UK admissions
UK UCAS Extra and Clearing for International Students 2026
A practical guide to UCAS Extra and Clearing for international students, including when they help, when they are risky, and how Indian students should use them.
By Oxbrivy Editorial Team. Reviewed by Oxbrivy study-abroad research desk.
Quick answer
UCAS Extra and Clearing let you find a UK university place after your original choices do not work out. For 2027 entry, Extra opens on 25 February 2027 for applicants with no offers, adding one choice at a time. Clearing opens on 2 July 2027 and matches applicants with courses that still have vacancies. International students can use both, but should allow for the time needed to get a CAS and Student visa before the course starts.
Key takeaways
- Extra: from 25 February 2027, one choice at a time, if you have no offers.
- Clearing: from 2 July 2027, for applicants without a confirmed place.
- Final deadline for 2027 entry applications: 23 September 2027.
- International students need time for CAS, deposits and a visa.
- Popular courses at top universities rarely have Clearing places.
Oxbrivy practical ranking
Use this as a starting point, then personalise it with your budget, profile, and course.
Course fit
Best for: Checking whether uk ucas extra and clearing for international students 2026 matches the student's subject, level, entry route, and career goal.
Watch out: Do not choose a UK university only by brand name or agent availability.
Entry requirements
Best for: Comparing board marks, predicted grades, subject prerequisites, English proof, portfolio, interview, or test requirements.
Watch out: Requirements can differ by course even inside the same university.
UCAS and direct deadlines
Best for: Tracking equal-consideration dates, internal school deadlines, course-specific dates, and late routes such as Extra or Clearing.
Watch out: Missing the right deadline can move a strong applicant into a much weaker position.
Cost and visa readiness
Best for: Checking tuition, living costs, deposits, CAS timing, scholarship probability, and Student visa financial proof.
Watch out: An offer is not enough if funding evidence and visa timing are weak.
Oxbrivy planning
Best for: Using AI Compass, Admit Probability Engine, Scholarship Match, Document Suite, and application tracking together.
Watch out: Always verify final course, scholarship, CAS, and visa rules from official live sources.
Extra vs Clearing
How the two routes differ:
| Feature | Extra | Clearing |
|---|---|---|
| Opens | 25 February 2027 | 2 July 2027 |
| Who can use it | Applicants with no offers, or who declined all offers | Applicants without a confirmed place |
| How it works | Add one course at a time | Contact universities with vacancies directly |
| Timing for visa | Comfortable | Tight; act quickly |
Tips for international students
Have documents ready before results day: passport, marksheets, English proof and financial evidence.
Ask universities how quickly they can issue a CAS for Clearing applicants, and whether a deposit is needed.
Remember the Student visa requires funds held for 28 consecutive days, so plan finances early.
Oxbrivy application tracking and the Visa Risk Briefs help you move quickly if you use Clearing.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students use UCAS Clearing?
Yes. You can apply through Clearing, but allow time for the CAS and Student visa.
When does UCAS Extra open?
On 25 February 2027 for 2027 entry, for applicants with no offers.
When does Clearing open?
On 2 July 2027 for 2027 entry.
Sources and review note
This public guide is intended for student education. Visa, fee, scholarship, and work-rights rules can change quickly, so Oxbrivy verifies current official sources before giving personalised advice.
- UCAS international students
- UCAS 2026 application dates and deadlines
- UCAS 2026 cycle dates and deadlines
- UCAS personal statement guidance for 2026 entry onwards
- GOV.UK Student visa money requirement
- GOV.UK Student visa overview
- Study UK scholarships and funding
- Study UK GREAT Scholarships
- UKCISA student work guidance
- Google Search Central helpful content guidance
Student visa guides
Documents, fees, funds and interview tips, checked against the official source.
Scholarships to look at
Each award links to the funder’s own page, with the eligibility and deadline facts we could confirm.
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