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Your Clearing questions answered

Find answers to the most asked questions about Clearing, including: 

  • the application process
  • eligibility
  • available courses
  • international applications

Clearing 2025 at Southampton is now open. If you have your results, you can apply for one of our undergraduate courses in Clearing now.

The application process

How do I apply through Clearing?

You can apply now for one of our undergraduate courses in Clearing by:

  1. exploring our list of courses in Clearing
  2. completing our
  3. if we make you an offer, adding the ºÚÁÏÉç as your Clearing choice in your
  4. if you want to stay in University accommodation, applying for accommodation once you've received your offer

If you need support in adding the ºÚÁÏÉç as your Clearing choice, you can follow .

Once we receive your UCAS application, we will process it and verify your qualifications. If we can make you an offer, we'll send you a formal offer letter which will include your Southampton ID number.

We do not operate waiting lists for any of our courses.

I previously applied to the University, but my application was rejected. Can I apply again through Clearing?

Yes – if the course you're interested in has availability in Clearing and you meet the entry requirements for it, you can apply again through Clearing.

Your initial application rejection does not affect how your application is processed, and our team will work with you to see if we can make you an offer.

What is the Clearing telephone number and what are the opening times? 

Our Clearing hotline will open at 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025: +44 (0)3300 586940

The Clearing hotline will be open during the following times:

  • Thursday 14 August 2025: 8am to 9pm, UK time
  • Friday 15 August 2025: 8am to 6pm, UK time

Offer holders can also use this telephone number to access our Confirmation line, by selecting option 2. The Confirmation line will be open Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August 2025, 8am to 6pm, UK time.

You can make a note of the number now, so that you're ready to call on the day.

If you have any queries about Clearing before our hotline opens, you can contact our admissions team by:

Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, UK time, except Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August 2025.

We are not able to discuss your or grades with you from 6pm, UK time on Monday 28 July 2025 until 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025. This is due to the .

What information do I need when I call you? 

You'll need to tell us: 

  • your name
  • your UCAS 10-digit identification number, if you've already made any applications through UCAS
  • your results, which may include relevant GCSE or equivalent results
  • the exact title of your qualifications – for example, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC National Certificate, as some different qualifications will have similar names
  • the subject area or course you're interested in

What if I can't get through on the hotline?

Our team will be working hard around A level results day to answer calls to our Clearing hotline as quickly as possible. However, we are expecting a high volume of calls, so there may be a short wait before your call is answered.

If you can't get through to our Clearing hotline, don't worry: you can still use our to apply for courses in Clearing. Applying online takes less time than applying over the phone, and we assess online applications in the same way we assess phone applications.

If you would still prefer to apply over the phone, feel free to wait a few minutes before calling the hotline again. To ensure our team can help you quickly and easily, make sure that your phone is fully charged and you have all the required information – see the section titled 'What information do I need when I call you?' on this page for more details.

How do I get released into Clearing? 

Being released into Clearing means you'll be giving up your place at your chosen university. 

Before you do this, please make sure you've got an offer in principle from another university or college. 

The university where you hold an offer may not be able to accept you if change your mind and want your old place back. 

Once you’re sure you want to be released into Clearing, what you need to do will depend on the type of offer you have. If your offer is:

  • Unconditional Firm (UF): sign into , choose ‘Decline my place’ and follow the on-screen prompts
  • Conditional Firm (CF): contact the university where you hold an offer so they can release you into Clearing 

What courses are available in Clearing? 

You can now explore which of our undergraduate courses are in Clearing on our course vacancies page.

Course availability and entry requirements are subject to change.

Are the entry requirements for courses in Clearing flexible?

For some courses, we will be more flexible on our entry requirements and accept applicants who have achieved slightly lower grades than our published requirements.

You can discuss your qualifications with our admissions team by email – however, due to the , we are not able to discuss your or grades with you from 6pm, UK time on Monday 28 July 2025 until 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025.

What is my Southampton student ID number? 

You'll receive your student ID number as part of your formal offer, after we've confirmed your place through UCAS. You'll need your ID number to apply for accommodation and formally enrol with the University.

Can I apply for accommodation?

Yes, and we will guarantee accommodation for Clearing students who apply for accommodation by 12pm, UK time on Tuesday 19 August 2025. Terms and conditions apply.

Can I visit the University before results day?

We have no more campus tours scheduled to take place before A level results day. However, if you receive an offer to study with us through Clearing, you'll have the opportunity to attend a Clearing Open Day on Saturday 16 August 2025. 

Our Clearing Open Day will give you the opportunity to see the places you'll study and socialise as a ºÚÁÏÉç student.

If you can't make it in person to our Clearing Open Day, we're also hosting a virtual Clearing event on Friday 15 August 2025. We'll contact you with more details about this event shortly after you've received your offer.

How can I prepare my finances for Clearing?

There are plenty of things you can do to prepare your finances if you're expecting to go through Clearing. 

  • If you're a home student, you can including tuition fee and maintenance loans. The process can take 6 to 8 weeks, so apply as soon as possible.
  • Get means-tested when applying for your loans – if your household income is £36,200 or less, you may be eligible for the Southampton Undergraduate Bursary.
  • If you've already applied for student finance, log in to your account and update your university name, to ensure your finance gets paid to the correct place.
  • Once you know what student finance you'll be receiving, you can create a budget to help you manage your everyday costs. You can do this using our resources for making the most of your money.
  • Ask for help if you need it – you can contact The Student Hub or our , about any money concerns. You can also get guidance from our Student Money Champions.

What is the UCAS results embargo? 

The is a period of time where we will not update applications, and the advisor portal on UCAS will not be updated. 

The 2025 results embargo will run from 6pm, UK time on Monday 28 July 2025 until 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025. We are not able to discuss your or grades with you during this time.

International applicants

I'm applying from outside the UK. Where can I find help in my home country? 

The University's international team can help you with your country-specific enquiries. To get in touch, visit our Clearing for international students page.

I have non-UK qualifications. Will I be eligible for Clearing?

Yes, the University accepts a wide range of international qualifications. Check the international grade equivalencies for your qualification or country below.

Can't find your qualification or country? Email our admissions team: admissions@southampton.ac.uk.

Typical A level grade range equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCC
Pass, with overall score of 38 points with 19 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 36 points with 18 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 34 points with 17 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 32 points with 16 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 30 points with 15 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 28 points with 14 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 26 points with 13 at higher levelPass, with overall score of 24 points with 12 at higher level

Where A level requirements are specified at subject-level, you would be expected to offer these at higher level.

A level subject equivalencies
A*AB
7 in higher level6 in higher level5 in higher level

 

Typical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
85%82%79%76%74%Please call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information98.58
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
High School Graduation Diploma87% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)85% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)83% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)81% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)79% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)77% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)75% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)73% average across 5 academic subjects (or 6 in OSSD and New Brunswick)87% in Grade 1285% in Grade 1281% in Grade 12
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
French Baccalauréat Général16 overall15 overall14 overall13 overall12 overallPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information161514
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
AbiturOverall grade of 1.6 or lowerOverall grade of 1.8 or lowerOverall grade of 2.0 or lowerOverall grade of 2.1 or lowerOverall grade of 2.3 or lowerPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information14/15 at advanced level13/15 at advanced level12/15 at advanced level
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)5*55555554544444443433333Grade 5*Grade 5Grade 4

Chinese Language and Liberal Studies are excluded from our offer.

QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Indian School Certificate (ISC)82%80%78%77%75%74%72%70%85%80%75%
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)82%80%78%77%75%74%72%70%85%80%75%
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)87%85%83%82%80%79%77%75%90%95%80%
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Diploma di Esame di Stato95 overall92 overall88 overall84 overall80 overallPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information20/20 from written exam or 10/10 final school grade18/20 from written exam or 9/10 final school grade16/20 from written exam or 8/10 final school grade
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Monash Foundation Year80%75%70%Please call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more informationN/A80%75%
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia 
(STPM, Malaysian Higher School Certificate)		AA-A-A-A-A-A-A-BA-BBBBBPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more informationAA-B
Matriculation Certificate or
Diploma (2 years)		GPA 3.6GPA 3.5GPA 3.33GPA 3.0GPA 2.67Please call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more informationAA-B
UEC (United Examination Certificate)6 subjects at Grade A5 subjects at Grade APlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more informationAAA
Foundation in Accounting, Business or Management*GPA 3.6GPA 3.5GPA 3.33GPA 3.0GPA 2.67Please call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more informationN/A

*Registered on the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR) and only suitable for specific programmes

QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Vitnemål for videregående opplæring5.0 overall4.8 overall4.5 overall4.3 overall4.0 overallPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more informationGrade 6Grade 5Grade 4
QualificationTypical A level grade range equivalenciesA level subject equivalencies
A*AAAAAAABABBBBBBBCBCCCCCA*AB
Baccalaureat Francais International (BFI)15 overall14 overall13 overall12 overall11 overallPlease call +44 (0)23 8059 4732 for more information161514

Parents and supporters

I'm an adult supporting an applicant through the Clearing process. What do I need to know to help them?

If you're a parent, carer, guardian, teacher or careers adviser, we want to help you feel prepared and confident in supporting someone considering applying for university through Clearing.

Depending on yours and the applicant's circumstances, you can find comprehensive guidance by expanding one of the following drop-down boxes:

Have a chat with the student you're supporting, and be there to help create an agreed back-up plan, should their circumstances change on results day.

The course might be the most important thing to the student, but there's a lot to consider when choosing a university. We recommend creating a checklist together, and using it to help decide which universities to apply for. 

Your checklist might include:

You can find plenty of information on:

  • course pages
  • university and Students' Union websites
  • social media
  • student forums, such as
  • third-party websites, such as and

Don't forget to also ask any family and friends about their own university experiences too.

Remember that Clearing moves quickly, so we recommend saving Clearing hotline numbers to your mobile phone and bookmarking course vacancy pages and for the student's preferred universities in advance.

You can also watch our videos below to learn more about the Clearing process, key dates and top tips, from our recent parents and supporters webinars.

UK parents and supporters

International parents and supporters

If the student you're supporting already has their results, they can apply for courses in Clearing by .

Alternatively, our Clearing hotline opens at 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025 and will be open during the following times:

  • Thursday 14 August 2025: 8am to 9pm, UK time
  • Friday 15 August 2025: 8am to 6pm, UK time

Students can check their UCAS Hub for decisions made by their firm and insurance choice universities from 8am, UK time on Thursday 14 August 2025.

Before applying, make sure the student has their grades, qualification names, UCAS ID details and preferred subject area ready.

When calling the Clearing hotline, the student will be expected to talk to our advisers, but you can feel assured knowing you have an agreed back-up plan with them.

In the meantime, you can learn more about how Clearing works at Southampton in one of the following videos:

UK parents and supporters

International parents and supporters

Make a note of any expiry deadlines attached to Clearing offers and accommodation guarantees. Students will also need to add their preferred Clearing choice of university to their .

To help make a decision, students can also attend university Clearing events, such as open days. These events are a brilliant opportunity to chat to current students and the academics that will teach them, as well as visit the spaces and facilities they'll be studying in.

If an applicant receives a Clearing offer to study with us, they'll be invited to attend a Clearing Open Day on Saturday 16 August 2025. We'll contact the student with more details about this event shortly after they've received their offer.

Support your student in what's best for them and help them respond to offers.

If you have any Clearing-related questions, you can contact our admissions team by:

Contextual offers

I've been made an offer through contextual admissions. What support can the University provide?

We sometimes use additional information about applicants when considering their applications to study with us. We call this process contextual admissions, and we have plenty of support available to those who receive an offer through this process.

Our Student Inclusion Team is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the help and resources they may need whilst at university. The team offers support and guidance for underrepresented student groups, including care leavers, estranged and mature students.

Your next steps