Clearing from July?

Hi, this might be a silly question but what does it mean by 'Clearing starts on 5 July'? How do universities know that they have vacancies that early on or do most options become revealed after that until results day?

Reply 1

swanseajack1

Original post by arthur6685

It depends on the university and course. Some know they are not going to reach their intake numbers so can go into clearing. Soe are not so sure so go into clearing on results day. Universities have years of experience of knowing how many students are likely to go there based on uptake so are able to make these assumptions. Whilst clearing opens on 5 July most students will not be in a position to know whether to use clearing or not until they know their results. Some overseas student get results earlier so can use clearing in July.

Reply 2

McGinger

The majority of Unis dont announce their Clearing vacancies until August.
Just because its 'open' in July at UCAS doesn't mean Clearing has actually started in any meaningful way at most Unis.