The application process
How do I apply through Clearing?
You can apply now for one of our undergraduate courses in Clearing by:
- exploring our list of courses in Clearing
- selecting the course you're interested in
- completing our short application form
Do I need to apply through UCAS, or can I apply directly through the University of Southampton?
If we can make you an offer in principle, you'll need to add the University of Southampton as your Clearing choice in UCAS Hub. You can do this by following UCAS' step-by-step guide to Clearing.
Once we receive your UCAS application, we will process it and verify your qualifications. If we can make you an offer, we'll send you a formal offer letter which will include your Southampton ID number.
We do not operate waiting lists for any of our courses.
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 Thursday 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 admissions team by:
- phone: +44 (0)23 8059 4732
- email: admissions@southampton.ac.uk
Phone lines are open:
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, UK time
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July 2025, 9am to 5pm, UK time
We can't discuss your application status or grades with you from 6pm, UK time on Monday 28 July 2025 until 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025. This is due to the UCAS results embargo.
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 now explore which of our undergraduate courses are in Clearing on our course vacancies page.
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?
Yes, and we will guarantee accommodation for Clearing students who apply for accommodation by 12pm, UK time on Tuesday 19 August 2025. Terms and conditions apply.
Can I visit the University before results day?
Yes, you can see the study and social spaces at Southampton by booking a place on one of our campus tours, which are place taking on Thursday 24 July and Friday 25 July 2025, 10:45am to 3:45pm, UK time.
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, UK time on Monday 28 July 2025 until 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025. We cannot discuss any applications during this time.