King’s College London Clearing 2025: The Complete Guide
For UK applicants who miss or turn down their original offers, Clearing is UCAS’s system for filling any remaining university places. At King’s College London (KCL), Clearing (often via UCAS Extra) runs from 5 July to 20 October 2025. In this period, you can search for courses that still have vacancies, and – if KCL has places – apply late. Clearing is not a free-for-all: KCL’s available spots are limited and in high demand, so preparation and speed are essential.
| Key Statistic | Value |
| Clearing opens (2025) | 5 July 2025 |
| Clearing closes (2025) | 20 October 2025 |
| UK rank (Times HE 2023) | 6th (World #35) |
| KCL courses in Clearing (2023) | 15 courses (e.g. AI, History) |
| Example A-level offer (Clearing) | AAA (e.g. Biomedical Science BSc) |
What is Clearing at KCL?
Clearing is how universities fill any places they still have on courses. If you don’t hold an accepted offer by A-level results day (14 August 2025) – for example, if you missed your grades or declined your firm choice – you can enter Clearing to find an alternative. For 2025, UCAS confirms Clearing runs 5 July–20 October. The busiest time is on A-level results day (usually mid-August), when students scramble to secure spots. International exam results (e.g. IB results on 6 July) are also fed into Clearing as they arrive.
Does King’s do Clearing?
Yes – KCL participates in Clearing (via UCAS Extra), but places are very limited. KCL’s admissions site notes it “has a limited number of places for 2025 entry via UCAS Extra”. In practice this means only a subset of courses will have Clearing vacancies. Don’t assume KCL will accept lower grades in Clearing: entry standards generally remain as high as their normal offers.
What courses are available?
KCL covers a wide range of subjects – arts, sciences, engineering, health and social sciences – and Clearing places can appear across departments. For example, recent Clearing lists have included subjects like Ancient History, Biochemistry, Electronic Engineering, English, Geography, Medicine-related Health Sciences, Physics and Modern Languages, among others. In 2023 KCL offered 15 Clearing courses, ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Nursing. For 2025 you’ll need to check UCAS and KCL’s website regularly: once vacancies appear, courses fill very fast.
Who can apply through Clearing?
To enter Clearing, you must not already hold a confirmed place at university. UCAS specifies you can use Clearing if: you applied after 30 June 2025, or you did not receive any offers (or none you wanted), or you failed to meet your offers’ conditions, or you have declined your firm university place. In short, if on A-level results day you have no accepted offer in UCAS, you are eligible to add a Clearing choice. (If you already have a confirmed place you cannot use Clearing.)
How to Apply to KCL via Clearing
Prepare in advance
Before results day, list your backup courses and ensure you have all documents ready – UCAS Personal ID, exam results, personal statement, reference, etc. Keep your phone charged and KCL contact info at hand.
Use the UCAS Clearing search
On or after 5 July, use the official UCAS Clearing vacancy search to see which KCL courses are listed. You can also check KCL’s website (their “Available courses” page) or social media for updates.
Contact KCL quickly
If you spot an appealing course at KCL, reach out immediately. You can phone KCL Admissions at +44 (0)20 7123 4843 (the general admissions line) or email newstudents@kcl.ac.uk. In that conversation/email, give your UCAS ID and Clearing number, share your grades, and express enthusiasm. You may get a verbal conditional offer by phone. Always be polite, clear, and honest about your qualifications and interests – treat the call like a brief interview.
Add KCL on UCAS Hub
Only after KCL confirms a place should you log in to UCAS Hub and add King’s as your Clearing choice. (UCAS rules: “Only add a Clearing choice once you have permission from the university”.) Once you add KCL and they confirm, it’s a binding acceptance. Remember: each Clearing choice you add on UCAS is final, so be sure you want the KCL offer before adding it.
Accept and prepare
If KCL confirms your place, you’ll see it in UCAS and should promptly arrange accommodation, financing and visa (if needed). KCL may request formal transcripts later, so have your results statement ready.
Tips for Success in KCL Clearing
Act fast but stay calm
Clearing happens quickly. Be ready to move as soon as results are out. Don’t panic, but don’t delay – popular courses go within hours.
Be flexible
Have a shortlist of courses (including related or joint subjects) you’d accept. If your first choice isn’t available, consider a close alternative to keep options open.
Know your details
The university will ask about your grades and background. Have your UCAS ID, exam results, school/college info and personal statement handy. Brush up on why you chose your backup course so you can speak confidently.
Show genuine interest
Explain why you want to study at KCL and in that subject. Admissions staff look for motivation. Mention a book or project that sparked your interest to stand out.
Stay professional
Clearing calls are like mini-interviews. Be polite, enthusiastic and honest. If you missed your grades, briefly explain what happened and what you learned from it.
Check KCL’s Clearing page
The KCL website will list all still-open courses for 2025. Verify course codes and requirements there so you apply accurately.
Use official support
If you need help understanding Clearing or managing stress, use UCAS resources or talk to your teachers.
How Dukes Plus Can Help You Succeed
At Dukes Plus, we have years of experience guiding students into top UK universities, including King’s College London. Our expert advisers can help you polish every part of your Clearing application – from refining your personal statement to coaching you for that results-day call. We understand KCL’s high standards and competitive Clearing scenario. For personalised advice on your KCL Clearing strategy, book a free consultation with our friendly team. We’ll work one-on-one to boost your chances of securing a KCL place through Clearing.
Speak to an Admissions Expert
For expert, personal advice on your application to KCL and other top universities, book a consultation with our admissions consultants.
Final Thoughts
Securing a place at KCL through Clearing in 2025 is challenging, but entirely possible with the right preparation and support. Remember to stay informed, act quickly and strategically, and keep a positive mindset. Whether you end up at KCL via Clearing or take another route, every outcome can be a step toward your academic and career goals.
Clearing can feel like a whirlwind, but with careful planning and the tips above, you can navigate it intelligently – and you just might land that coveted spot at KCL. Good luck!
FAQs
Yes – KCL takes part in UCAS Clearing (via the UCAS Extra process). However, only a limited number of courses are available. KCL’s official page notes it “has a limited number of places for 2025 entry via UCAS Extra”. In other words, Clearing is a second chance at KCL, but you must act fast and meet their entry criteria.
For 2025 entry, UK Clearing opens on 5 July 2025 and closes on 20 October 2025. On A-level results day (expected 14 August 2025), you can immediately begin calling universities like KCL. UCAS will allow you to add a Clearing choice from 1pm on results day once you have an informal offer.
Any UK student without a confirmed university place by results day can enter Clearing. UCAS specifically says you qualify for Clearing if you applied after 30 June or you either received no offers, declined all your offers, or did not meet your offers’ conditions. For example, if you missed the grades for your firm choice at KCL (or any other uni) and have no place, you can use Clearing to apply to KCL instead.
KCL does not dramatically lower grades in Clearing. You will generally need to meet the normal entry requirements. For instance, KCL’s Biomedical Science BSc requires AAA, and Ancient History requires AAB, even for Clearing applicants. So be realistic: if your grades are far below AAA/AAB, then Clearing at KCL may not work out. However, if you’re close to the offer (e.g. ABB vs AAA), it’s worth applying, as KCL might make conditional offers depending on other factors.
Yes, international applicants are welcome in Clearing as long as they meet KCL’s academic and English language requirements. International students still need to have valid exam results (e.g. A-levels, IB) and demonstrate English proficiency (e.g. IELTS, as listed by KCL). UCAS automatically includes international qualifications in Clearing, and KCL will evaluate those similarly to UK students.
If you see a course you want, contact KCL immediately on Clearing day. You can call KCL’s admissions advisors at +44 (0)20 7123 4843 or email newstudents@kcl.ac.uk. Give your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number, and ask if you can be considered for that course. After getting any verbal offer, add KCL via UCAS Hub as your Clearing choice. Remember: contact must come before you add KCL on UCAS.
If you already hold a confirmed place at KCL, you should not enter Clearing. Clearing is only for applicants without an accepted offer. If you have an unconditional or firm offer at KCL, congratulations! If you hold a KCL conditional offer and meet its terms on results day, that place will automatically be yours – no Clearing needed.
If you have questions beyond these, Dukes Plus admissions consultants are always happy to advise. Good luck, and remember that Clearing is often a fresh opportunity – stay positive and be prepared!