As we approach the end of the 2025 admissions cycle, you may still be undecided about your next steps. Every year, over a million students register for a Ucas account and yet 400,000 of those registered in the system never reach the stage of submitting an application. This shift reflects a broader trend: more students are delaying their decisions, reassessing their options, and using Clearing not as a fallback, but as a strategic route into higher education.
So, if you haven’t applied to university yet – whether you’re finishing college, taking a gap year, or considering a career change – you’re not alone. And more importantly, it’s not too late.
Why are more students applying late?
In 2024, about 74,000 students accepted a place through clearing – with around 21,000 doing so because they did not apply to university before the main deadline.
There are several reasons why students are leaving it later to apply. Some are taking time to explore alternative options such as a gap year, or getting some paid employment experience under their belt to help fund their time at university. Others may be waiting for their results before taking the final step, giving them additional time to research the university or courses they may be interested in.
There’s a growing awareness that clearing offers real choice. Talking to students, they’re increasingly using clearing to switch courses, change universities, or to apply for the first time.
What is clearing – and how does it work?
Clearing is the process that connects applicants to courses that still have vacancies after they have received their results. It is for students who don’t have a place confirmed, students who have changed their mind about where they want to go and those who haven’t applied at all before they receive their results. It runs from early July until mid-October, but the busiest period is around A-level results day in August.
If you haven’t applied yet, you can submit a new application and go straight into clearing. Once you’ve received your clearing number, you can contact universities directly to discuss available courses. Many institutions, including Nottingham Trent University, offer dedicated clearing hotlines, live chats, and virtual open days to support late applicants.
How to choose the right course and university
When applying through clearing, it’s important to do some research. Here are a few things to think about:
- Think about your interests and strengths – What subjects do you enjoy? What kind of career might you want after graduation? Does that course offer pathways into the career you’re looking for?
- Research course content – It’s not just about the title – a politics degree at one university may be vastly different at another – it’s wise to check modules, placement opportunities and other elements of the course to make sure it would suit you.
- Consider location and lifestyle – Do you want to live in a big city, a campus environment, or closer to home? Do you have particular activities that you want to pursue – sports or hobbies, for example? Are there societies or groups that you could join to meet people with similar interests?
Why apply now?
Applying to university through clearing gives you access to thousands of courses still open for applications – many of which offer exciting opportunities you may not have considered earlier in the year.
University isn’t just about gaining a qualification – it’s about discovering your potential. It’s a chance to build confidence, gain independence, and develop skills that employers value. From expert teaching and industry placements to vibrant student communities and support networks, the university experience can be life-changing.
What financial support is available?
Student finance is available even if you apply late. You can still apply for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans through your national student finance provider. Many universities also offer bursaries and scholarships – some specifically for clearing applicants.
At Nottingham Trent University, for example, we offer a range of financial support packages, including bursaries and subject-specific scholarships. We also provide cost-of-living advice and budgeting tools to help you manage your money.
Final thoughts
Clearing is no longer just a safety net – it’s an opportunity. Whether you’re applying for the first time or changing direction, there’s still time to find the right course and start your university journey this autumn.
So if you’re still on the fence, take that first step. Explore your options, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out.
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