UCL took part in Clearing in 2026, with places available across a limited range of undergraduate courses. However, UCL Clearing Courses changed throughout the Clearing period as places filled. UCL has now closed Clearing for 2026.
If you were considering UCL through Clearing, it is still useful to understand which courses were available, the entry requirements and how the process worked. This guide covers everything you need to know and explains what your options are now.
UCL Clearing 2026 offered places across several subject areas, including Archaeology, Education, History, Linguistics and Management. Some courses had restrictions based on fee status, and availability changed as places were filled. Students had to meet the entry requirements for their chosen course and follow UCL’s Clearing application process.
Does UCL Do Clearing?
Yes, UCL took part in Clearing in 2026 and offered places on a limited number of undergraduate courses. However, this does not mean that every UCL course was available through Clearing.
UCL’s participation and available courses can change from year to year. It depends on which courses still have places after the main admissions cycle. Availability can also change quickly during Clearing as students accept places.
Therefore, students should always check UCL’s official clearing information for the year they are applying rather than relying on course lists from previous years.
UCL Clearing Courses 2026
The UCL Clearing Courses 2026 covered a range of subjects. However, places changed throughout the Clearing period as courses filled. Courses were reported in subject areas including:
- Archaeology
- Arts and Sciences
- Education
- History and History of Art
- Languages and Linguistics
- Management
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Security and Crime Science
- Social Science and Social Policy
- Sport Medicine, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Some Clearing places had additional restrictions. For example, certain courses in Earth Sciences, Political Science and Psychology were reported as available only to students with overseas fee status. Course availability changed throughout Clearing as places filled, so this list reflects 2026 availability rather than current UCL vacancies.
What Are the UCL Clearing Entry Requirements?
UCL Clearing entry requirements depend on the course you apply for. There is no single set of grades that applies to every Clearing course.
You will still need to meet the academic requirements for your chosen course. These may include specific A-Level grades, required subjects or equivalent qualifications. Students who need extra academic support before university can also work with A-Level tutors online to prepare for their final exams. Some courses may also have additional requirements. International students may need to meet UCL’s English language requirements.
Importantly, a course being available through Clearing does not automatically mean that UCL will accept lower grades. Always check the requirements for the individual course before applying.
Who Can Apply to UCL Through Clearing?
You may be able to apply to UCL through Clearing if you do not already have a university place. This includes students who did not meet the conditions of their Firm or Insurance choice.
Clearing may also be an option if you apply later in the admissions cycle or decide to look for a different course. However, being eligible for Clearing does not guarantee a place at UCL.
You must still meet the entry requirements for the individual UCL course and there must be places available when you apply.
How to Apply for UCL Clearing?
If UCL has places available through Clearing, you need to act quickly but still check that the course is right for you. Here is how the process works.
Step 1: Check Your UCAS Hub
Log in to your UCAS Hub and check whether you are eligible for Clearing. If you are eligible, you should see the option to add a Clearing choice.
Step 2: Find Available UCL Clearing Courses
Check UCL and UCAS for available courses. Clearing vacancies can change quickly as places are filled, so use current information rather than course lists from earlier in the cycle.
Step 3: Check the Entry Requirements
Before contacting UCL, check the requirements for the course you are interested in. Look at the required grades, subjects and any additional requirements. UCL publishes these details on individual course pages.
Step 4: Prepare Your Results and UCAS Details
Have your exam results, UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number ready. This makes it easier for the university to review your application when you contact them.
Step 5: Follow UCL’s Clearing Instructions
Follow the application instructions published by UCL for that Clearing cycle. You may need to provide additional information before UCL can decide whether to offer you a place.
Step 6: Add Your Clearing Choice Through UCAS
If UCL gives you permission to add the course, return to your UCAS Hub and select Add Clearing choice. Enter the course details and submit your choice. You should only do this after the university has given you permission.
When Does UCL Clearing Open?
UCAS Clearing opened on 2 July 2026. Students could search for available courses from this date, with more vacancies appearing around A-Level Results Day on 13 August 2026.
The overall UCAS Clearing period ran until 19 October 2026, but this did not mean UCL had places available for the entire period. Universities can stop offering Clearing places once their vacancies are filled.
UCL closed its Clearing process before the overall UCAS Clearing period ended. Therefore, students should always check UCL’s current availability rather than relying only on the general UCAS Clearing dates.
Can You Get Into UCL Through Clearing With Lower Grades?
You should not assume that UCL will accept lower grades simply because a course is available through Clearing. Entry requirements still depend on the individual course and the places available.
However, it is worth checking the requirements before ruling yourself out. Clearing requirements can vary by course, so compare your results with the information UCL provides for the specific vacancy.
If your grades do not meet the requirements, you can also explore related courses or other universities with Clearing places available.
UCL Clearing for International Students
International students can apply to UCL through Clearing if they are eligible and suitable places are available. However, course availability may differ depending on your fee status.
In 2026, some UCL Clearing vacancies were reported as available only to students with overseas fee status. This included places in certain areas such as Earth Sciences, Political Science and Psychology.
International applicants must also meet the academic and English language requirements for their chosen course. If you need a Student visa, you should also consider the time needed to receive your offer, obtain the required documents and complete your visa application.
Always check the fee status and entry requirements for the individual course before applying.
What to Do Before UCL Results Day and Clearing
Clearing can move quickly, so preparing before Results Day can make the process less stressful. You will also have more time to compare your options instead of making a rushed decision.
Before Results Day:
- Have your UCAS details ready.
- Research alternative UCL courses in advance.
- Check the entry requirements for each course.
- Prepare a shortlist of possible courses and universities.
- Keep your exam results easy to access.
- Check your phone and email regularly.
- Compare course modules and content before accepting a place.
Most importantly, do not choose a course simply because it has a Clearing place available. Make sure the course suits your interests, goals and future plans.
What If UCL Has No Clearing Places for Your Course?
If your preferred UCL course is not available through Clearing, you still have other options. Start by checking whether other universities have places available for the same Subject.
You could also consider related courses at UCL or elsewhere. Compare the modules and course content rather than focusing only on the course title. A similar degree may cover many of the same areas.
If studying at UCL is particularly important to you, you could consider applying in the next admissions cycle instead. Avoid choosing a course that does not suit you simply because it has a Clearing place available.
How Edumentors Can Help?
University applications can feel demanding, especially when you are also working towards important exam results. Edumentors connects students with tutors from top UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and UCL.
Online tutors can support you with academic preparation, improving your grades and understanding the university application process. You can also get personalised help with applications and admissions preparation.
FAQs
Does UCL do Clearing?
Yes. UCL took part in Clearing in 2026 and offered places on a limited number of undergraduate courses. However, not every UCL course was available. Clearing vacancies depended on which courses still had places after the main admissions cycle and availability changed as places filled. UCL has now closed its 2026 Clearing process.
What UCL courses were available through Clearing in 2026?
UCL Clearing Courses 2026 included subjects such as Archaeology, Education, History, Languages and Linguistics, Management, Psychology, Public Health and Social Science. Some vacancies also had restrictions based on fee status. Course availability changed throughout Clearing, so the courses available to students depended on when they applied.
Is UCL Clearing still open for 2026?
No. UCL Clearing 2026 is now closed. UCL’s official Clearing page confirms that it is no longer accepting Clearing applications for 2026 entry. Students who want to study at UCL can now explore undergraduate courses for 2027 entry and apply through UCAS.
What grades do you need for UCL Clearing?
There is no single grade requirement for UCL Clearing because entry requirements vary by course. UCL’s standard undergraduate A-Level requirements range from A*A*A to ABB, with specific grades and Subjects required for some courses. Students should always check the requirements for their chosen course rather than assume Clearing means lower grades will be accepted.
