SQA Results Day 2022: What is clearing, the process, deadline - how to apply to Edinburgh universities

SQA exam results are expected for students across Edinburgh this week - here is everything you need to know about Clearing.

As pupils across Edinburgh are anxiously waiting for their SQA exams, tension is also running high when it comes to securing a place at the university of their choice.

Results day can be incredibly stressful for some students, whether due to a lack of space or failing to get the required grades.

However, failing to obtain the required grades or admission to the university of one’s choice is not the end of the road, since there are several options, such as obtaining a place through Clearing.

So, what is Clearing and how can you apply?

Here’s everything you need to know about the process.

Clearing is for students who haven’t met the entry requirements for their chosen course, or haven’t received an offer.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is for students who haven’t met the entry requirements for their chosen course, or haven’t received an offer.

Those who meet these requirements are automatically entered into Clearing on UCAS. This route is also available to late applicants who still wish to attend a university.

According to the UCAS website: “Clearing is how universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses.”

If you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, you can apply for a course using clearing if the course still has available spaces.

What are the criteria for you to be qualified for Clearing?

Clearing is the process of matching universities with course vacancies to prospective students without university places.

You’ll be entered for Clearing if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You didn’t meet the requirements of your offers from your first or insurance choices
• You applied for university after 30th June 2022
• You weren’t made any offers by the universities you applied to
• You haven’t yet applied to university

When does Clearing happen?

You’ll be entered for Clearing on the day you get your SQA exam results which will be on 9 August.

Those who are studying in another part of the UK and want to go to a Scottish university then they will get their A Level results on August,, which is when Clearing becomes available to everyone.

When is the deadline for Clearing?

According to the Scottish Government website, clearing runs from July to October.

The website also reminds those applying that this is after the deadline for Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding.

It added: “If you’re going through Clearing, you may or may not have applied for student funding already.”

If you have not applied for funding before applying for Clearing, your funding may be delayed and it is advised that you apply as soon as you can.

What universities are there in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is home to many institutions that offer a range of courses including:

• Heriot-Watt University
• University of Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Queen Margaret University

Scotland as a whole, has a total of 19 universities, and some of them are ranked as the best in the world.

It is also home to some of the oldest institutions in the UK including St Andrews, the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the United Kingdom.

Each university provides a variety of courses, with some institutions specialising in particular subjects.

Ruth Swan, Head of Prospect Experience & Conversion at Heriot-Watt University said: “Clearing is an important tool and system in order to make sure those who want to experience higher education have the opportunity to do so.

“The misconceptions surrounding the process, such as the difficulty of application or implied ridicule, need to be dispelled.

“It’s great for anyone unsure of their choices or who has changed their mind since making them, and we’ve found that the clearing process helps many students discover courses that they didn’t even realise existed.”

How can I apply for Clearing?

UCAS will automatically enrol students who do not meet the standards or obtain a placement offer in Clearing.

Late applicants can also apply through Clearing.

When applying to a Scottish institution during the clearing period, it is essential to have the appropriate information on hand.

Here are the contact details and UCAS codes for universities in Edinburgh:

Heriot-Watt University

UCAS code: H24

Recruitment and Admissions

telephone: [phone]

email: [email protected]

University of Edinburgh

UCAS code: E56

Student Recruitment and Admissions

telephone: [phone]

email: [email protected]

Edinburgh Napier University

UCAS code: E59

Student Recruitment Officer

telephone: [phone]

email: [email protected]

UCAS code: Q25

Recruitment and International Liaison Manager

telephone: [phone]

email: [email protected]