Clearing FAQs

Clearing 2024 is now closed. Applications for 2025 are open, you can find out more here. 

Absolutely. If your results are better than you were expecting, well done! You can use Clearing to switch your course to something more challenging or with entry requirements higher than your were anticipating.

If you have received a Clearing offer and you would like to accept it, please add Essex as your Clearing choice by following the instructions in the email you will have received. We don’t have a fixed deadline to do this but, as demand for places is high, we recommend doing this as soon as you can. This will allow you to secure your place and apply for accommodation.

Yes, if you are holding an Unconditional Firm place somewhere, you can release yourself into Clearing via UCAS Hub using the 'decline my place' option. You should only do this when you know you have an offer from another university. Otherwise, you could be left with nothing!

No problem, just make sure you tell us that you applied previously when you get in touch. It's also really helpful if you're able to provide your application number too.

If we rejected you after receiving your results or after attending a compulsory interview, then unfortunately you cannot re-apply for the same course.

We may have also considered you for alternative courses before rejecting your previous application, but if you would like to be considered for a different course or you have additional information/qualifications to provide since your original application, get in touch and we can advise.

This is because we haven't been able to offer you a place on the course you originally applied for. This is most likely to be because the course you applied for is full or you were not eligible. However, the good news is that we have been able to offer you an alternative course. Use our course finder to find out more about the alternative course you have been offered. 

We may have offered you a degree with an integrated foundation year if you didn’t meet the entry requirements for Year One of the degree. During your foundation year you’ll study within our Essex Pathways department, taking modules which are relevant to your chosen degree, along with academic skills modules that enable you to succeed at undergraduate level. It is a great way to improve your confidence before starting your first year of undergraduate study in your subject department.

Essex Pathways department is based at our Colchester campus and has experienced teaching staff who are dedicated to preparing you to make the transition into your subject department in Year One.  From the very first moment you arrive at Essex Pathways, you will feel part of our community. Additionally, you are guaranteed University accommodation for your foundation year if you make us your firm choice and apply by the published deadline.

Upon successful completion of your foundation year within Essex Pathways you are guaranteed progression onto the first year of the degree, with the remainder of the course taught within your department. Further information can be found on our Essex Pathways department page.

You can submit an application, yes. However, it is unlikely we would be able to make a decision on your application without all of your grades so we would advise you wait until you have all of your results before your apply.

If you make a Clearing application using our webform, please use the document uploader to provide us with copies of any relevant transcripts or documentation, especially if you have not taken standard UK qualifications.

This depends upon your course - there are a few health-related courses for which an interview is mandatory but these will all take place via Microsoft Bookings. You’ll get further details about this via email.

Once you’re UF with us, you can apply for accommodation. Details of how to apply will be included in the email we send to confirm your offer. You can also arrange your own private accommodation through SU Homes.

Yes, you can find out more about the scholarships we have available and find out whether you're eligible on our Scholarships page.

Yes, we consider a range of qualifications for entry to Essex. If you make a Clearing application using our online Clearing form, please make sure you include the full title of your qualification, the year it was taken and your grades. If you have any certificates or transcripts of your qualifications, please make use of the document uploader on the online Clearing form to send these to us with your application, especially if these are not standard UK qualifications. This will often help us make our decision much quicker.

Yes, then if we are able to offer you a place we will send you instructions of how to complete our Direct Application form to confirm your place.

If you receive a Clearing offer and add Essex as your Clearing choice, you will receive further information from us about your CAS via email once we have done all our checks and confirmed your place. More information about CASs can be found on our immigration pages.