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Guide to applying

What is Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is the process which allows applicants who don’t yet have a place, to apply for university. This year Clearing applications are open from 5 July 2024.

Clearing is available to all applicants, both UK and International. This includes anyone who has already made a UCAS undergraduate application but does not hold any offers.

If you have already been considered for a course this year, you should not reapply for the same course.

Please be aware, clearing applicants cannot defer their place at UAL and must start their course in 2024. All applications must be for year 1 entry only. We are not accepting applications for year 2 or year 3 entry onto any course.

Applying through Clearing: UK applicants*

*UK applicant refers to applicants who do not require a student visa to study in the UK.

Step 1

Check the course page on the UAL website for specific entry requirements and whether you'll need to provide a portfolio.

Step 2

Once you've chosen your course, you must complete a self-apply form. The link to this form will be available on our clearing course web pages from 5 July 2024. You should not refer yourself via UCAS Hub at this point.

Step 3

As part of the self-application process, some courses will require you to upload a digital portfolio via Flickr or for you to provide a link to your own website where we can view your work.

Please only supply one URL during the self-application process. This must take us to a site which isn't password protected and doesn't have a download expiry.

Step 4

After submitting your self-apply form, you may receive a provisional offer from our Admissions team via email. Any offers will not be fully confirmed until results day and are subject to you meeting qualification requirements.

We'll then ask you to add your course onto UCAS Hub. Your offer email will tell you how to do this. If you haven’t already made a UCAS application this year, you’ll need to register your details and make an application on the UCAS website.

Step 5

Once your offer has been confirmed via UCAS Hub, you'll receive information from us via email after 19 August 2024 about enrolment and starting your course.

Applying through Clearing: International applicants*

*International applicant refers to applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK.

Step 1

Check the course page on the UAL website to see if applications are open for international applicants. You should also check for specific entry requirements and whether you’ll need to provide a portfolio.

Step 2

If you are an international applicant, you should not use the self-apply form. You should instead apply via UCAS Hub. If you do not have a UCAS application for 2024, you can make a new application via the UCAS website.

Step 3

After submitting your Clearing application on UCAS Hub, our Admissions team will contact you via email to confirm your immigration status and qualification documents. We may also ask you to submit a digital portfolio if this is required for your chosen course.

Step 4

If you meet the entry requirements and have provided proof of your qualifications, we will process your offer. After your offer is confirmed, you will receive information from us via email about enrolment and starting your course.

How to contact us during Clearing

From A-level results day, you don’t need to call us directly if you would like to apply to UAL. Just follow the step-by-step guide on this page to submit your application.

If you would like to speak to someone during this time for advice and support, call the Clearing hotline number which will be available on our website from Thursday 15 August. You can also speak to us via Live Chat which you’ll find on our Clearing web page.

If you want to get in touch directly with our Admissions team at any point regarding your application, you can do so via your UAL Portal.

Find out more

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Camberwell College of Arts © Alys Tomlinson
    BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Camberwell College of Arts © Alys Tomlinson

    Find a course

    Explore courses with places available to find the right one for you.

  • Sketchbook with rainbow coloured lines.
    Marion Bisserier sketchbook during her internship at Pentagram, 2019, © Alys Tomlinson

    Term dates 2024/25

    View UAL's standard term dates.

  • Wall installation by Jasmin Aldridge, Wimbledon College of Art
    Wall installation by Jasmin Aldridge, Wimbledon College of Art

    UCAS Clearing guidance  

    For more information about Clearing, visit the UCAS website.