The concept of cleansing is typically unfamiliar to international students. However, it is crucial to be informed about the clearing process in the UK due to the advantages it provides. This concise guide is intended to assist all students who are interested in understanding the concept of purging, its operation, and the most effective methods for utilizing it.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is a service provided by UCAS that enables you to search for alternative undergraduate courses that are still available at UK universities or colleges, provided that you do not already possess offer letters. Therefore, if you were unsuccessful in obtaining admission to any of the UK universities or colleges that you had previously selected, you still have the opportunity to identify an alternative course that is suitable for you through UCAS Clearing.
However, what was the reason for your rejection from the university of your choice?
You may have been unsuccessful in obtaining admission to your preferred university in the United Kingdom for a variety of reasons:
- You were unable to satisfy the entry requirements due to low exam scores or because you scored higher than anticipated and desired to make a better choice and modify the program you had previously chosen.
- You initially intended to forgo university education; however, you later reconsidered and resolved to enroll this year. Therefore, you submitted your application after June 30th.
- You were uncertain about accepting an offer from a university due to your other plans or inclinations.
When does Clearing start?
Starting in July, the clearing process is available for you to apply for courses that align with your interests until October 21st. Universities are endeavoring to finalize their student enrollment for a specific academic year during this time.
Is the UK Clearing process meant for international students?
A straightforward response to this question would be affirmative. The Clearing process in the United Kingdom is also intended for international students. Let us provide you with some statistics to lift your spirits. By the conclusion of the 2018 clearing procedure, 68,680 international students were admitted to UK universities. Of these students, 30,350 were EU students and 38,330 were non-EU students. This demonstrates that you, as an international student, are also eligible to take advantage of this opportunity.
Nevertheless, the sole eligibility requirement is that you must have submitted your application to study in the United Kingdom through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Additionally, it is advisable to consult your preferred university and elaborate on your intentions to submit an application during the clearing process in the United Kingdom. If you are currently in the process of clearing because you have not received an offer letter from the university, it is advisable to reach out to them.
If your university application was completed and submitted by June 30th and you have not received an offer or have decided not to accept one, your application will be automatically forwarded into clearing. Nevertheless, you will be required to submit an application fee of GBP 22 to participate in the clearing process, or GBP 11 if you had submitted your application to a single university prior to the clearing process.
How does Clearing work?
The initial phase involves a student receiving their results and discovering that they do not satisfy the minimum entry requirements of universities in the United Kingdom. A student of this nature would log in to the UCAS website and verify their eligibility to participate in the clearing procedure. Students who have not applied to any universities and have missed the deadlines may also verify their eligibility for clearing.
Upon confirmation of eligibility, the student will proceed to the second stage and be assigned a clearance number. Universities utilize this number as their application reference during the evaluation phase. Upon receiving this number, a student should submit their application for the courses they have selected by either applying online or contacting the universities. International students are provided with comprehensive contact information on the UCAS website.
The final stage of the clearance process in the United Kingdom would commence upon the submission of an offer. Students will have a maximum of a few days to either accept or decline the offer. Additionally, they must bear in mind that they are limited to submitting a single cleansing option at a time and are only permitted to reapply after the initial application has been processed.
How do you choose your courses in UCAS Clearing?
You must be both swift and astute when selecting an educational institution or course. Typically, you will have a few days to make the decision, rather than months, which may cause you to hesitate.
To render the purging process less intimidating, consider the following suggestions:
- It is highly probable that you have conducted a preliminary investigation on the courses you wish to enroll in and the universities to which you aspire prior to the clearing process. Utilize this investigation to your advantage. Additionally, you may consult the prospectus, and university websites, and converse with current students to assist you in making an informed decision.
- Another advantageous strategy is to concentrate on a particular metropolis or region of the nation. Search for educational institutions situated in the region where you aspire to pursue your studies. This is particularly advantageous for international students.
- It is imperative that you prioritize quality. The mere fact that you are in the clearing process does not obligate you to accept a course that you are not interested in or at a lower level than you deserve.
- Conduct a search on Google and peruse the websites of all universities. Gather as much information as possible regarding the courses that are available. It is always beneficial to be well-informed in order to make the appropriate decision.
Look for expert assistance!
Your Liveabroad counselor can provide step-by-step guidance throughout the Clearing process and can follow up with the universities to ensure that you receive the offer letter and accept it as required by the university. We are pleased to be of service to you today. Please do not hesitate to contact us.