Clearing: how to apply

Clearing is an opportunity for you to apply directly to your chosen university and receive advice and guidance throughout the process.

From July-September you can apply directly to us, online or by phone on 01245 686868.

1. Check if Clearing is for you

Clearing is an opportunity to apply to university for September. It opens on 1 July and you can apply online from that date, directly to your chosen university. 

Our students apply through Clearing for lots of different reasons. Maybe they're returning to education, didn't quite get the grades they expected, or have changed their mind about where they want to study.

Chances are that Clearing will be a great opportunity for you to join ARU, too.

Visit our Clearing FAQs page to check your eligibility.

2. Do your research

Have a think about the subject area you're interested in, and see which universities are offering courses that feel like a good fit.

Whatever your interest, read the course outline. If you're after hands-on experience, look for how much practical assessment is involved, and check if there's time in industry placements.

You might also want to see if a course offers different study options, such as a foundation year.

Take a moment to check out other things that are important to you, too – like location, facilities, university accommodation or study support.

Once you've shortlisted a couple of universities, it could be time to take a look for yourself...

3. Go exploring

We'd love to tell you more about ARU. You can:

• join a student-led campus tour every Friday
• chat to our students online
• check our guides to Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle.

4. Apply

From July-September you can apply online (links will be on individual course pages) or by phone on 01245 686868.

When you're ready to apply, make sure you have some essential information to hand:

• your UCAS personal number (if you have one)
• your results (if you know them) – A Level, BTEC, Access course and your AS Levels and GCSEs. You can still apply if you're waiting for your results. We also accept other level 3 qualifications such as IB, Cambridge Pre-U, Scottish and Irish Highers
• the personal statement from your UCAS application (if applicable)
• any notes on the courses you’re interested in
• if you're calling us, a list of any questions you want to ask.

It's also a good idea to have a pen and paper in case you want to make notes. You might need to look back over information to help you make your choices.

5. Accept your offer... and relax

If we can make you an offer, we’ll send you a formal offer email. Once you've received our offer of a place you can either:

• accept it straightaway if you're not using UCAS
• if you have a UCAS account, add the university and course as your Clearing choice.

Note that your offer may be subject to some conditions, such as an interview, occupational health check or a DBS check.

Once your place is confirmed, it’s a good time to start making a few preparations for uni. This could include applying for student loans or accommodation. Our handy guide to preparing for student life has some pointers.

Thousands of students get places through Clearing every year and do brilliantly at university. And of course, we're here to help you through the whole process. So relax: you've got this.

Questions about studying at ARU?

We're here to answer your questions about courses, applying to university, and studying at ARU.

• Call us on 01245 686868
• Speak to us on live chat
• Email [email protected]