A Guide to Medicine Through UCAS Clearing 2025
Entering medical school is highly competitive, and many qualified students find themselves without an offer after the primary UCAS application cycle. UCAS Clearing provides a final opportunity to find a university place for the upcoming academic year. In fact, Clearing is a significant route into higher education in general – over 50,000 students secure places through Clearing each year. However, medicine is a special case: medical school vacancies in Clearing are extremely limited and not guaranteed to appear every year.
This guide will walk you through how UCAS Clearing works for medicine, why medical school places via Clearing are so rare, and what you can do to maximise your chances of success on results day 2025.
What is UCAS Clearing and Who Is Eligible?
UCAS Clearing is the system universities use to fill any places they still have open on their courses. It runs from early July until mid-October (for 2025 entry, Clearing is open from 5 July to 20 October 2025. During this period, applicants without a confirmed university place can apply for courses with vacancies. You can use Clearing if any of the following apply to you:
You applied after the 30 June UCAS deadline (i.e. late application).
You didn’t receive any offers, or you declined all your offers.
You didn’t meet the conditions of your firm or insurance offers.
You’ve declined your firm offer via the “decline my place” option
In short, Clearing is open to anyone who is not holding an offer and wants to find a place in a course that still has vacancies. The process involves searching the official UCAS Clearing listings for available courses and then contacting universities directly to inquire about those places.
Medicine through UCAS Clearing:
Importantly, medicine follows the same Clearing process, but there’s a catch – most medical schools traditionally fill all their seats in the main application cycle. Medicine programs in the UK have strict government-imposed caps on student numbers due to the high training cost and limited clinical placements available in hospitals. This means universities cannot simply add extra medical seats at will, and they carefully manage offers to avoid having unfilled spots. As a result, medicine rarely appears in Clearing, and when it does, it’s usually under very special circumstances (more on this below).
Who can apply to medicine via UCAS Clearing?
If a medical school does announce Clearing vacancies, you still must meet the standard Clearing eligibility above. In practice, only students who have no firm offers (or have self-released/declined their offers) can pursue a Clearing place in medicine. Also, you must have the required A-level grades (or other qualifications) and admissions test scores for the course – Clearing doesn’t mean lower entry standards for medicine. Universities will only consider candidates who meet their requirements, even if applying through Clearing.
Why Are Medicine Places Rare in UCAS Clearing?
Medical school places in Clearing are extremely scarce. Unlike popular subjects such as Business or Psychology, which often have hundreds of courses with vacancies, medicine might have zero to only a handful of openings nationwide. A significant reason is the competitive nature of medicine and regulated intake numbers. Each medical school has a fixed quota of students it can enrol (often around 100–300 students per year, depending on the school), and they typically make more offers than seats, anticipating some students will choose other schools or miss their grades. Ideally, all seats are filled through the main offers, leaving nothing for Clearing.
However, occasionally vacancies do arise. Here are a few situations that can lead to medicine places becoming available in Clearing:
Offer Holders Miss Grades: If some students narrowly miss their A-level offer conditions and the university decides not to accept them, those seats open up.
Last-Minute Withdrawals: A student with an offer might withdraw or decline at the last minute (for example, choosing a different path), freeing a spot.
International Student Changes: Some universities reserve a portion of seats for international students; if an overseas offer-holder defers or declines late in the cycle, that seat might be offered via Clearing (sometimes to home students).
Extra Government-Funded Places: In unusual circumstances, the government may increase medical school places late in the cycle (as happened during the pandemic years), allowing universities to take a few additional students at results time.
Because these scenarios are unpredictable and relatively rare, most years there are very few (if any) medicine courses in Clearing. In fact, in the 2022 entry, there were reportedly no standard medical degrees available through Clearing at all in the UK, aside from unconfirmed rumours of one or two spots at a newer medical school. The following year, 2023 entry saw a small number of medical schools unexpectedly open Clearing places – four universities (including King’s College London and St. George’s, University of London) offered a limited number of seats via Clearing Then in 2024 entry, Clearing vacancies expanded to several schools (reports suggest schools such as Bangor, Brunel, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Kent and Medway, Edge Hill, and Leeds had a handful of places). This fluctuation shows how unpredictable medicine Clearing can be year to year. Some years, none of the medical schools will have vacancies; other years, a few schools might.
The bottom line: You should never bank on Clearing as your primary plan to get into medicine – it is a long-shot, last-resort option. Most successful medical applicants secure offers through the main UCAS cycle. Clearing for medicine should be viewed as a backup opportunity if you end up with no offers or fall short of grades. That said, if you do find yourself eligible, it’s crucial to be fully prepared to seize any chance that comes up (because those chances will be very few and filled within hours or even minutes of being announced).
When Does UCAS Medicine Clearing 2025 Happen?
UCAS Clearing for 2025 entry officially opens on 5 July 2025. From that date, applicants without any university place can start looking for available courses via the UCAS Clearing search tool. However, for medicine, nothing significant usually happens until A-level Results Day. Medical schools generally wait for results to see how many of their offer-holders meet the grades.
A-level Results Day 2025: Results day falls on Thursday, 14 August 2025. This is the critical date when universities learn their incoming students’ grades. On the morning of results day, any medical school that finds it has unfilled seats (due to the reasons mentioned earlier) may decide to release those places for Clearing immediately. Typically, if medicine places are available, they will appear in the UCAS Clearing listings on results day itself – often early in the morning as soon as the decisions are processed.
Keep in mind, medicine vacancies will be snapped up fast. In 2025, UCAS will allow adding Clearing choices from 1 pm (UK time) on results day for A-level students, but you don’t have to wait until then to act – you should be on the phone with admissions in the morning if you know a vacancy exists. Past experiences show that medical Clearing places can be filled within minutes of being announced. For example, one medical school’s Clearing spots were reportedly gone by 8:19 am on results day, and many others closed within a couple of hours. Being prepared and acting quickly on 14 August 2025 is absolutely vital.
Which Medical Schools Might Have Clearing Vacancies?
There is no guarantee any medical school will have Clearing vacancies in 2025. Most top-tier medical schools (like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial) have never needed to use Clearing for standard entry medicine. Newer or smaller programs and those that historically had occasional openings are the ones to watch. While it varies each year, some universities that have offered medicine places through Clearing in recent years include:
Anglia Ruskin University – A newer medical school that had Clearing spots for its MBChB in 2024.
University of Buckingham – A private medical school (with high fees, not capped by the government) which has regularly had Clearing vacancies.
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) – Offered Clearing places (often for international fee-paying students) in some years.
King’s College London – Rarely in Clearing, but did offer a small number of places in 2023 entry.
St. George’s, University of London (SGUL) – Had Clearing places in 2023 with limited offers made.
Hull York Medical School – Participated in Clearing in 2023 entry.
Keele University – Known to have occasionally taken a few extra students via Clearing in past years.
University of Sunderland – A new medical school (opened 2019) that has sometimes had vacancies (in 2022, they filled a few places within minutes).
Edge Hill University – Offers a Medicine with Foundation Year program; had Clearing for that foundation route in 2022, and possibly standard entry in later years.
Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) – A joint medical school (opened 2020) that has been mentioned among those to check for Clearing in recent cycles.
University of Leeds – Typically very competitive, but reportedly had a small number of late spots in 2024 entry.
University of Newcastle – Another highly ranked school that unexpectedly had a few Clearing places for 2024 entry
University of Aberdeen – In 2024, even some Scottish schools like Aberdeen were reported to have had vacancies.
Bangor University – New North Wales medical school (opened 2024), which offered places in its first intake via Clearing.
Brunel University London – A new private medical program (focused on graduate entry for international students) that had Clearing opportunities in 2024.
This list is not exhaustive , and having been in Clearing once doesn’t guarantee a university will do so again. Conversely, a school that never had Clearing places before might suddenly appear one year. The key takeaway is: check on results day. Use the UCAS Clearing search tool and university websites or hotlines to see if any medical courses are listed. Some universities may announce on their official site or social media if they have Clearing spots for medicine, so stay alert.
Tip: In the days leading up to results day, compile a shortlist of target medical schools that could be in Clearing and save their admissions contact details. This might include the ones listed above and any others you come across. Having this list ready will save precious time on results day.
How to Apply to a Medical School Through UCAS Clearing
If you find a medical school that has a Clearing vacancy and you meet the requirements, the application process will move very quickly. Here’s what to do, step by step:
Find the Vacancy: Start by using the UCAS Clearing search tool or the university’s own website to confirm that a medicine course is available in Clearing. The UCAS site is the official source and updates in real time. Be aware that listings can change rapidly – refresh frequently on results day. If a course you’re interested in isn’t listed, it means it’s full (or was never open). Focus on those showing vacancies and note their Clearing phone number or application instructions immediately.
Contact the University (Fast!): As soon as you spot a medicine Clearing vacancy, call the university’s admissions office right away. Most med schools do not offer an online “add to cart” for Clearing – they expect a phone call to discuss your application first. When you call, be ready to provide:
Your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing ID (if you have one from UCAS Hub).
Your A-level results (and possibly GCSEs, UCAT/BMAT scores, etc.).
A quick explanation of your interest in their course (sometimes the call may turn into a short interview).
Keep the call professional and positive – first impressions count. Explain that you are very interested in their medical program and have the required grades. The admissions tutor may verify your qualifications, or they might ask a few interview-style questions on the spot. Expect to potentially answer “Why medicine?” and “Why this university?” during the call. Some universities have a formal process (they may schedule an actual interview within a day or two). Still, many Clearing decisions for medicine are made informally over the phone within hours, given the time pressure.
Improvise if Lines Are Busy: It’s common for Clearing hotlines to be extremely busy on results day. If you can’t get through by phone, check if the university offers an alternative contact method. Some provide a special Clearing web form or even an email option. Use those only if calling fails, and be sure to fill out any form carefully. But remember, a direct conversation is often the quickest way to secure a place, so keep trying the phone as your priority.
Get a Verbal Offer (Interview or Offer Confirmation): In Clearing, universities will not add themselves to your UCAS choices until after they’ve spoken with you and decided to offer you a place. Your goal in the call is to either:
Secure an Offer – The university might say “We’re willing to offer you a place” (conditional on you adding them in UCAS). If so, great – note down the details.
Secure an Interview – If they want a more formal assessment, they may invite you to an interview (sometimes even later that day via phone or Zoom). Treat this like a standard med school interview, though usually shorter. Be prepared to discuss your motivation, relevant work experience, and to answer ethical or personal insight questions. It’s rare at this stage, but some schools do it to be thorough.
Or Get Rejected – If they say no or that places have just filled, don’t be discouraged; move on to the next option immediately.
If an offer is given, most universities will provide an informal confirmation (verbal or email). They may also give you a deadline by which to enter their course as your Clearing choice on UCAS Hub (often the same day).
Add the Clearing Choice on UCAS: Once a university has explicitly told you that they will accept you (you must have this confirmation before adding them), log in to your UCAS Hub account. In the “Your Choices” section, you’ll now have the option to Add a Clearing choice. Enter the university and the course code exactly as given. Important: You can only add one Clearing choice at a time in UCAS, so do this only for the university that offered you a place. If you were talking to multiple universities, you have to choose which one to proceed with. (If, for some reason, that university doesn’t confirm your place, you’ll be able to add another choice later, but by then other spots might be gone).
Await Confirmation: After you’ve added the Clearing choice, the university will formally process your offer through UCAS. This may take a few hours or even a couple of days, depending on the admissions office's workload. During this time, your UCAS status will say something like “Choice Added” or “Pending.” As long as you have a verbal offer, you can be cautiously optimistic. Eventually, UCAS Track will update, showing you have an Unconditional Offer (meaning your place is secured). You should also receive an official confirmation email. Congratulations – at that point, you are officially going to medical school!
Throughout this process, speed is of the essence, but so is accuracy. Always double-check course codes and details before submitting your Clearing choice, and make sure you communicate clearly with the universities.
How to Prepare for Medicine Clearing (Before Results Day)
Success in medicine through UCAS Clearing often comes down to what you do before results day. Here are key preparation steps to take as a sixth-form student aiming for a medical school spot:
Research and Shortlist Potential Universities: As mentioned, not all medical schools use Clearing, and those that do can change year to year. Well ahead of 14 August, do some homework on which schools might have Clearing places. Look at recent trends and unofficial lists (like the ones above) to identify perhaps 5–10 universities to watch. Make a list of their names, course codes, and importantly, their Clearing contact numbers or procedures. Keep this list handy (saved in your phone or printed out). On results day morning, you’ll then quickly check these specific universities (via UCAS or their websites) rather than scrambling blindly.
Have All Your Information Ready: You won’t have time on results day to hunt for documents or recall details. Prepare a folder (physical or digital) with everything you might need. This includes:
Your grades – your A-level results (and equivalents) once you have them, plus GCSEs (many med schools will still want to ensure you have the required GCSE biology/maths/English, etc.).
UCAT/BMAT scores – since you likely took an admissions test, have your score and percentile handy in case they ask.
Personal statement & reference – have a copy of your UCAS personal statement and your reference letter. You probably won’t need the reference during a call, but it’s good to remember what your referee highlighted.
UCAS details – your Personal ID, Clearing number (if one is assigned to you in Hub), and login info.
Notes about each target university – for example, key points about their course (PBL curriculum? Dissection? Particular facilities) and why you’d want to attend. This can help you answer the “Why our university?” question convincingly if asked.
Practice Your Phone Demeanour: It’s natural to be nervous, but try to practice making a professional phone call. You might even role-play with a teacher or friend acting as an admissions officer. Be ready to speak clearly about why you want to study medicine (your motivation) and what makes you a good candidate. As noted earlier, “Why medicine?” and “Why this university?” are highly likely questions. Also, be prepared for something like “What will you do if you don’t get a place this year?” – they want to see commitment and resilience, not that medicine is a whim. Practising answers will help you sound confident and articulate under pressure.
Plan for Results Day Logistics: On 14 August, you want to be in a quiet environment with reliable phone and internet access. Make sure your phone is fully charged and you have any necessary phone numbers at your fingertips. It’s wise to start the day early. Typically, UCAS Hub updates with your application status in the morning (before you even pick up your results envelope). If you already see you’ve been unsuccessful in your firm/insurance for medicine, you’ll know you’re in Clearing and can start making calls even before getting the actual grades at school (ensure you know your grades as soon as possible). Timing is everything – some candidates begin calling universities by 8 am or earlier on results day if they have their grades, because they know any delay could mean losing a spot.
Stay Informed: In the lead-up to results day, stay tuned to any news. Sometimes universities give hints (or explicit statements) about whether they will have Clearing places for medicine. For instance, in recent years, some medical schools tweeted or put on their website a note like “We will not be offering any places through Clearing”, – which can save you time. Others might do the opposite and announce the availability of a few spaces. Also, student forums often have threads where people share real-time info on who has clearing places, but be aware of deceptive and inaccurate posts. Being in the loop can give you an edge.
Finally, have a backup plan in mind in case Clearing doesn’t result in an offer. It’s emotionally and mentally challenging to go through Clearing for medicine, because the odds are slim. Prepare yourself for either outcome: if you get a place – fantastic; if not, you should know what your next steps might be (we’ll discuss alternatives in a moment).
Tips for the UCAS Medicine Clearing Phone Call
Talking to a stranger who could decide your future is undoubtedly daunting. Here are some quick tips to handle Clearing calls effectively:
Be Professional and Courteous: First impressions matter. Speak clearly and politely to the person on the phone. Even if you’re put on hold or transferred, stay patient and positive. Admissions staff will be overwhelmed with calls, so any rudeness or panic will not help your case. Imagine you’re interviewing from the moment they say “Hello.”
Stay Calm and Focused: It’s easier said than done, but try to keep your nerves in check. Keep notes in front of you (bullet points of your key strengths, motivation, etc.) so you don’t blank out if asked a question. Listen carefully to what the admissions tutor says and respond to their questions directly. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask for clarification politely.
Highlight Your Strengths Quickly: You may only have a few minutes. Make sure to mention the essentials: your achieved grades (if they are strong or meet the criteria, emphasise that proudly), your admission test score if it’s competitive, and a concise line about any noteworthy experiences (e.g., “I have 6 months of volunteering at a care home which confirmed my commitment to medicine”). You want to give them reasons to pick you. Keep it relevant – this isn’t the time for a long story, but rather a focused pitch on why you’re a capable and committed future medical student.
Be Ready for an Interview Question: As discussed, common ones are “Why medicine?”, “Why do you want to join our program?”, or “What did you learn from [some experience]?”. Have a 1-2 minute response for each of these questions prepared in advance. Show enthusiasm for their school specifically – maybe mention something unique about their course that appeals to you (curriculum style, location, intercalated degree options, etc.). This shows you’re not just desperate for any place (even if you are); you’ve thought about fit, which reflects well on you.
Take Notes: During the call, write down the name of the person you speak to and any essential remarks or instructions they give. If they say “We’ll offer you a place” – note the phrasing and time. If they give conditions (like “You must add us by 3 pm”), jot that down. Also, don’t forget to thank them at the end for their time, regardless of the outcome.
Don’t Delay in Moving On: If the call ends without an offer (e.g., they say all spots are now filled or they won’t consider you), politely thank them and end the call. Then immediately call the next university on your list. Do not dwell or waste time being upset at a rejection in that moment – Clearing is about quick action. You can process the disappointment later; for now, you’re in hustle mode to find any remaining opportunity.
Remember, UCAS Clearing phone calls for medicine are essentially mini-interviews under time pressure. By preparing and maintaining a calm, proactive attitude, you greatly increase your chances of making a good impression and possibly securing that elusive offer.
Considering Alternatives if Clearing Isn’t Successful
Despite your best efforts, you might not get a medicine place through Clearing – and that’s the norm (unfortunately, demand far outstrips supply). It’s crucial to have a contingency plan for your dream of becoming a doctor. Here are some alternatives and next steps to consider:
Take a Gap Year and Reapply: This is a common route. Many students who narrowly miss out on medicine offers will take a year off to strengthen their application and try again for 2026 entry. During a gap year, you could improve your profile – for example, retake any exams if you missed grades, gain more relevant work experience (volunteering in healthcare, etc.), or work on interview skills. Admissions tutors often appreciate reapplicants who show growth and determination. Just ensure you use the year wisely and address any weaknesses in your previous application (be it UCAT score, personal statement, or interview performance).
Consider a Related Biomedical Course: Some students choose to start another university course, such as Biomedical Science or Pharmacology, especially if they got an offer for that as a 5th UCAS choice. You could pursue that degree and then later apply for Graduate Entry Medicine (a 4-year accelerated program). Graduate entry is also very competitive, but it’s a viable path if you excel in your undergraduate degree. Alternatively, you might transfer after one year of a related course – a few universities allow transfers from, e.g. biomedical science to medicine after the first year, though this is limited and competitive.
Foundation Year Medicine: Many medical schools offer medicine with a foundation year (sometimes called “Gateway to Medicine” programs) targeted at students from underrepresented backgrounds or those who didn’t meet direct entry requirements. If you’re eligible for these, they might have slightly lower grade requirements. Sometimes foundation medicine courses have Clearing vacancies when standard courses don’t (for example, Edge Hill’s A110 was in Clearing 2022). It could be worth exploring if any foundation year opportunities are available either now or in the next cycle.
Study Medicine Abroad: If you’re open to it, studying medicine in another country is an option. Some UK students enrol in medical schools in Europe (such as in Poland, Romania, etc.) or places like Australia or the Caribbean. This route requires a lot of research (ensuring the degree will be recognised if you want to practice in the UK, figuring out financial costs, language barriers, etc.). It’s not for everyone, but it is mentioned as a path in case you do not secure a UK place. Some agencies assist with international medical school applications – just be cautious and verify the credibility of any program.
Alternate Healthcare Careers: Finally, consider that your desire to work in healthcare and help people doesn’t have to be fulfilled by becoming a doctor. Many students who don’t get into medicine find rewarding careers in fields like nursing, physician associate, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical research, and more. It’s worth reflecting on whether some of these might align with your goals if medicine doesn’t work out right now. You could potentially pursue one of these and even try again for medicine later if it still calls to you.
Above all, don’t be too disheartened. Medicine is one of the toughest paths to get into, and you are far from alone if it takes more than one try. Use any setbacks as learning experiences and motivation to improve. Many successful doctors faced rejection at least once in their journey. What matters is perseverance and a willingness to seek feedback and grow, so that when the next opportunity comes, you’re ready.
Medicine Clearing 2025 Checklist
To summarise, here’s a quick checklist to help you navigate UCAS Clearing for medicine in 2025:
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you are eligible for Clearing – e.g. you have no firm offers, or you applied late, or missed your offer conditions. You cannot enter Clearing if you’re still holding a confirmed place elsewhere (you’d need to self-release from that first).
Research Target Schools: Make a list of medical schools that might have Clearing vacancies (based on past years or announcements) and save their Clearing hotline numbers and course details. Being targeted in your search will save time.
Prepare Documents: Gather your results, UCAS Personal ID, Clearing number (if assigned), personal statement, reference, and admissions test scores before results. Keep them easily accessible.
Be Ready Early on Results Day: On 14 August 2025, start early. As soon as you know you need Clearing, start checking availability. Vacancies in medicine will go fast – often within minutes or hours of being posted – so you should be prepared to act immediately.
Call and Act Fast (but Strategically): The moment you identify a vacancy, call the university. Stay calm, professional, and prepared to answer questions like “Why medicine?” or “Why our school?”. Sell yourself briefly and positively. If lines are busy, be persistent and try alternatives if provided.
Follow Instructions to Secure the Offer: If you get a verbal offer, promptly add the Clearing choice on UCAS Hub as instructed. Remember, you can only add one choice at a time – so only add a university that has formally offered you a place.
Have a Backup Plan: If Clearing doesn’t work out, don’t lose hope. Consider a gap year, another related course, or other pathways like a foundation year or studying abroad. It’s wise to decide on a Plan B in advance so you can move forward confidently if needed.
Applying to medicine through UCAS Clearing is challenging, but with the proper preparation and mindset, you can maximise your chances of success. Stay determined and organised – and remember that regardless of the Clearing outcome, your passion for medicine can find its way. Good luck on results day 2025, and here’s hoping you earn that coveted medical school place!
