Clearing

Clearing, also known as late admissions, is a UCAS process that helps students find a university place if they don't already have one, or if they want to switch to a different course or university. It runs from July to October and can be used to apply for available courses with vacancies.

Clearing is open to anyone with an active UCAS application. It is frequently used by people who:

• Did not receive an offer after their initial application
• Missed the required grades for the firm and insurance choice universities
• Are late applicants applying after 30 June
• Have already received an offer but want to switch course and/or university

Contact Falmouth’s Future Studies team or Clearing hotline to discuss your options. You’ll need to provide details such as your qualifications and UCAS number, if you have one. You can find contact details at the top of this page.

No, you don’t. Just get in touch with us and we can advise how you can apply now, depending on your individual circumstances. See the top of the page for contact details.

Yes. If you’re still studying or waiting on results we can make you a conditional offer based on your predicted grades. We’ll never make an unachievable offer, and you can send us your results when you have them.

Some courses still require a digital portfolio. If the course you’re applying for lists a portfolio as part of the application requirements, you’ll need to submit one.

Portfolio advice

Formal interviews are not usually required for Clearing applicants. However, you may be invited to have an informal conversation with a lecturer to discuss the course.

If you have changed your course or university through Clearing, you'll need to update your details with your student finance provider (e.g. Student Finance England). 

Check that your university, course title, term-time address and tuition fee information are all correct. It's important to do this as soon as possible to help avoid delays to your payments at the start of term. 

Yes. All Clearing applicants are guaranteed a place in University accommodation. To apply, you must be intending to start in 2026 and have Firmly accepted your offer with us. It takes around 24 hours to update in our systems once you accept, so this may not show immediately. 

You can apply for accommodation if you have a conditional or unconditional offer. 

In the instance that you do not move in or take your place in accommodation, your deposit is returned to you. 

Please note: the information above is only applicable to accommodation applied for through Falmouth directly - not for any other providers.

Find out more here

Yes. You can contact more than one university through Clearing and may receive verbal offers from several institutions before deciding which place is right for you. However, you can only accept one offer on the UCAS Hub.

Don't panic. It's worth contacting your chosen university first, as they may still be able to offer you a place. If not, Clearing can help you find alternative options. 

Even if you're confident you'll achieve your required grades, it's worth taking time to do some research into Clearing before Results Day. In the event that things don't go to plan, you'll at least be prepared to explore other options.

Clearing can be an opportunity to explore alternative courses or universities with higher entry requirements if your results exceed your predictions.

Yes. You don't have to apply for the same subject as your original UCAS application. Clearing gives you the opportunity to explore different courses if your interests have changed.

Yes, although you will need to create a UCAS account in order to accept any offer made. Just get in touch and we can advise how you can apply directly to us. We’ll also help you with your UCAS application if needed.

If all requirements are met, you will be given a verbal offer during your call with one of our Clearing advisers. You will then receive a formal offer via email, usually within a few hours of the verbal offer. 

After this you can add the university and course to your UCAS application. You should then receive final confirmation of your accepted application 24-72 hours after submission.

Course availability varies each year and depends on vacancies. Available courses are listed on Falmouth’s Clearing pages and may change throughout the Clearing period.

Have your qualifications and results ready, along with your UCAS number if you have one. If your course requires a portfolio submission then be sure to have that ready too. 

It’s also worth preparing any questions you’d like to ask about the course, accommodation or student life.

Yes. We run regular 1:1 Campus Tours on Wednesdays and Fridays, hosted by our student tour guides. Visit our Campus Tours page and find a slot that suits you.

Campus Tours