UCL Clearing: A Complete Guide

University College London (UCL) is one of the UK’s most competitive universities, and many applicants wonder about their chances through UCAS Clearing. This guide explains UCL Clearing for 2025, answering common questions and providing tips for UK and international students.

We’ll cover whether UCL participates in Clearing, which courses might be available, who is eligible to apply, and how to prepare to improve your chances.

(If you’re exploring UCL admissions more broadly, check out our related guides: How to Get into UCL, How Hard is it to Get into UCL, and What is the University College London Acceptance Rate?. These provide insight into UCL’s competitiveness and admissions process.)

What is Clearing and When Does it Happen?

Clearing is the UCAS process that matches unplaced applicants with available university places after the main application rounds. For 2025 entry, Clearing opens on 5 July 2025 and runs through the summer​. This early July start aligns with IB results day, but the busiest period is around A-Level results day in mid-August (15 August 2025).

From 5 July onwards, you can apply for courses via Clearing if you do not hold any university offer or if you have declined your firm offer (using the ‘Decline my place’ UCAS button)​. Clearing listings remain open until courses fill up (often by late August or early September)​. Both UK and international candidates who find themselves without a confirmed place at university (or who apply late) can use Clearing.

In Clearing, universities advertise any vacant places on courses. Applicants contact those universities to try to secure an offer. It’s essentially a second chance for students who didn’t get into their chosen universities or who applied after the main UCAS deadline. Now, how does this apply to UCL specifically?

Does UCL Do Clearing (2025)?

Yes, UCL does participate in Clearing, but only in a limited way. Being a top-tier university, UCL receives many more applications than it has places, so it rarely has large numbers of vacancies in Clearing. In some years UCL has had no Clearing vacancies by results day – for example, in 2024 UCL announced that it had no further places available in Clearing​. This means that by the time A-Level results came out in 2024, all UCL courses were full.

However, UCL has offered a small number of courses through Clearing in recent cycles. Each year’s situation depends on how many admitted students meet their offers and which courses end up undersubscribed. Unlike Oxford and Cambridge, which never open any Clearing places, UCL does occasionally list vacancies if some courses have space​. But these openings are few and highly competitive, often filling very quickly.

For 2025, it is possible that UCL will have some Clearing vacancies, but not guaranteed. UCL typically does not advertise in advance whether it will be in Clearing – you will need to check when Clearing opens and on results day.

What Courses Might UCL Offer in Clearing?

The university doesn’t make a promise of Clearing vacancies, but in recent years a range of courses at UCL have appeared. Clearing places at UCL are usually in courses that didn’t fill up in the main cycle – often specialised or less oversubscribed degrees.

According to a Freedom of Information release, UCL’s Clearing vacancies in 2023 included courses like Anthropology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry (and related Chemistry with Maths), Law, Earth Sciences, Physics, and others​. Even a highly sought degree like Law made a brief appearance in Clearing 2023 (with very high entry requirements of A*AA still)​.

In 2024, UCL’s Clearing list featured a number of courses in the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. Examples included Psychology (A*A*A entry), Arts and Sciences, several Modern Languages degrees (like Scandinavian Studies and various language combinations), Archaeology degrees, Civil Engineering, Nutrition and Medical Sciences, Education Studies, BSc Management Science, among others​. Many of these courses still required top grades (mostly AAA or AAB, with some A*A*A) even in Clearing, underscoring that standards remain high.

What does this mean for 2025? Likely, if UCL offers Clearing places, they will be in a similar mix of courses: possibly some in sciences (e.g. certain engineering or life sciences programs), some in humanities or languages, and interdisciplinary programs that didn’t hit capacity. You shouldn’t expect UCL’s most oversubscribed courses (like Medicine, mainstream Economics, or straight Computer Science) to ever be in Clearing – those fill up in the main cycle. Instead, Clearing at UCL tends to include courses that are either new, niche, or had a few extra spots. For more info on Medicine Clearing, take a look at our dedicated guide on the subject.

Keep in mind that UCL’s availability can be very fluid. Courses might appear on the UCAS Clearing search in early July or on results day morning and then disappear quickly once filled. In past years, UCL has had some courses listed at the start of results day but had “no further places” by midday​. Therefore, if you see a UCL course in Clearing that you’re interested in, act fast (more on how to do that below).

Who Can Apply to UCL through Clearing?

Clearing is open to any applicant who doesn’t currently hold a university offer. You can apply through Clearing for UCL (or any university) if:

  • You did not receive any offers from your UCAS choices, or you declined all your offers.
  • You didn’t meet the conditions of your firm and insurance offers (for example, your exam results were lower than required, and the universities declined your place). This means you find yourself unplaced on results day.
  • You applied after the June 30 UCAS deadline.
  • If you receive an offer but decide to decline it in the UCAS Hub by clicking “Decline my place”​. Important: Only do this if you are certain, because once you release yourself, you give up your secured place and there’s no guarantee you’ll get a new offer.

Both UK and international students can apply via Clearing. International applicants (with qualifications like IB, SATs, country-specific exams, etc.) are eligible if they are not holding an offer and have results available. In fact, Clearing opens on IB results day to accommodate international curriculums​.

Note: For some very competitive courses (like Medicine), universities may use processes outside of Clearing (waiting lists or additional interviews) to fill spots if candidates drop out​. UCL Medicine historically does not go into Clearing at all.

How Do I Find and Apply for a UCL Clearing Place?

If you’re eligible for Clearing and keen on UCL, here’s how to approach the process:

1. Check UCL’s Clearing Vacancies: When Clearing opens (5 July and especially on results day), use the UCAS Clearing search tool to see if UCL has any courses listed​. If UCL is not listed on UCAS at all, it likely means they aren’t participating in Clearing this year.

2. Ensure You Meet the Requirements: For any UCL course in Clearing, check the entry requirements carefully. UCL won’t suddenly lower their standards in Clearing – the required A-level grades (or equivalent) will be listed and are usually the same as the standard offer.

3. Prepare to Apply (UCL’s Clearing Form): Unlike the regular UCAS application where you had months to prepare a personal statement, Clearing moves fast. UCL uses an online Clearing Application Form for candidates to formally apply for a Clearing vacancy. You will need to fill this form online – UCL usually allows you to select up to two UCL courses of interest on one form​.

The form will ask for your personal details, academic qualifications (your achieved grades), and sometimes a short statement or reason for applying.

Tip: Have all this information at your fingertips on results day. Know your UCAS Personal ID, have copies of your results, and be ready to quickly write a few sentences about why you want that course (if prompted). You cannot save and return to the UCL Clearing form – it must be completed in one go​, so being prepared will help you avoid timing out.

4. Contact UCL if Needed: Some universities require you to call during Clearing to secure an informal offer before you add the choice in UCAS. UCL’s process is a bit more form-driven, but they do have a Clearing enquiries line. If something is unclear or you want to double-check availability, you can phone UCL’s admissions team.

5. Respond and Add the Choice: If UCL informally offers you a place (for example, they email or call you to say they’re willing to accept you), log in to UCAS Hub and add UCL as your Clearing choice to formally secure the offer. The UCAS Hub will then show that you have an acceptance at UCL for that course. Congratulations! You’ve secured a spot at UCL through Clearing.

Make sure to follow any further instructions UCL provides and arrange accommodation (which you should do ASAP, as housing deadlines might be tight for late applicants).

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting into UCL via Clearing

Clearing is competitive and places go fast. Here are our admissions consultants’ top tips to maximise your chances:

  • Do Your Research Early: If UCL is your dream, prepare before results day. Make a list of UCL courses that you would consider (beyond your original UCAS choices) in case they pop up in Clearing. Use UCL’s prospectus and course pages to familiarise yourself with those degrees’ content and requirements.
  • Have Your Materials Ready: On results day (or when IB results come out), you want to be in a position to act immediately. Ensure you have digital copies of your grades, personal statement, reference contact, and your UCAS ID. You should also prepare a brief note on why you want to study your chosen course at UCL, highlighting any relevant interest or experience. You can draw on your personal statement for this. This can set you apart, especially if the course convenor is choosing between several candidates with similar grades.
  • Act Fast, But Don’t Panic: Timing can be crucial – UCL Clearing spots may be filled within hours. The moment you know you need to go through Clearing, start checking for UCL vacancies. If you find one, submit the application form promptly. That said, make sure you fill the form carefully and accurately; rushing too much could lead to mistakes (wrong UCAS ID, typos in grades, etc.) that might cost you a place. Speed is important, but completeness and correctness are too.
  • Be Flexible and Realistic: Perhaps your first-choice course at UCL isn’t in Clearing, but a related one is. Be open-minded about courses that are similar to your original plan. For example, maybe History isn’t available, but Ancient History is, or if you wanted Mechanical Engineering and only Civil Engineering has a space, consider whether you could be happy in that department. Also, have a backup plan in case UCL doesn’t work out – you could secure a Clearing place at another excellent university (there are many with vacancies) rather than pinning all hopes on UCL alone.
  • Show Enthusiasm and Confidence: If you get the chance to communicate with UCL admissions (some courses might call you for a quick chat or mini-interview, although this is more common in Clearing for subjects like Medicine or Law), be ready to explain why UCL and that course excite you. If no direct conversation is involved, this tip still applies to any written statement you include in the form: let your interest in the subject and UCL come through.
  • Mind the Logistics (especially for International Students): If you’re applying from abroad, arrange things like proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) in advance if you haven’t already, because you might need to provide this quickly to secure an unconditional offer. For UK students, start thinking about accommodation; UCL accommodation is not guaranteed for Clearing students, but they may help you find vacant halls or you might need to look at private housing. Being proactive on these fronts will reduce stress if you do get the place.

How can Duke Plus help your UCL Application Succeed? 

At Dukes Plus, we provide support for applications to leading universities across the world, including UCL. Our programmes offer personalised guidance and strategic advice to strengthen your UCL application. 

Our application guidance can help you to identify and showcase your unique strengths, align your application with UCL’s values, and effectively communicate your accomplishments and potential contributions to the admissions team. 

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Final Thoughts

Securing a place at UCL 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 UCL 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 UCL. Good luck!

Yes – UCL does participate in UCAS Clearing, but only in a very limited way. In some years, UCL has listed a small number of courses in Clearing, while in others, all places were filled before A-Level results day. If Clearing vacancies are available, they are typically for less oversubscribed or more specialised courses. Keep a close eye on the UCAS Clearing search and UCL’s official website from early July onwards.

Medicine is not usually available in Clearing at UCL. Medicine is an extremely competitive course with strict selection criteria, including interviews and entrance tests (like the UCAT). Our full guide to Medicine Clearing contains more information.

Occasionally, yes – but it’s rare. UCL’s LLB Law course was briefly available in Clearing in 2023, but required A*AA at A-level, even in Clearing. In 2024, it did not appear at all. If Law at UCL is listed in Clearing, it will be highly competitive and fill quickly. Applicants should be well-prepared, with strong grades and a convincing case for entry.

Generally, the same as during the main admissions cycle. UCL does not significantly reduce grade requirements in Clearing. Most courses require at least AAA–AAB, with some needing A*AA. UCL receives far more applications than it has spaces, even in Clearing, so places go to students who meet or exceed the advertised grades.

If UCL lists vacancies, you’ll need to apply via their online Clearing Application Form. You’ll need to provide your UCAS ID, grades, and sometimes a short explanation of your interest in the course. If UCL wishes to offer you a place, they’ll invite you to add them as a Clearing choice on UCAS to finalise the offer. You can only add a university once, so wait for confirmation before submitting the choice.

Yes – international applicants can apply to UCL through Clearing if they have final exam results (e.g. IB, A-levels, or equivalent) and meet the course requirements. You must also ensure you have a valid English language qualification (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) if needed. Visa timelines can be tight after mid-August, so if you’re applying from overseas, it’s crucial to act quickly.