- Where to start?
- Step 1: Choosing courses
- Step 2: Applying
- Step 3: Offers
- Step 4: Results
- Step 5: Next steps
- Step 6: Starting university or college
- UCAS Tariff
- UCAS terms explained
- Student finance
- Events
- News
- Important dates
- Student number controls
Can I apply if I don't have a reference?
The reference is a vital part of your application. We cannot process your application without full details of a referee unless you have agreement from your chosen universities and colleges that a reference is not required. It is not permitted for family, friends, partners or ex-partners to write your reference.
If you can't obtain a reference before you send your application to us, you must give the full details of your nominated referee in the reference section and type 'Reference to be sent direct to universities and colleges' in the box supplied for the reference itself. Once we have received and processed your application, you can then send your reference direct to the universities and colleges that you approach in Clearing.
It is your responsibility to explain the situation to your referee and ensure that your chosen institutions receive your reference.
Applying through Clearing
- How do I apply through Clearing?
- Can I apply if I don't have a reference?
- Can I apply to a different course through Clearing to the one I originally applied to?
- How many universities and colleges can I approach?
- Can I apply through Clearing for a place with a deferred start date?
- Is going on holiday during Clearing a problem?
- What happens if I enter a Clearing choice and it's declined by the university?
- I've accepted a place in Clearing but want to change certain details such as course/date of entry/entry point. What should I do?
- I've accepted a place in Clearing, but I've changed my mind and want to apply somewhere else. What should I do?