International students' guide to Clearing

Clearing is a process used by UK universities to fill available undergraduate spaces for the upcoming academic year once the main application cycle has closed in June. Clearing opens at Essex on 3 July 2024 and you’re able to apply as soon as you have your exam results. Clearing is open to all prospective undergraduate students regardless of nationality or age.

1. Find the course you want to study. When Clearing opens in July you'll be able to find a list of all courses available here. Do your research and find the right course for you.

2. Once Clearing is open you will be able to apply via our webform or over the phone. You will be asked to submit personal information such as name, address and contact details. You'll also need to submit your academic information such as exam results, English language qualifications and details of any relevant work experience to the course you're applying for.

3. Our admissions team will review your application and if you meet the necessary criteria they will contact you via email to offer you a place at Essex through Clearing.

4. You will then need to accept the offer by adding Essex as your Clearing choice on UCAS - you will be able to do this from 1pm (BST) on Thursday 15 August. If you're not in UCAS, we'll let you know in your offer email what to do next and how to accept your offer.

5. Our admissions team will then check your details. Subject to verification of the information you've provided during your application, our Admissions team will confirm your place. Now it's time to celebrate - congratulations!

6. Now you have confirmed your place at Essex, you can start applying for a Student Visa (where required), applying for accommodation, and preparing for your move to the UK.

Region and country specific information is available. We are able to accept a number of international qualifications for clearing and welcome hundreds of international students on our campuses every year. If you would like to discuss your application with a member of our team looking after students from your country or region, you can find their details on our country pages.

• Clearing closes in October. However, our courses may close to new applications earlier than this as places are filled. If you will need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need extra time to get your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and make your visa application. We advise making your application as early as possible because Clearing will close to international applicants at a time to allow these extra steps. More information about immigration permission to study in the UK can be found here.
• If your grades are lower than our published entry requirements you can still apply to Essex. We'll review your application as a whole, including previous academic history, personal statement and reference before a final decision is made. If we can't make you an offer for the course you have applied for, we'll automatically consider your application for other related courses.
• Accommodation is guaranteed to all first-year students at Essex who apply for accommodation by Friday 13 September, so you can rest assured you'll have a home at Essex just minutes away from the buzz of central campus.