UCAS Clearing: Guide to applying
Last updated:
01 July 2026
What is UCAS Clearing
UCAS Clearing allows applicants who don’t yet have a place to apply for university. This year Clearing applications are open from 2 July 2026.
Clearing is available to all applicants, both UK and International.
You can apply through clearing if you:
- have already made an application through UCAS but don’t hold any offers
- are applying through UCAS for the first time
- are reconsidering your plans after getting your exam results.
During Clearing, we may be flexible with the grades we accept. You can still apply through Clearing, even if you haven’t met the entry requirements listed on the course page.
Clearing applicants cannot defer their place at UAL and must start their course in 2026. All applications must be for year 1 entry only. We are not accepting applications for year 2 or year 3 entry onto any course.
Clearing applications for UK students
UK applicants are those who do not require a student visa to study in the UK.
1. Check the course entry requirements
Check the course page on the UAL website for specific entry requirements and if you'll need to provide a portfolio.
We may be flexible with the grades we accept during Clearing. The portfolio requirement is not flexible where the course requires it.
2. Complete your Clearing application form
Once you’ve chosen your course, you must complete a self-apply form to make a Clearing application to UAL.
The form URL link will be available on our clearing course web pages from 2 July 2026. You should not refer yourself through your UCAS Hub at this point.
3. Provide a digital portfolio
As part of the self-application process, some courses will require a digital portfolio of your work. The Clearing application form will ask you to provide a link to your portfolio where this is required.
You’ll need to provide one URL link during the self-application process. This must take us to a website which isn't password protected and doesn't have a download expiry.
4. Receive a provisional offer
After submitting your self-apply form, you may receive a provisional offer from our Admissions team through email.
We expect people who apply through Clearing to have completed and obtained their qualifications (for example, A levels or other high school qualifications). We may require evidence of these qualifications before making an offer.
We’ll then ask you to add your course to the 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.
5. Receive your enrolment information
After your offer has been confirmed on UCAS Hub, we’ll email you from 16 August 2026 with everything you need to enrol and start your course.
Clearing applications for international students
International applicants are those who require a student visa to study in the UK.
1. Check the course entry requirements
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.
We may be flexible with the grades we accept, so we encourage you to apply for the courses you’re most interested in.
2. Apply for a course on the UCAS Hub
If you’re an international applicant, you should not use the self-apply form. You should apply through your UCAS Hub.
If you don’t have a UCAS application for 2026, you can make a new application through the UCAS website.
3. Provide your immigration status and qualification documents
After submitting your Clearing application on your UCAS Hub, we’ll contact you through email to confirm your immigration status, qualification documents and any required digital portfolio.
4. Confirming your course enrolment
If you meet the entry requirements and have provided evidence of your qualifications, we’ll process your offer.
After your offer is confirmed, we’ll email you about enrolment and starting your course.
Next steps after receiving your offer
You’ll need to provide evidence of your qualifications only if we have requested these directly. In most cases, we receive qualification results directly through UCAS.
If we’ve requested your qualifications, upload scanned or photographed copies of your final results and transcripts to your UAL Portal, or email them to clearing@arts.ac.uk.
Any documents not in English must be accompanied by an official translation.
You’ll need to upload these as soon as possible.
Fees and funding
When enrolling, you’ll need to show how you plan to pay your studies or make your tuition fee payments.
Apply for or update your Student Finance
Already applied?
Log in to your Student Finance account and update your University and course to transfer your loan to UAL.
Haven’t applied?
If you’re eligible, there’s still time – apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays to your funding.
Visit Student Finance to make an application. You'll be able to enrol with an application in progress.
Getting enrolled at UAL
We’ll email you with everything you need to enrol and prepare for the term.
Enrolment emails are sent in stages, so check your inbox regularly.
Contacting us during Clearing
From A-level results day (Thursday 13 August), 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 13 August.
You can also speak to us through 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 through your UAL Portal.