The Right Course. The Right Place. Clearing 2026

Clearing is an official UCAS process that allows students to find and apply for university courses that still have places available. It’s a key opportunity for anyone applying after the 30th June UCAS deadline, as well as for students who have changed their mind, received unexpected results, or didn’t get an offer from their original university choices.

You can apply through Clearing for several reasons:

• You’re a late applicant. If you apply for a university course after 30 June, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
• You haven’t applied yet. If you haven’t submitted a UCAS application, you can still apply for a course through Clearing.
• You’ve changed your mind. Perhaps you didn’t receive any offers, or you decided not to accept the offers you received. Clearing allows you to explore other options.
• You didn’t meet the conditions of your offer. If your exam results weren’t what you expected and you didn’t meet the entry requirements for your original offers, Clearing gives you another opportunity to secure a university place.

Applying through Clearing is a straightforward process. You'll need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Find a course: Use our A–Z Clearing course listing to find a course that interests you and has places available.
2. Contact us: Once you’ve chosen a course, call us with your results and UCAS number ready. Our Clearing advisers will check whether we can make you an offer.
3. Accept your offer: If we offer you a place and you want to accept it, log in to UCAS Hub and add the University of Chester as your “Clearing choice”. Our UCAS institution code is C55.
4. Wait for confirmation: We will confirm your place through UCAS Hub, and your “Choices” page will update to show your acceptance.

At Chester, there is a range of courses available through Clearing across a variety of subject areas. Availability can change throughout the Clearing period, so we recommend checking our course list regularly for the most up-to-date information on courses with places available.

Chester's typical entry requirements are 78 UCAS tariff points for Foundation Year courses and 104–120 UCAS tariff points for undergraduate degrees.

However, entry requirements may vary during the Clearing period, and we consider a wide range of Level 3 qualifications. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, please call our Clearing hotline to speak to an adviser.

If we’re unable to offer you your first choice of course, we can also discuss alternative options and introduce you to other courses you may not have previously considered.

Yes. At Chester, accommodation is guaranteed for all Clearing offer holders who apply for accommodation by Friday 4th September 2026. Accommodation options consist of a mix of university-owned and partnership accommodation, depending on availability. Details on how to apply will be emailed to you after you receive an offer.

Chester's Disability and Inclusion Team is here to help you access the support you need to succeed at university. Starting university can be a big change, so we encourage you to contact the team as early as possible to discuss your needs and explore the support available.

Chester is a historic city with a vibrant student atmosphere. Known for its Roman walls, unique architecture and compact city centre, it offers a mix of historic charm and modern city life.

From well-known high street brands to independent shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, Chester offers plenty to explore. Its walkable city centre and welcoming community make it a popular place for students to live and study.

Travelling to and around Chester is easy, whichever way you choose to commute. Our campuses are well connected by car, train and bus.

We also offer plenty of support for commuting students, including dedicated study spaces and social events, helping you balance university life with living at home.

The University of Chester is committed to helping graduates achieve their career goals. Our courses include practical learning experiences such as authentic assessments, work placements, study abroad opportunities and language learning.

In addition, we provide lifelong career support for our students and graduates, including advice from career experts, employer connections, career resources and access to graduate job vacancies.

You can contact our Clearing hotline at 01244 567470. Our lines are open with extended hours during the Clearing period to help answer any questions you have.

During the Clearing period (2nd July – 19th October), our lines are open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm, and on a Friday from 9am to 4.30pm. We also have extended opening hours on the following dates and times: 

Thursday 13th August: 8am - 6pm

Friday 14th August: 8am - 6pm

Saturday 15th August: 9am - 5pm

Sunday 16th August: 10am - 4pm

Saturday 22nd August: 9am - 5pm