Clearing explained and FAQs

Clearing is a way of applying to university when you are either applying for the first time after 30 June, or when your results are not what you expected. The easiest way to know if you are in Clearing is by checking your UCAS Application status. It will say "You are in Clearing" or "Clearing has started". You can also read more on the UCAS website.

You can apply through Clearing if:

• You applied through UCAS before 30 June, but your results are different to what you expected and you didn't get your original choice of course or university.
• You applied through UCAS before 30 June, you received your results and you've changed your mind about the university place you've accepted.
• You didn't apply for a university place before 30 June, you have your results and are now considering applying to university.

If you apply for a place at university for September entry after 30 June, your application is automatically included in Clearing.

If you have applied online between 5 July and 12 August, please follow this information on how we process your results.

On Results Day, we aim to process online applications within an hour, but it could take a bit longer depending on volume. You'll receive a confirmation email when you submit your application. If you haven’t received this, it may be because you've mistyped your email. In this case, please ring our Clearing hotline and our call handlers will be able to bring up your application and check your contact details. Please also check any junk/spam folders, as our emails can sometimes end up there. 

If you have applied between 5 July and 12 August, there is a slightly different process. Please read this information on how to accept your offer.

For applications submitted on or after Results Day (Thursday 18 August), you must accept your offer via your UCAS Application. We’ve prepared step-by-step instructions on how to accept your offer. If you apply on or after Results Day, your offer is only guaranteed until the following day at 12:00 (noon). If you intend to accept your place at Reading, please do so via your UCAS Application before your offer expires to guarantee your place. If you haven’t accepted your place on UCAS before your offer expires, you’ll need to contact us again to request a new offer. Please note: we may not be able to reissue an offer for the same course if it has become full.

We are pleased to offer accommodation to everybody who applies to the University of Reading through Clearing provided they meet each of the following criteria:

• You must have applied for a place in Clearing at the University of Reading by 17:00 on Friday 19 August 2022
• The programme you have applied for at the University of Reading is a full-time undergraduate programme beginning in September 2022.
• You accept your accommodation offer within two working days of receiving your accommodation offer.

We will email you with further important information about how to apply for accommodation after you have applied for and accepted our offer to join the University through Clearing and we have verified your results.

Please visit our Clearing Accommodation page for more information about your halls options, as well as how to apply for accommodation if you have been guaranteed a place in halls.

If you’re applying via Clearing between 5 July and 12 August, you are guaranteed accommodation. 

We will email you with further important information about how to apply for accommodation after you have accepted any offer we have been able to make you, and we have verified your results. 

How will courses be taught in Autumn 2022? Are there still adjustments in place to handle the COVID-19 pandemic? What if I can’t travel to Reading for the start of term?

We have advice about what to expect for teaching at the University of Reading for the Autumn Term 2022 on our main website, and other information about how we are keeping our students and community safe and supported.

I'm from a country outside the UK or Republic of Ireland. Do I need a visa to study in the UK and will it get to me in time?

Most international students usually have enough time to receive a visa to study in the UK when applying via Clearing. Once you have accepted your Clearing place at Reading and hold an unconditional offer, we’ll be able to issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document which you’ll need to apply for your visa. You can find more information on our Visa and Immigration page . If you are from a country within the European Union or European Economic Area (with the exception of the Republic of Ireland), regulations have changed and you will now need a visa to study in the UK. You can find more information on our Brexit page. We also have international representatives who can help with the visa application process. Make sure you provide us with the documents we require as soon as possible so that we can minimise any potential delays in the process.

I’d like some help with my visa application – what kind of help do you provide?

Our International Recruitment team will be able to help you—from providing course advice to information about getting to Reading from the airport. If you have specific questions about visas and immigration, please contact our dedicated International Student Advisory Team. We regularly update our COVID-19 prospective student and applicant pages with the latest information and guidance for students arriving from outside the UK. If you’d like personalised support, we have international representatives in many countries who can submit a Clearing application and/or visa application on your behalf.

Will I get accommodation?

We are pleased to offer accommodation to everybody who applies to the University of Reading through Clearing provided they meet each of the following criteria:

• You must have applied for a place in Clearing at the University of Reading by 17:00 on Friday 19 August 2022
• The programme you have applied for at the University of Reading is a full-time undergraduate programme beginning in September 2022
• You accept your accommodation offer within two working days of receiving your accommodation offer.

We will email you with further important information about how to apply for accommodation after you have applied for and accepted our offer to join the University through Clearing and we have verified your results.

Please visit our Clearing Accommodation page for more information about your halls options, as well as how to apply for accommodation if you have been guaranteed a place in halls.

If you’re applying via Clearing between 5 July and 12 August, you are guaranteed accommodation.

We will email you with further important information about how to apply for accommodation after you have accepted any offer we have been able to make you, and we have verified your results.

How will courses be taught in Autumn 2022? Are there still adjustments in place to handle the COVID-19 pandemic?

We have advice about what to expect for teaching at the University of Reading for the Autumn Term 2022 on our main website, and other information about how we are keeping our students and community safe and supported.

Can I visit the University? 

There are a number of ways that you can get a taste of what life is like at the University of Reading this year. If you receive a place at Reading via Clearing on Thursday 18 August, you’ll be sent a Welcome video which you can watch at a time that best works for you. You’ll also be invited to a live Q&A on Thursday 18 August to get your questions answered in real time. Finally you will be invited to visit our campus for a tour including the option to see our accommodation, Friday 19 August. The invitation to the Q&A and the campus tours will be emailed to you separately from your offer letter.

You can also get a feel for living and studying at Reading on our Virtual Experience Hub, where you can explore our campuses, view inside departmental buildings, facilities and accommodation using our 360 tours, or watch one of our students show you around. You'll be able to book one of our self-guided campus tours on this site too.

We have range of Virtual Events which give further insight into our courses and subject areas, as well as dedicated sessions providing practical support about applying to university, including through Clearing. You can watch previous events as well as sign up for future events.

How do student loans work if I apply via Clearing?

Student Finance England (SFE) have a short video explaining what you need to know. 

If you have already applied for student finance and then change your course/university through Clearing you’ll need to let SFE know as soon as possible, as it may affect what you're entitled to. To do this, log into your SFE online account and then select: Your Account, Change your application, University/college and course.

If you get a place through Clearing and haven’t yet applied for a student loan, you can apply for a loan via the SFE online service.

There’s a different process if you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, so please be sure to check with your relevant student finance authority.