What is Clearing and When to Consider Applying

Clearing can be confusing and stressful, but it does not need to be. It is an opportunity for you to still get a place at the university of your choice during the Summer prior to September entry start!

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a system offered by UCAS, which is a UK based organization that helps you to apply for study in the UK. Clearing opens on 5 July 2022, after which point all applications made automatically go into Clearing. There is a myth that clearing only offers courses that no-one wants but that is not true. Lots of highly popular courses are still available. Each university will publish a list of courses available on the website, that will allow you to review each course and decide what you would like to study, then you can contact the university. If you have already made an application through UCAS, please keep your UCAS ID number handy with your academic results and your contact information when speaking to the universities.

The great benefit of this is you can receive guidance on how to apply, support with university information, qualification acceptance and equivalencies. UCAS is there to help you figure out what the next step in your education might be, and to support you when you take that step.

Why Apply through Clearing?

This process can support you if:

  • you already applied through UCAS and have not yet received an offer (or none you wanted to accept)

  • hold a conditional offer but have not met the required grades

  • declined their offers

  • you’re applying after June 30th

How to Apply

As an international applicant wanting to apply to a university in the UK, you will first need to contact the university directly to make sure that the degree is still available before submitting your choice on UCAS. Each university will have a dedicated clearing support team available from the 5th of July to answer all your questions. It’s easier to call them. If calling isn’t an option, you can email your US university manager or officer to assist you through the process. Don’t forget to ask if they have available housing for international students on campus too. After speaking with them, they will work to provide you with a decision on your clearing application as quickly as possible.

Once you have permission from the university, then they will give you instructions on adding the degree to your UCAS application. You will select ‘Add Clearing Choice’ with the course details by the date the university/college gave you on the phone. You can only choose one degree/university and this will count as you accepting their offer. It’s important to do a thorough research of degrees and universities prior to accepting.

 So, consider joining a university with rich academic heritage, that is thought provoking and challenges thinking, whilst also been part of a close-knit community.

 Below is a link to further information on Clearing for International applicants:

International students and Clearing | Goldsmiths, University of London

My name is Nicola and I’m an International Recruitment Manager for Goldsmiths, University of London. My job is to support students and agents with applying to the University as well as been a supportive member of the International recruitment team. My main area of responsibility is the Americas and I am keen to promote the fantastic reputation of Goldsmiths University of London to potential students.

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