Answers to frequently asked questions about Clearing

Clearing is your opportunity to bring your future into focus and secure a place at university.

If you have queries about Clearing, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions on this page. If you need further support, give us a call on our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334* (or +44 20 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK).

*Calls from the UK are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

Clearing explained

What is Clearing?

Clearing is part of the UCAS application process, allowing universities to fill any vacancies they may have on their courses following the release of results. It means that you have an opportunity to find a course to suit you, even if your results are not quite as expected.

You may find yourself in Clearing if:

You've changed your mind on what or where you would like to study, and have used self-release
You applied after 6pm on 30 June
You didn't receive any offers
You received offers that you decided not to accept
Your exam results weren't as expected and you didn't meet the conditions of your offers

Applying through Clearing

How can I apply to Kingston University through Clearing?

You can apply through Clearing by calling our Clearing hotline 0800 0483 334* (or +44 20 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK). It is helpful to have your UCAS personal ID number. However, don't worry if you haven't already registered with UCAS.

*Calls from the UK are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

I have a place confirmed at another institution, but now wish to study at Kingston University – can I still apply?

Yes, you can. If you have already accepted an offer through UCAS at another institution, when Clearing opens on Wednesday 5 July you can use the self-release tool on your UCAS Hub account. We only recommend you do this once you have secured your place with us.

I have a place at Kingston University, but would like to change to a different course – what should I do next?

If you're interested in changing your course, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334* (or +44 20 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK), so that we can talk you through your options.

*Calls from the UK are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

Do I have to pay to apply through Clearing?

Costs when applying through Clearing:

£0 – If you have already applied through UCAS and have paid the full application fee, you will automatically be made eligible to use the Clearing service
£4.50 – If you originally only applied for one course for the reduced fee of £22.50, you'll have to pay an additional £4.50 to apply through Clearing
£27.00 – If you are making a new application, you will need to pay the £27.00 fee.

I wasn't intending to go to university this year so have not applied to UCAS – am I too late?

There is still time to apply. Call us today, we're happy to talk you through your options.

Call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334* (or +44 20 83281149 if you are calling from outside the UK).

*Calls from the UK are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

How can I accept an offer I have received through Clearing?

UCAS applicants: Please log into UCAS Hub and add us as your Clearing choice using the intuitional code K84 and the course code, which you can find on the course page on our website.
Non-UCAS applicants: Please visit the link provided in the offer email and complete our online form.

Do I need to send copies of my qualifications?

Yes. If successful with your application, you would normally be required to upload your qualifications to Kingston University's online student information system (OSIS). We will send you an email prompting you to do so.

Please note: It is important to follow these instructions carefully as this could affect your ability to enrol.

Can I apply for courses starting in 2024 in Clearing?

No unfortunately not. Clearing is only for courses starting in 2023. Please contact us from autumn 2023 if you are interested in applying for courses starting 2024 or later.

Applications for 2024 will open in the first week of September 2023. The on-time application deadline is currently Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Courses in Clearing

Which courses have places available?

To find out which courses have places available at Kingston University, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334* (or +44 20 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK).

You can also find a list of the Clearing courses we have available on our website.

*Calls from the UK are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

What are the entry requirements for the course I'd like to apply for?

Full details of entry requirements for our courses are available on the course pages on our website. However, these entry requirements should only be viewed as a guide, and may change during Clearing.

If you do not meet the entry requirements displayed on the website, please do not be deterred from applying as we may still be able to offer you a place.

Calling the Clearing hotline

What information should I have available when I call the Clearing hotline?

We will need to take your:

UCAS Personal ID (if you have one) as well as
details of the qualifications that you have obtained to date.

Please try to have these details with you before you make a call.

What should I do if I just want to confirm my place at Kingston University?

You can use UCAS Hub to check whether your status is confirmed. If your status is not confirmed on UCAS Hub, then it may be because we haven't received everything we need from you or you are waiting for results.

You'll also be able to view your confirmation decision on Kingston University's online student information system (OSIS). This means that if you have any problems logging on to UCAS Hub, you can always log on to check OSIS instead. You will have already received your OSIS username and password from us via an email.

If you need to clarify anything any further you can call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334* (or +44 20 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK).

*Calls from the UK are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

Results

What if I only miss my predicted grades by a few points?

If you already have an offer of a place at Kingston University but you achieved slightly lower grades than you needed, we may be able to reconsider your application or offer you a place on a similar course.

Please keep an eye on UCAS Hub and Kingston University's online student information system (OSIS) regarding this.

You can also call our Clearing hotline and we will advise you on your options 0800 0483 334* (or +44 20 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK).

*Calls from the UK are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

I don't agree with my A level results and I am questioning them. Can I still apply?

Yes – while we can only consider existing marks when making you an offer, you may already have the points needed for the course you wish to study.

Remember to give us details of any outstanding grades or extenuating circumstances if you feel they could help your application.

My BTEC isn't complete – can I still apply?

Yes – even if your BTEC is incomplete, you may still gain credits for the units or modules you have completed.

Remember to give us details of any outstanding marks or extenuating circumstances if you feel they could help your application.

Do I need to send copies of my qualifications?

Yes. If successful with your application, you would normally be required to upload your qualifications to Kingston University's online student information system (OSIS) and we would usually send you an email prompting you to do so.

Please note: It is important to follow these instructions carefully as this could affect your ability to enrol.

Preparing to join us

How do I apply for funding?

If you have already applied for funding, you will need to let Student Finance England know if you change university or course.

If you have already received a 'University or College Payment Advice' sheet make sure you upload this when you enrol at Kingston University – even if it has a different University named on it.

If you haven't already applied for funding, contact Student Finance England as soon as possible.

You can also read our fees and funding section for more information.

Where will I live while I am at Kingston University?

If you are applying to Kingston University through Clearing, we may still have some rooms available in our halls of residence.

Please note: Our accommodation is limited at this time of the year and is offered on a first come, first served basis to anyone who has received a course offer and has added Kingston University as their Clearing choice.

More about accommodation for Clearing applicants

Renting privately

Many Clearing students choose to rent in the private sector. The benefits of this include:

You can choose where you want to live.
You can find a property to suit your budget.
You can choose your own flatmates and facilities.
You will gain independence and flexibility.

The University's Accommodation team can help by providing:

A free daily vacancy list, which lists the latest properties available.
A student-to-student noticeboard to put you in touch with other students looking for accommodation.
A list of local letting agents.
A halls of residence waiting list for students to wait for hall accommodation (subject to vacancies).

Visit our house hunting section for more information and to sign up to these options.

Can I visit the University?

There are several ways you can get to know us a little better.

Open Day

Meet us at an upcoming Open Day before you start your course:

Friday 18 August – Book your Open Day place now

Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

Our prospectus gives you a good insight into Kingston University, including an overview of our campus and facilities, student life and what courses you can study. Order your copy of the prospectus now.