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Accessibility statement
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Whatever your exam results, your future is open.

At most universities, students apply using predicted grades and have to wait to see if they meet the conditions of their offer. When results come in, they might have over- or under-estimated their grades and want to rethink their plans to better suit their future goals.
Uni clearing is a UCAS process that allows students to apply for university courses that still have available places. It typically runs from July to September and is used by students who:
Uni clearing is one way students can explore available courses and secure a place at university according to their aspirations and needs, once they have received their actual exam results. (Unlike other universities, for most of our courses, the Open University doesn’t base offers on exam results).
The duration of an application process can vary depending on the university and the specific course you are applying for. Generally, the UCAS application process involves several steps, including completing the application form, submitting personal statements, and receiving offers from universities. This process can take several weeks to a few months.
Once you’ve got your Clearing offers, if you decide one is right for you, take a moment to be sure — it’s a big decision. Most universities will give you a few days to accept or reject an offer so don’t rush. Ask how long you have to accept the offer, ask about the course and see if there are any Clearing Open Days you can attend to find out more. If/when you decide to accept a clearing offer, head to your UCAS Hub and add the course as your Clearing choice. Just make sure the university has confirmed you can do this first.
Not everyone wants to go through Clearing; you may prefer a more flexible entry, have missed deadlines, or want an alternative path to higher education. Luckily, there are many ways to continue your studies without Clearing, including direct university applications, apprenticeships, and foundation years.
The Open University allows students to apply [how to apply] directly without going through Clearing or UCAS.
We’re different from other universities because we’re open to people based on their potential rather than their prior qualifications.
You don’t need to apply through Clearing to join us, because most of our courses have no formal entry requirements, and our students come from diverse educational backgrounds. Your future is open with the Open University and we welcome you.
Many universities offer foundation years, which act as a stepping stone to a full degree. If you didn’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, our access courses can help you build the necessary skills and qualifications, and boost your confidence for further study.
Other options include:
I couldn’t find a course [at a brick university] I liked which still offered me the flexibility to work and remain living at home. Studying via distance learning isn’t a lonely experience. I’ve made life-long friends and spend my spare time travelling the country visiting them. It’s been refreshing to find like-minded people who love books as much as I do!
Unlike most other universities, The Open University offers a flexible, open-access approach to higher education. Here’s how our registration process stands out:
Unlike other universities, the OU does not participate in UCAS clearing. Instead, students can apply directly to their chosen course without needing to go through the Clearing process. This can also be handy if you miss the clearing deadline.
The OU has an open-entry policy, meaning many courses do not require prior qualifications. This makes higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Most universities require students to start in September, but the OU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies at a time that suits them.
The OU is a fully online and distance-learning university, meaning students can study from anywhere without needing to relocate or attend campus-based lectures.
Instead of applying through UCAS, students can register directly on the OU website. The process involves:

Visitor our courses hub to explore the wide range of courses available for Open University students.

Or use the search below to find the course(s) you’re interested in:
Chat with an Open University student and find out what it's really like to study with us.

Contact our student support team.