requirements
Do not assume that a university will accept lower grades simply because the course appears in Clearing.
Read the course requirements carefully.
Some universities may consider applicants individually, while others may have specific requirements they need you to meet.
Step 4: Contact the university
This is one of the most important parts of Clearing.
Before adding a Clearing choice to your UCAS application, contact the university and obtain permission to add the course.
UCAS says you will generally need your Personal ID and Clearing number when contacting universities.
The university may ask about:
- Your results
- Your qualifications
- Your preferred course
- Your motivation
- Your circumstances
- Your eligibility
Keep your answers clear and concise.
Step 5: Get the offer
If the university wants to offer you a place through Clearing, follow its instructions.
Do not rush into adding a choice simply because you are worried that the opportunity will disappear.
Make sure you understand what you are accepting.
Step 6: Add your Clearing choice in UCAS
Once the university has given you permission, add the appropriate Clearing choice through your UCAS Hub.
UCAS specifically advises applicants to add only the Clearing choice they want to accept after receiving permission from the university or college.
What if you have not applied to UCAS yet?
You can still apply.
If you are applying after 30 June, your application will be entered into Clearing.
UCAS says that if you are applying directly to Clearing, you normally need to complete the application, including sections such as your personal statement and reference, unless the university has specifically told you otherwise.
So don't assume Clearing means you can simply telephone a university and skip the UCAS application entirely.
You still need to complete the required UCAS process.
Can you use Clearing if you already have a university place?
Sometimes, yes.
This is where you need to be particularly careful.
If you already have a confirmed place but want to look elsewhere, UCAS may provide a “Decline my place” option for eligible applicants.
But this should not be treated as a casual way of shopping around.
UCAS warns that using “Decline my place” is not reversible. Applicants should secure a new place before using the service.
Do not give up a confirmed university place simply because you see an attractive Clearing vacancy.
First establish whether the alternative university will actually accept you.
What is Clearing Plus?
Clearing Plus can make the search easier.
UCAS uses information from your application to suggest courses that may be suitable for you.
Eligible applicants can see suggested options through “My matches” in their application.
However, don't treat your Clearing Plus matches as a complete list of your options.
You can still research other courses available through Clearing.
Can you get into Oxford or Cambridge through Clearing?
This is where expectations need to be realistic.
The fact that some Russell Group universities participate in Clearing does not mean that every Russell Group institution or every course participates.
Highly selective courses can have very limited or no Clearing availability.
For that reason, don't build your entire strategy around one university.
Instead, create three categories:
Dream choices: universities or courses you would love to attend.
Strong alternatives: universities and courses that match your qualifications and interests.
Safety options: realistic choices where you have a strong chance of receiving an offer.
The goal is not simply to get the most prestigious name possible.
The goal is to find a course that you can realistically enter and that you will be happy studying for several years.
What documents should you prepare for Clearing?
Have the following information easily accessible:
- UCAS Personal ID
- Clearing number, if provided
- Exam results
- GCSE or equivalent results
- A-level or other Level 3 qualifications
- Subject grades
- English-language qualifications, where relevant
- Personal statement
- Reference information
- Course codes
- University contact details
- Any relevant portfolio or supporting documents
If you're applying internationally, also check:
- Passport
- English-language test results
- Academic transcripts
- Qualification certificates
- Visa requirements
- Financial requirements
- University-specific deadlines
International applicants should be especially careful about late applications because university deadlines and visa processing requirements may be earlier than the final UCAS Clearing deadline.
How to make your Clearing phone call stronger
Calling a university can feel intimidating, particularly when you are stressed about your results.
Prepare a short script.
For example:
«“Hello, I'm interested in the 2026 [course name] course through Clearing. My UCAS Personal ID is [your ID]. I've received [your qualification/results], and I'd like to know whether you would consider my application.”»
Then listen carefully.
Have a pen and paper ready.
Write down:
- The name of the admissions adviser
- Whether you qualify
- Any conditions
- Documents they need
- The next step
- Any deadline they give you
You can contact more than one university while researching your options, but do not add multiple Clearing choices to your UCAS application. Add the choice only when you have decided and the university has given you permission.
Don't make these common Clearing mistakes
1. Choosing a university purely because it is Russell Group
The Russell Group label can be attractive, but your course matters enormously.
Look at the actual programme, modules, assessment style, placement opportunities and career relevance.
2. Waiting until the last minute
Some vacancies appear and disappear quickly.
Start researching as soon as you know you may need Clearing.
3. Assuming every Clearing course has lower entry requirements
It doesn't.
Always check the actual course requirements.
4. Accepting the first offer you receive
An offer can feel like a huge relief.
Take a moment to make sure the course is right for you.
5. Giving up your existing place too quickly
If you already have a confirmed place, be extremely careful before using “Decline my place”.
6. Trusting outdated Clearing lists
A university's Clearing vacancies can change.
UCAS says its search tool is the official vacancy listing.
What if your grades are lower than expected?
Don't panic.
Your first step should be to check your UCAS application and understand exactly what has happened.
Then:
1. Check whether your firm or insurance university has accepted you anyway.
2. Contact the university if your status is unclear.
3. Check Clearing vacancies.
4. Search beyond your original course list.
5. Consider foundation years where appropriate.
6. Compare several universities.
7. Contact admissions teams directly.
A lower-than-expected result does not automatically mean your university plans are over.
You may have more options than you initially think.
What if you changed your mind about your course?
Clearing can also be an opportunity to reconsider your subject.
UCAS notes that applicants can look at different subjects through Clearing rather than being restricted to the subject they originally applied for.
But don't make a major academic decision purely because one course has a vacancy.
Ask yourself:
- Would I genuinely enjoy studying this?
- Do I understand what the degree involves?
- What careers could it lead to?
- Do I meet the subject requirements?
- Can I see myself studying it for three or four years?
- Have I compared the modules?
A Clearing decision can shape several years of your life, so speed matters — but so does judgement.
What happens after you get a Clearing place?
Once your place is confirmed, your next priorities are practical.
Check:
- Accommodation
- Student finance
- Tuition fees
- Travel arrangements
- Registration requirements
- Identification documents
- Welcome and induction dates
- Course reading
- Any health or disability support you may need
- International student visa arrangements, if applicable
Don't assume that getting the offer is the final step.
Your university may send additional instructions that need to be completed before enrolment.
The biggest Clearing lesson for 2026
Don't confuse urgency with panic.
Clearing moves quickly, but that doesn't mean you should accept the first option you see.
The strongest approach is:
Check your status → research vacancies → compare courses → contact universities → secure an offer → add your confirmed choice in UCAS.
And remember: a Clearing place is still a university place.
For some students, it may lead to a course or university they had not originally considered.
Frequently Asked Questions about UCAS Clearing 2026
When does UCAS Clearing 2026 open?
UCAS Clearing opened on 2 July 2026 and runs until 19 October 2026.
When is A-level results day 2026?
A-level results are published on 13 August 2026. UCAS begins updating applications from 08:00, with the full application service available from 13:00.
Can I get into a Russell Group university through Clearing?
Yes, some Russell Group universities have courses available through Clearing. However, availability varies by university and course and can change quickly.
Which Russell Group universities have Clearing places?
UCAS currently shows Clearing courses at a number of Russell Group universities, including examples from Birmingham, Exeter, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield and Cardiff. Availability changes, so check the official UCAS search for the latest vacancies.
Can I apply through Clearing if I missed the UCAS deadline?
Yes. Applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing, and the final date for 2026 entry applications is 24 September 2026 at 18:00 UK time.
Can international students use UCAS Clearing?
Yes. International students can use Clearing, but they should check university-specific deadlines and visa requirements carefully. UCAS advises international applicants not to leave applications until the end of the Clearing period because visa processing and university arrival deadlines may be earlier.
Can I add a Clearing choice without contacting the university?
You should contact the university first and obtain permission before adding the Clearing choice.
Can I use Clearing if I already have a university offer?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use UCAS's “Decline my place” process to enter Clearing. However, this can be irreversible, so you should secure a new place before giving up your existing one.
Is Clearing only for students who got poor grades?
No.
Students can enter Clearing for several reasons, including applying late, receiving no offers, not meeting offer conditions, changing their plans, or using the appropriate UCAS process to leave a confirmed place.
Is Clearing first-come, first-served?
There is no single rule that every university and course uses in exactly the same way. Universities control their own admissions decisions and availability. Because vacancies can change, it is sensible to act promptly while still checking the course and offer carefully.
Final thoughts: Your university journey is not necessarily over
If you are looking at UCAS Clearing 2026 today because your results did not go exactly as planned, take a breath.
You still have options.
Some Russell Group universities are advertising individual courses through Clearing, while many other excellent universities across the UK also have vacancies.
The important thing is to stop thinking of Clearing as a last resort and start treating it as a structured search for the right available opportunity.
Check your UCAS status.
Search the official vacancies.
Research the course — not just the university name.
Call admissions teams.
Compare your options.
And never assume that yesterday's Clearing list is today's list.
The official UCAS search should be your final check before making a Clearing decision.
Your original university plan may have changed.
That does not mean your future has been decided for you.
This article provides general educational information about UCAS Clearing 2026. University vacancies, entry requirements, deadlines and admissions decisions can change. Always confirm current information directly with UCAS and the university before making an application or giving up an existing university place.
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