Clearing advice for students and parents

The journey to university isn't always a straight path.

Whether you're a student ready to take charge of your future or a parent or carer seeking guidance for a young person, we're here with Clearing advice to support you every step of the way.

We provide extra financial support and help with costs for students in Clearing thanks to the Brighton Boost.

Finanical support for students in Clearing: The Brighton Boost

To help ease any financial worries you might have as a student in Clearing, we have a package of financial support, resources, and services to help you as you start your life at university.

The Brighton Boost includes:

  • up to £500 to help with travel costs
  • free technology loan scheme
  • free parking on campus
  • a student job hub
  • and help with the cost of halls if you choose that option.
Seagull on a rocket with the words: Brighton Boost

Clearing advice for parents and carers

There are lots of ways to support young people through the Clearing process. It's good to inform yourself about how Clearing works, and if you need support you can always call our friendly advice team.

Courses are available in Clearing that will help them start a student life that leads to a bright future. Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Parents and carers questions about Clearing

  1. Helping young people through the university Clearing process: What can you do?
  2. Do universities get results before students?
  3. How long do universities take to respond to Clearing applications?
  4. What's the best way to get a Clearing place?
Staff answering parents questions about Clearing

1. Helping young people through the Clearing process

There are a few ways you could help young people through Clearing.

  • Share Resources: Start by pointing them to our questions about Clearing page. It has lots of helpful advice.
  • Explore Course Options: Course availability changes during Clearing. Use our course finder to look for courses that might interest your child.
  • Call for Guidance: Our course enquiries team is available to talk through their options. Encourage your child to call and discuss their choices with a knowledgeable advisor.
  • Encourage Visits: One of the best ways to help is to encourage them to attend a Clearing campus visit day or join an online event. This gives them a chance to see the campus and ask questions.
Adult helping young people apply

2. Do universities get results before students?

Yes, universities receive exam results a week in advance of students, but we are not allowed to share this information. This helps us confirm places quickly, so we're prepared for Results Day.

Students will get their results from their school or college in person or electronically.

You don't need your results to talk to us about options in clearing, so chat to the team on 01273 644000.

Two students in front of a robot

3. How long do universities take to respond to Clearing applications?

Universities generally respond to Clearing applications very quickly. In fact, if young people call us, we will speak to them straight away and it's possible they could receive a verbal offer of a place.

Our friendly Clearing team will share more advice about how to apply through Clearing and talk them through what they need to do next to accept their offer.

Student making enquiries about Clearing

4. What's the best way to get a Clearing place?

Once a young person has received their results, the best way for them to get a Clearing place is to pick up the phone and call the university on 01273 644000.

There are a variety of courses available throughout Clearing, however the longer they leave it, the fewer courses there will be.

If you need help to better understand the Clearing process, you can always call our friendly advice team.

Students asking questions about Clearing

Clearing advice for students

Clearing isn't just an alternative route, but an opportunity to find university places that can redefine your academic journey. Here at Brighton, we're on hand to provide expert advice, helping you to prepare for Clearing and navigate the process with ease.

Top tips for Clearing

If you're going to use Clearing to get a university place it's a good idea to do some preparation. If you find yourself in Clearing, it's time to research your options: Clearing could be the way to find the course you want.

  1. Familiarise yourself with the Clearing process
  2. Pull together a list of courses and subjects you are interested in
  3. Thoroughly research the courses you are applying for and don't rush the decision
  4. Make sure you have all the relevant documents ready: grades you've achieved etc.
  5. Apply on time — from 5 July 2025 if you have your exam results
  6. If you receive an offer, attend an online or in-person Clearing event to get a feel for where you'll be studying.
  7. Keep a positive mind: think of Clearing as a path to a new opportunity
  8. Try to not worry; there are people who will help you.

Want to get some help and guidance from current students? You can always chat with one of our student ambassadors.

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Student Clearing stories

Confused about Clearing? Take a look at how other students found their way and pick up great Clearing advice and tips before you apply.

Eva's Clearing story

My A-level results didn’t match the standard offer for my course, but I had just enough UCAS points to scrape through, and I also had relevant work experience. I wrote a personal statement and sent it to the School of Pharmacy Admissions Tutor directly.

He emailed me back promptly, I did a short maths test and phone interview and got offered a place the next day. And then I started the process of uprooting my life in London, quitting my job, and moving to Brighton – all in the space of two months! 

Eva, Pharmacy MPharm

Eva

Seniz's Clearing story

I applied through Clearing because I didn’t get the grades I wanted and was offered a foundation year. I was already 19 and had this idea everyone would be 18 and so didn’t want to wait another year to get onto my course.

Knowing what I do now that assumption was completely wrong. I knew that I absolutely was going to study in Brighton and loved the topics on my course so I had my mind set almost immediately.

Seniz, Ecology and Conservation MSci

Seniz

Istvan's Clearing story

It took me seven years of circling the idea of going to university and losing my job as a chef, due to the pandemic, to finally commit. Then it all fell into place, I applied through Clearing, and got accepted in less than a month. It hasn’t always been the easiest time, but I would not change anything about it.

Istvan, Computer Science with Cybersecurity BSc(Hons)

Istvan Hanzom

Ousainou's Clearing story

I have not done my A-levels in the UK and as a mature student, Clearing was the only available option through which I could apply with. I choose the University of Brighton because, at the time of looking into applying for university, I was already living and working in Brighton.

Studying in Brighton would mean the continuity of the life I have already built here. I applied through Clearing online, followed all the steps laid out in the application portal, and submit the relevant documents required.

The process was straightforward. My best advice to students thinking of going through Clearing is to apply on time and make sure you have all the required relevant documents at hand. The process is simple and whenever you need help speaking to someone, the Clearing team is very helpful.

Ousainou, Philosophy Politics and Ethics BA(Hons)

Ousainou Bobb

Clearing advice blogs

Still need help to understand Clearing and prefer to read a blog? Take a look through our collection of student blog posts.

A-Level Results Day: My Experience, Clearing Process, and Top Tips

Prior to results day I remember feeling uneasy and anxious.

My Clearing Success Story at Brighton

My account as a student who went through the Clearing process and successfully got onto the course of my dreams!

Navigating university Clearing: Seniz’s Journey to Ecology and Conservation

I always knew I would attend university, particularly entering secondary school.

What is Early Clearing? Top 5 Questions

I’m Charlotte, an English Literature and Creative Writing student who went through Early Clearing.

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