Clearing FAQs
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After 30th June 2022 applications for entry to our programmes for the September 2022 semester will be made through Clearing.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is a service through UCAS that allows applicants to apply to courses that still have spaces after 5th July.
There are many reasons why you might apply through clearing:
- You are not holding any offers in UCAS
- You did not meet the conditions of your offers
- You have declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application
- You have achieved better results and want to explore your options
- You are applying to university for the first time
Who can use clearing?
Clearing is mainly used by students who haven’t met the conditions of their offer or did not receive any offers earlier in the cycle. It is also used by students who want to explore other options or are applying for the first time.
You can use clearing if you have received all of your exam results and:
- You are not holding any offers but have a live UCAS application
- You have declined all of your offers
- You applied after 30th June
ICON College does not hold a Tier 4 sponsor licence with UK Visas and Immigration, therefore, we are unable to accept international students on our courses.
When is Clearing Open?
Clearing opens on the 5th July and officially closes in UCAS on 18th October 2022
The period between 5th July and A Level results being released is known as early clearing
The 18th August onward is known as main clearing.
Courses will only be available in clearing for as long as there are spaces available so don’t leave it too late.
Can International Student Apply to ICON College in Clearing?
Whilst International students can apply to courses in clearing, ICON College does not hold a Tier 4 sponsor licence with UK Visas and Immigration, therefore, we are unable to accept international students on our courses.
How will I know if I am in clearing?
You will be able to see your status in your UCAS hub. Your application status will say 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started. Or, you follow the on-screen prompts to decline your firm place, and your application status then says ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’.
How do I know what courses are available in Clearing?
Clearing vacancies are displayed in UCAS's search tool or on individual providers’ web pages.
How do I apply through Clearing?
Any places on courses that haven't been filled can be found via the UCAS search tool - where you can browse vacancies according to subject, location or university.
You will need to have an application in UCAS and be in clearing. If you are not already in UCAS you will need to fill out your details as normal (including your university personal statement). Once submitted and the application fee paid, you'll be given a Clearing number. From there, you'll need to follow the steps and look for a place.
You'll need to contact us on our hotline and give us your Clearing number and personal ID, so we can view your online application. Verbal offers are usually made over the phone, and you should only accept one.
Remember, you'll only be able to add one choice at a time. If the provider doesn't confirm the offer, you can look again and add another.
How do I add Clearing choices?
If you've previously registered for Track/Hub and your results have updated, you're ready to use Clearing when your status changes to either 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started'.
From this point you can visit the 'Your choices' section and click 'Add Clearing choice'.
You'll then be able to enter the course details.
Only once you've been granted permission by your chosen provider should you add a Clearing choice. The provider will then confirm your place in your hub.
Will the entry requirements be reduced during Clearing?
During clearing entry requirements may be different to the published tariffs. The actual entry requirements will depend on the availability of the course and typical grades of interested students.
The best way to find out is to contact the institution.
If I get multiple offers through Clearing, can I put them all into UCAS?
You will only be able to add one clearing option in UCAS. You can contact multiple providers before referring yourself in UCAS.
Once you make a clearing choice in UCAS the university will need to accept this, if they do not accept this you will be entered back into clearing and able to make another choice.
I’ve applied for deferred entry and have been unsuccessful with both my Conditional Firm (CF) and Conditional Insurance (CI) choices. Can I go through Clearing or will I have to reapply?
You will only be able to apply through clearing for September 2022 entry.
I can’t get through using the hotline number. What should I do?
Please be patient and keep trying.
Phone lines can get extremely busy but persevere and you’ll get through eventually. Using the hotline is the most direct route to apply through clearing. Do check institution websites for alternative contacts, some providers may have an email or an online registration process.
I would like to apply through clearing, but I haven’t made a UCAS application yet. Can I still apply?
You can still apply, but you will need to make a UCAS application including a personal statement and references before you are able to make a clearing choice.
I’ve been offered a pace at ICON College what do I do next?
After receiving a verbal offer you will need to refer yourself in UCAS Hub.
ICON College are not obliged to accept applicants who refer themselves without a verbal offer or applicants who refer themselves after the deadline.
Once you have referred yourself ICON college will verify the information you have provided. If all of the information is correct we will confirm your referral and you will see this updated in your hub. The verification process can take between 1 and 5 working days.
I can’t refer myself before the deadline, can the deadline be extended?
If you need an extension on the deadline to refer yourself, please email the admissions team including the reason for extension. The decision to extend will be at the discretion of the Director of Admissions.
If I apply through clearing can I still apply for a Student Loan?
You can still apply for a student loan, but there is a possibility that you will not receive your first payment on time.
If you have already made an application for finance, you will need to update the information as soon as possible. Follow the steps below to update your GOV.UK - Student finance application:
- Log into your account at GOV.UK - Student finance login
- Go to 'Your Account'
- Select 'Change your Application'
- Then select 'University/College and Course'.
If you have not made an application for finance, you will need to apply now for the best possible chance of getting your first instalment in time for the start of term. You can register and apply online
