Everything you need to know about clearing in Wales this A-Level Results Day

Missed your grades? Changed your mind? Clearing could be your way into uni, and Welsh universities could have more places than usual this year.

You’ve opened your results, refreshed UCAS approximately 47 times, and now you’re wondering what to do next. Don’t panic. If you didn’t get the grades you were expecting, Clearing could be the answer.

According to Wales Online, universities across Wales are expecting an increase in Clearing availability, partly due to budget cuts, fewer international applications and increased competition between universities.

Why are there more clearing places?

The Welsh university sector has had a rough time recently, with universities facing financial pressures and a drop in applications. This means some universities may be more flexible than usual when it comes to their entry requirements, while others have more places available on their courses.

All universities in Wales have assured they have places available through Clearing this year, including some for highly competitive degrees such as medicine.

Several Welsh universities have also said they can offer guaranteed accommodation to students through Clearing – although, as always, you’ll want to check the individual university’s terms and deadlines.

Where can I go?

Cardiff University has a range of subjects available through Clearing, with spaces listed on its website.

A spokesperson for Cardiff University said: “Our message to high-quality students is to contact us immediately once they have their results. Our dedicated Clearing lines are open from 8am on Thursday, August 13th.”

Cardiff Met also has places available across most programmes for students hoping to start in September. While some health-related courses are already full, prospective students are encouraged to get in touch to discuss the options still available.

A spokesperson for Cardiff Met said: “There is high demand for Cardiff Met’s sports-related courses, and applicants interested in these programmes are encouraged to call as early as possible to discuss their options and secure a place for September entry.”

Swansea University also has a number of Clearing places available across a wide range of courses, including pathways to medicine, psychology, computer science and law.

A Swansea University spokesperson told Wales Online: “We expect some courses to be highly competitive again this year and would strongly advise applicants interested in Swansea University to contact our Clearing helpline as early as possible on results day.

“If people haven’t quite achieved the grades they were hoping for, have done better than expected, or have simply changed their mind about the university they wish to join, we encourage them to get in touch.

“We are also offering guaranteed accommodation for students coming through Clearing this year if they apply for accommodation before August 18th.”

Aberystwyth University, Wrexham University, University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity St David and Bangor University have also issued similar statements. Exactly what’s available will vary by university and course, so check the university websites and UCAS rather than assuming your chosen course has spaces.

What should you actually do on A-Level Results Day?

If you’re going through Clearing, stay calm, don’t rush and try not to make a panic decision at 8:01am. Instead, it’s suggested you:

1. Check UCAS 

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Find out your current status and whether you’re eligible for Clearing.

2. Make a shortlist

Look at universities and courses that interest you before calling.

3. Check the entry requirements

Don’t waste time calling universities for courses where you clearly don’t meet the requirements – but remember that Clearing requirements can sometimes differ from the standard offer.

4. Call universities

Have your results, UCAS details and questions ready.

5. Don’t accept the first offer just because you’re relieved

Take a moment to make sure the university and course are actually right for you.

6. Sort accommodation ASAP

If you secure a Clearing place, check the accommodation deadline immediately.

You can read our full guide to navigating Clearing at Cardiff here.

Clearing is not the end of the world!

Last year, 67,990 applicants secured a place at a UK university via Clearing. So if results day doesn’t exactly go to plan, you’ve very much not alone.

A third-year business student at Cardiff University told The Cardiff Tab: “I missed out on my offer from Exeter University by one grade and was absolutely heartbroken.

“However, I called Cardiff and got an offer right away. The whole process was so easy. I managed to get accommodation at Talybont North, which is one of the best accoms.

“Now I’m really glad I didn’t go to Exeter. I’ve met some of my best friends at Cardiff, have been involved with societies, and really enjoy my degree. Everything worked out for a reason.”

It might feel like a disaster when you first see those grades, but university doesn’t have to disappear from your plans because you missed an offer.

And whether you end up in Wales by choice or by default, be assured that you might end up having the best three years of your life.

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