Direct answer
The University of Birmingham’s 2026 Clearing is open to international students who already hold their results. You can apply immediately through the university’s online form for a range of undergraduate programmes with confirmed vacancies. If you are waiting for results, you can register for a Clearing alert to be notified when courses go live on A-level Results Day, 13 August 2026. All offers are conditional on verification of your academic certificates and any other required documentation.
What Clearing is and who it is for
Clearing is a UCAS-managed process that matches applicants with undergraduate courses that still have places. According to the University of Birmingham’s Confirmation and Clearing 2026 page, it is for you if you:
- achieved better results than predicted and want to explore different options,
- missed the conditions of your firm or insurance offers, or
- changed your mind about what or where you want to study.
The university describes Clearing as “a fantastic opportunity to find a place at university” and notes that it is one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top graduate employers, citing the ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report by High Fliers Research.
Early Clearing for international students who already have results
If you are an overseas student and you already hold your final grades, you do not need to wait until August. The official page states: “You don’t need to wait until August, you can apply through Clearing as soon as you receive your grades.” You should complete the international student application form on the university’s Clearing page. Once submitted, the admissions team will assess your application and contact you if they can make an offer.
The university asks that you include your UCAS ID number on the form if you have one, as this helps with the assessment.
Courses listed as available in Clearing for international students
The University of Birmingham publishes a dedicated course list for international students. As of the date of the official evidence, the following programmes were shown with vacancies:
- Accounting and Finance BSc (UCAS code N400)
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (UCAS code H400)
- Ancient History and Archaeology BA (UCAS code VVC4)
- Digital Media and Creative Industries BA (UCAS code W900)
- English Language and Linguistics BA (UCAS code Q310)
- English Literature and Creative Writing BA (UCAS code Q3W8)
- Film and Television BA (UCAS code W600)
- Politics, Philosophy and Economics BA (UCAS code L0V0)
- Social Sciences BASc (UCAS code LL00)
- Biochemistry BSc (UCAS code C700)
This list is not exhaustive. The official page includes pagination (“Previous … Next”), indicating that additional courses may be available. The university also provides a search and filter function on the international courses page, allowing you to narrow results by course type and Clearing entry requirements.
What the official page does not confirm
The published course list represents a snapshot. The university explicitly states that for those waiting for results, “Clearing will go live on Thursday 13 August” and encourages registration for a Clearing alert to receive the first notification of available courses. This means the full set of vacancies on Results Day may differ from the early Clearing list. The official pages do not publish the specific Clearing entry requirements or grade equivalents for each programme; you must check the live course pages or contact the Clearing hotline once it opens for that information.
How to apply and what happens after you submit the form
For international students who already have results, the process is:
- Select the programme you want to apply for from the international courses page.
- Complete the relevant overseas student form.
- The university assesses your application and contacts you if an offer can be made.
- If an offer is made, you will receive an email detailing the next steps, including how to make your formal application through UCAS.
The university makes clear that “your offer is conditional upon you providing your academic certificates and any other required documentation. Once these are verified, your offer will be formalised.”
If you apply through the Clearing hotline on or after Results Day, the process is similar: a verbal offer may be made over the phone, followed by an email with instructions for submitting your UCAS application and supplying your certificates.
Accommodation guarantee for Clearing students
The University of Birmingham guarantees all students who secure a place through Clearing the opportunity to book a room. The official page states: “Whether it’s in University accommodation or with one of our nominated partners, we’ll help you find the place for you.” You can apply for accommodation once your place is confirmed.
Preparing for Clearing and Results Day
The university’s Director of Admissions offers several recommendations in a video transcript published on the Clearing page:
- Research courses and universities in advance and make a shortlist before Results Day.
- Follow potential universities on social media to get a feel for them.
- Register for Clearing updates via university websites to be the first to know when vacancies are confirmed.
- Keep Results Day free to call universities. Have your grades, UCAS or Clearing ID, and a list of courses you are interested in ready.
- Ensure you are available to speak personally; universities cannot speak to anyone else about your application unless you nominate someone to act on your behalf.
- Do not accept the first offer you receive without consideration. Once you are ready, use UCAS Hub to refer yourself to your chosen university.
A-level Results Day in 2026 is Thursday 13 August. On that day, the UCAS Hub referral function becomes available from 13:00.
FAQ
How do I know which courses are available in Clearing as an international student?
If you already have your results, you can view the current vacancies on the international courses page. If you are waiting for results, register for a Clearing alert on the university’s website to be notified when the full list goes live on 13 August 2026.
Can I apply through Clearing if I have not yet taken my exams?
No. The university states that “you’ll only be able to apply once you have your exam results.” If you are waiting for results, you can register for a Clearing alert now and prepare by researching courses in advance.
What documents do I need to provide after receiving a Clearing offer?
Your offer will list the required documents. At a minimum, you must supply your academic certificates and any other documentation specified. The university will verify these before your offer is formalised.
Is accommodation guaranteed for international Clearing students?
The university guarantees all students who secure a place through Clearing the opportunity to book a room, either in university accommodation or with a nominated partner.
What should I do if my place is confirmed through Clearing?
You will receive a registration email before your course start date. You can complete registration ahead of time. Further welcome information, including details on accommodation, fees, and welcome events, is available on the university’s website.
Do I need a UCAS ID to apply through Clearing?
If you have a UCAS ID number, the university asks that you include it on your application form, as it helps with the assessment. If you do not have one, you can still apply, and the university will guide you through the formal UCAS application process if an offer is made.
Official sources
- Courses available in Clearing for International students – University of Birmingham
- Confirmation and Clearing 2026 – University of Birmingham
For broader context on UK university admissions, see our related resources on degree pathways at MPhil level, UK study-abroad agency rankings for 2026, agency rankings for earlier study stages, and the Duolingo English Test as a potential qualification.