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Your Clearing questions answered

Find answers to the most asked questions about Clearing, including: 

  • the application process
  • eligibility
  • available courses
  • international applications

You can now preview which courses have availability on our Clearing course vacancies page, before applications open on 5 July 2025.

The application process

What is the Clearing telephone number and what are the opening times? 

We'll be opening our Clearing hotline around A level results day on 14 August 2025. We'll publish more details about our hotline, including telephone number and opening times, shortly before A level results day.

In the meantime, if you have any queries about Clearing, you can contact our enquiries team by email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk

Do I need to apply through UCAS, or can I apply directly through the University of Southampton? 

Once Clearing opens and you have your results, you'll be able to apply for a course directly through us and find out if we can make you an offer.

If we can make you an offer, you’ll then need to refer yourself to us via UCAS Hub (or apply via UCAS Clearing if you have not yet applied to UCAS). You can do this by following UCAS' step-by-step guide to Clearing.

What information do I need when I call you? 

You'll need to tell us: 

  • your name
  • your UCAS 10-digit identification number, if you've already made any applications through UCAS
  • your results, which may include relevant GCSE or equivalent results
  • the exact title of your qualifications – for example, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC National Certificate, as some different qualifications will have similar names
  • the subject area or course you're interested in

How do I get released into Clearing? 

Being released into Clearing means you'll be giving up your place at your chosen university. 

Before you do this, please make sure you've got an offer in principle from another university or college. 

The university where you hold an offer may not be able to accept you if change your mind and want your old place back. 

Once you’re sure you want to be released into Clearing, what you need to do will depend on the type of offer you have. If your offer is:

  • Unconditional Firm (UF): sign into UCAS Hub, choose ‘Decline my place’ and follow the on-screen prompts
  • Conditional Firm (CF): contact the university where you hold an offer so they can release you into Clearing 

What courses are available in Clearing? 

You can browse our courses in Clearing on our course vacancies page, before applications open on 5 July 2025.

What is my Southampton student ID number? 

You'll receive your student ID number as part of your formal offer, after we've confirmed your place through UCAS. You'll need your ID number to apply for accommodation and formally enrol with the University.

Can I apply for accommodation?

Accommodation applications will be allocated on a first come, first served basis for Clearing. Your application should be made as soon as possible, as any remaining spaces in halls will fill up very quickly.

There are alternative accommodation options in and around Southampton which are suitable for students, if you are not able to secure accommodation in halls. You can find out more on our student accommodation page.

How can I prepare my finances for Clearing?

There are plenty of things you can do to prepare your finances if you're expecting to go through Clearing. 

  • If you're a home student, you can apply online for student finance including tuition fee and maintenance loans. The process can take 6 to 8 weeks, so apply as soon as possible.
  • Get means-tested when applying for your loans – if your household income is £36,200 or less, you may be eligible for the Southampton Undergraduate Bursary.
  • If you've already applied for student finance, log in to your account and update your university name, to ensure your finance gets paid to the correct place.
  • Once you know what student finance you'll be receiving, you can create a budget to help you manage your everyday costs. You can do this using our resources for making the most of your money.
  • Ask for help if you need it – you can contact The Student Hub or our Students' Union, SUSU, about any money concerns.

What is the UCAS Results Embargo? 

The UCAS results embargo is a period of time where we will not update applications, and the advisor portal on UCAS will not be updated. 

The 2025 results embargo will run from 6pm, 28 July until 8am, 14 August. We cannot discuss any applications during this time.

International applicants

I'm applying from outside the UK. Where can I find help in my home country? 

The University's international team can help you with your country-specific enquiries. To get in touch, visit our Clearing for international students page.

I have non-UK qualifications. Will I be eligible for Clearing?

Yes, the University accepts a wide range of international qualifications. Check the international grade equivalencies for your qualification or country below.

Can't find your qualification or country? Email our admissions team on admissions@southampton.ac.uk.

Typical A level grade range equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCC
Pass, with overall score of 38 points with 19 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 36 points with 18 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 34 points with 17 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 32 points with 16 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 30 points with 15 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 28 points with 14 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 26 points with 13 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 24 points with 12 at higher level

Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.

A level subject equivalencies
A*AB
7 in higher level6 in higher level5 in higher level

 

Typical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
85%82%79%76%74%Please call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information98.58
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
French Baccalauréat Général16 overall15 overall14 overall13 overall12 overallPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information161514
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
AbiturOverall grade of 1.6 or lowerOverall grade of 1.8 or lowerOverall grade of 2.0 or lowerOverall grade of 2.1 or lowerOverall grade of 2.3 or lowerPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information14/15 at advanced level13/15 at advanced level12/15 at advanced level
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)5*55555554544444443433333Grade 5*Grade 5Grade 4

Chinese Language and Liberal Studies are excluded from our offer.

QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Indian School Certificate (ISC)82%80%78%77%75%74%72%70%85%80%75%
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)82%80%78%77%75%74%72%70%85%80%75%
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)87%85%83%82%80%79%77%75%90%95%80%
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Diploma di Esame di Stato95 overall92 overall88 overall84 overall80 overallPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information20/20 from written exam or 10/10 final school grade18/20 from written exam or 9/10 final school grade16/20 from written exam or 8/10 final school grade
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Vitnemål for videregående opplæring5.0 overall4.8 overall4.5 overall4.3 overall4.0 overallPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more informationGrade 6Grade 5Grade 4

Parents and supporters

I'm an adult supporting an applicant through the Clearing process. What do I need to know to help them?

If you're a parent, carer, guardian, teacher or careers adviser, we want to help you feel prepared to support someone considering applying for university through Clearing.

You can now sign up for our parents and supporters newsletter, to receive dedicated updates and helpful tips straight to your inbox.

Last year, we hosted a series of parents and supporters webinars, where our experts covered topics such as key dates and processes, what to expect during Clearing and how you can plan for different outcomes. You can watch bite-sized recordings from the webinars below:

Contextual offers

I've been made an offer through contextual admissions. What support can the University provide?

We sometimes use additional information about applicants when considering their applications to study with us. We call this process contextual admissions, and we have plenty of support available to those who receive an offer through this process.

Our Student Inclusion Team is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the help and resources they may need whilst at university. The team offers support and guidance for underrepresented student groups, including care leavers, estranged and mature students.

Your next steps