What is Clearing?
Clearing is a way to find a university course that still has spaces. This year, Clearing is open from 2 July. You can apply at any point during that time, but you'll need to know your A level results to do so. A level results day is on 13 August.
You can apply in Clearing if you:
- have your results and, if applicable, your English language test results
- changed your mind about your subject or university
- haven't yet applied to any universities in this cycle
- achieved higher grades than expected
- received results that are not as good as predicted for your original firm and insurance choice
You can apply for Clearing at University of Southampton even if you've applied previously and your application was rejected or if you received an offer but did not put as as your firm or insurance choice. The rejection will not affect how your new application is processed.
However, if you have previously applied for a Health course with us and were rejected following an interview you cannot reapply to Health courses.
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. We will not be able to discuss your application status with you during this time.
The 2026 results embargo will run from 8am UK time on Tuesday 28 July 2026 until 8am UK time on Thursday 13 August 2026.
How to apply through Clearing
To apply online:
- Check our course vacancies list to see our available courses.
- To apply, submit the short application form for your chosen course.
- If we make you an offer, you should then add University of Southampton as your Clearing choice in UCAS Hub.
Alternatively, you can apply through our Clearing Hotline when it opens.
We can't make any conditional offers in Clearing so if you don’t have all your results you’ll need to wait until they're available before you apply. UCAS will contact you with a final decision about your results and your application status will be updated in your UCAS Hub. We'll also email you to confirm the decision and explain what you need to do next.
If you've got a confirmed place at another university, you'll have to give up that place in order to accept an offer from another university instead. This is sometimes called being "released" into Clearing.
Ensure you've got an offer in principle from another university or college before you do this in Clearing. The university where you hold the 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): before A Level results day, you can contact the university where you hold an offer so they can release you into Clearing
Alternatively you can contact UCAS from 8am Thursday 13th August and ask to be released into clearing. For further details see the UCAS website.
When you fill in our form or call to make an application you'll need:
- 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
If you're an international student, you'll also need to provide details of your current level of English language proficiency, including:
- the test taken
- the date the test was taken
- your unique test reference number
We'll be opening our Clearing hotline around A level results day on 13 August 2026. The lines will be open on:
- Thursday 13 August from 8am to 9pm
- Friday 14 August from 8am to 6pm
We'll publish more details, including a telephone number, on this page shortly before then.
In the meantime, you can contact our admissions team if you need support. You can email them through admissions@southampton.ac.uk or phone through +44 (0)23 8059 4732.
What happens after I get an offer?
If you've had an offer to study from us through Clearing, the first thing to do is to add the University of Southampton as your Clearing choice in your UCAS Hub. We'll then confirm your place by email, including your student ID number.
You'll need your student ID number to apply for accommodation and enrol.
You can then apply for a place in our student accommodation if you want to. Students are guaranteed accommodation when applying through Clearing. Submit your accommodation application by Monday 17 Aug, 5pm UK time to secure a place in halls.
Places are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Terms and Conditions apply.
Your offer letter will tell you how long you have to accept or decline.
Yes. 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.
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 your student finance is confirmed, 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.
If you're a home student and your household income is £36,200 or less, you may be eligible for the Southampton Undergraduate Bursary.
If you're an international Student you may be eligible for our £3,000 Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship.
Grade equivalencies for international students
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: admissions@southampton.ac.uk
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IB Equivalent | 38 points with 19 at higher level | 36 points with 18 at higher level | 34 points with 17 at higher level | 32 points with 16 at higher level | 30 points with 15 at higher level | 28 points with 14 at higher level | 26 points with 13 at higher level | 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 grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IB equivalent | 7 in higher level | 6 in higher level | 5 in higher level | 4 in higher level |
| A level grade | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Equivalent | 5, 5, 5 | 5, 5, 5 | 5, 5, 4 | 5, 4, 4 | 4, 4, 4 | 4, 4, 3 | 4, 3, 3 | 3, 3, 3 |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Equivalent | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| A level grade | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School Graduation Diploma equivalent | 87% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) | 85% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) | 83% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) | 81% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) | 79% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) | 77% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) | 75% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) | 73% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick) |
| Maple Leaf World School Programme (MLWSP) | 85% | 84% | 83% | 81% | 79% | 77% | 75% | 73% |
| A level grade | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaokao equivalent | 80% | 80% | 75% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grade | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaokao equivalent | 85% | 80% | 75% | 70% |
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolytirion equivalent | 19.2 overall | 19 overall | 18.7 overall | 18.3 overall | 18 overall | 17.7 overall | 17.3 overall | 17 overall |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolytirion equivalent | Grade 19 or 95% | Grade 19 or 90% | Grade 18 or 85% | Grade 17 or 80% |
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abitur equivalent | Overall grade of 1.6 or lower | Overall grade of 1.8 or lower | Overall grade of 2.0 or lower | Overall grade of 2.1 or lower | Overall grade of 2.3 or lower | Overall grade of 2.4 or lower | Overall grade of 2.6 or lower | Overall grade of 2.8 or lower |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abitur equivalent | 14/15 at advanced level | 13/15 at advanced level | 12/15 at advanced level | 11/15 at advanced level |
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolytirion equivalent | 19.2 overall | 19 overall | 18.7 overall | 18.3 overall | 18 overall | 17.7 overall | 17.3 overall | 17 overall |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolytirion equivalent | Grade 20 | Grade 19 | Grade 18 | Grade 17 |
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) equivalent | 5* 5 5 | 555 | 554 | 544 | 444 | 443 | 433 | 333 |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) equivalent | Grade 5* | Grade 5 | Grade 4 | Grade 3 |
Chinese Language and Liberal Studies are excluded from our offer.
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian School Certificate (ISC) equivalent | 82% | 80% | 78% | 77% | 75% | 74% | 72% | 70% |
| Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) equivalent | 82% | 80% | 78% | 77% | 75% | 74% | 72% | 70% |
| Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) equivalent | 87% | 85% | 83% | 82% | 80% | 79% | 77% | 75% |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian School Certificate (ISC) Indian School Certificate (ISC) equivalent | 85% | 80% | 75% | 70% |
| Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) equivalent | 85% | 80% | 75% | 70% |
| Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) equivalent | 90% | 85% | 80% | 75% |
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) equivalent | A A- A- | A- A- A- | A- A- B | A- B B | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) equivalent | A | A- | B | C |
| A level grades | A*AA | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB | BBC | BCC | CCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lise Diplomasi / Lise Biterme equivalent | Above 85% | 85% | 80% | 75% | 72% | 70% | 68% | 65% |
Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.
| A level grades | A* | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lise Diplomasi / Lise Biterme equivalent | 87% | 85% | 80% | 75% |
How to support an applicant in Clearing
If you're a parent, carer, guardian, teacher or careers advisor, we want to help you feel prepared and confident in supporting someone considering applying for university through Clearing. You can sign up for alerts as a parent or supporter, to get more information on Clearing and invites to events.
Have a chat with the student you're supporting, and be there to help create an agreed back-up plan, should their circumstances change on results day.
The course might be the most important thing to the student, but there's a lot to consider when choosing a university. We recommend creating a checklist together, and using it to help decide which universities to apply for.
Your checklist might include:
- campus environment and facilities: from sports facilities and music rooms, to social spaces where students can get food or celebrate events
- employability: how does the university support the student's career prospects?
- student support: from specific support for their needs, to overall wellbeing provision
- the community: this includes the Students' Union, and sports, clubs and societies they might be interested in
- accommodation options: this includes university accommodation and accommodation guarantees for Clearing applicants, or support for commuters if they're planning to live at home
- costs: including funding options, accommodation costs, and cost of living considerations such as location and money management support.
You can find plenty of information on:
- course pages
- university and Students' Union websites
- social media
- student forums, such as The Student Room
- third-party websites, such as UCAS
Don't forget to also ask any family and friends about their own university experiences too.
Remember that Clearing moves quickly, so we recommend saving Clearing hotline numbers to your mobile phone and bookmarking course vacancy pages for the student's preferred universities in advance.
Students can check their UCAS Hub for decisions made by their firm and insurance choice universities from 8am, UK time on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Before applying, make sure the student has their grades, qualification names, UCAS ID details and preferred subject area ready.
Make a note of any expiry deadlines attached to Clearing offers and accommodation guarantees. Students will also need to add their preferred Clearing choice of university to their UCAS Hub.
To help make a decision, students can also attend university Clearing events, such as open days. These events are a brilliant opportunity to chat to current students and the academics that will teach them, as well as visit the spaces and facilities they'll be studying in.
If you have any Clearing-related questions, you can email our admissions team: admissions@southampton.ac.uk