Russell Group and Leading UK Institutions Confirm Clearing Opportunities for 2025 Entry

Top UK Universities Offer Places Through Clearing as UAE Students Receive A-Level Results

As global competition for university places continues to intensify, students in the UAE, particularly those following the British curriculum, consistently regard admission to top UK institutions as a significant academic milestone. For many, receiving an offer from a leading university represents the culmination of years of focused preparation, parental investment, and carefully chosen subject pathways.

Nevertheless, education advisers have noted that results day does not always proceed as expected. Whether due to missed grades, late applications, or a change of heart regarding course or institution, students may find themselves reassessing their options. In such instances, UCAS Clearing has emerged as a vital alternative, one that not only reopens access to UK higher education but also includes opportunities at several high-ranking institutions, including members of the prestigious Russell Group.

Clearing is designed to assist students who do not yet hold a confirmed university place by matching them to courses with remaining vacancies. It is particularly useful for those who did not receive any offers, declined all offers, failed to meet the conditions of their firm or insurance choices, applied after 30 June, or reconsidered their decisions post-application. Advisers have indicated that Clearing opens on 5 July and runs until 20 October 2025, with peak activity expected around A-level results day on 14 August, when many UAE students studying the British curriculum will receive their grades.

Sector sources have confirmed that several Russell Group universities are participating in Clearing for 2025 entry and are open to international applicants, although course availability may vary. Institutions reportedly offering places include King’s College London, the universities of Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Sheffield, Southampton, Leeds, Nottingham, York, Liverpool, Durham, Exeter, Cardiff, Queen Mary University of London, Newcastle, and Queen’s University Belfast. Moreover, a wide range of non-Russell Group universities are also offering Clearing places. These include well-regarded institutions such as Loughborough University, the University of Bath, Lancaster University, and Swansea University, alongside many others across the UK. Education consultants have emphasised that these universities deliver strong academic programmes and should be considered seriously by students exploring Clearing options.

For UAE-based applicants, the Clearing process largely mirrors that of UK students, albeit with a few additional considerations. Students are advised to first check their status in UCAS Hub; if eligible, a “Clearing” message and ID will appear. They may then search for available courses using the UCAS Clearing tool or individual university websites.  Universities typically expect students to make direct contact, either by phone or online, to determine whether their qualifications meet course requirements. Where time zones present challenges, students are encouraged to send a professional email including their UCAS ID, exam results, and course preferences. Admissions offices have also confirmed that Oxford and Cambridge do not participate in Clearing, as their admissions processes involve earlier deadlines and interviews, with places filled well in advance.

Advisers have offered several practical tips for UAE students navigating Clearing. These include beginning research early, keeping essential documents such as UCAS ID and exam results readily available, remaining open to alternative courses or institutions, and ensuring that English language requirements, such as IELTS scores, are met where applicable. Once a place is secured, students should promptly arrange university accommodation and initiate their UK student visa application. Ultimately, UCAS Clearing remains a valuable route into UK higher education for international students seeking flexibility or a renewed opportunity after results day.

Editor’s Note:

The annual rush for UK university admissions has once again placed the spotlight on UCAS Clearing, a process that, while often seen as a fallback, has become an essential part of the higher education landscape for international students, particularly those in the UAE. As global competition intensifies and pressure mounts on results day, Clearing offers not just a second chance but, increasingly, a legitimate pathway to prestigious institutions, including members of the Russell Group. For many UAE families, university admissions represent years of investment, both academic and financial. It is therefore reassuring that Clearing now offers access to high-quality programmes across a wide range of universities. The growing openness of top-tier institutions to international applicants via Clearing suggests a recognition that academic potential cannot always be judged by a single exam day outcome. It also reflects a broader trend towards flexibility and inclusivity in UK higher education. For UAE-based students, navigating the UCAS Clearing process effectively requires prompt action, professional communication, and a willingness to explore diverse, yet equally valuable, university options. Many reputable non-Russell Group universities offer Clearing places, presenting ample opportunities for those who approach the process with an open mind and informed decision-making.

Skoobuzz believes that UCAS Clearing should be viewed not as a last resort, but as a significant path to success for well-prepared, adaptable, and proactive students. It warrants the same recognition as traditional admissions routes.