Clearing 2026

At Heriot-Watt, we offer a supportive, flexible and welcoming environment to help you apply through Clearing. Explore available courses, speak to our team, and take your next step towards starting your Clearing success story with us.

Please note, this year, we are closed to all Scottish applicants for all programmes.

If you have your results, click here to Apply now

What is Clearing?

Whether your results were better than expected or not quite what you hoped for, Clearing gives you the opportunity to secure a place at Heriot-Watt after the main UCAS deadline has passed.

You can apply through Clearing if:

• You’re applying for an undergraduate or foundation programme for the first time after 30 June
• You’ve not met the requirements of your conditional offers, or you have received no offers from any universities
• You’ve changed your mind and declined your firm university choice

Important Clearing dates

If you are looking to start your studies in September 2026, take note of these key dates:

• 4 August 2026: Our Scottish Highers Clearing phoneline opens for 7 days
• 13 August 2026: Our A-Level Clearing phoneline opens for 7 days

What is the Heriot-Watt Clearing Priority Pass?

When you sign up for our Clearing Priority Pass, we’ll call you on Results Day, letting you skip the queue and get tailored support on the day.

You’ll also get all the key information you need ahead of time, including what to expect on the day, how to apply and what to do next.

How to apply through Clearing

Below are the ways you can apply through Clearing:

Apply through UCAS

1. If you have your results, complete our application form on this page from 2 July
2. If you don’t have results yet, sign up to our Priority Pass so we can contact you on Results Day
3. Add us as your Clearing choice in your UCAS account once we confirm we can make you an offer and supply relevant documents
4. Receive confirmation and apply for accommodation

Apply Direct to Heriot-Watt

Some applicants, including international students, may need to apply directly.

1. Complete the online application form from 2 July until 24 July. After this date, any applications should be submitted through UCAS
2. Submit your documents
3. Receive a decision and, if successful, apply for CAS and accommodation

Apply through Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)

If you have your results already but have not yet submitted an application through UCAS for the current application cycle for September 2026 intake, we may be able to accept you on to your chosen programme through a different route called ‘Record of Prior Acceptance’ or ‘RPA’.

1. Apply through our RPA application from 2 July
2. Provide evidence of your previous qualifications
3. Receive a decision

Need more information?

For more information, head to our Blogs section to access step by step guides on how to navigate Clearing or get in touch with us directly.

Please note: During the Clearing period, some programmes may reach capacity for certain fee statuses, and we may have to close earlier than expected. If this happens, we will contact any affected applicants as soon as possible, with clear guidance and support on next steps.

Please note, this year, we are closed to all Scottish applicants for all programmes.

This means we unfortunately will no longer be able to accept any applications from Scottish students through Clearing this year. We understand this news may be disappointing, especially if you had been considering us as part of your next steps.

If you would like support exploring alternative options, our Clearing helpline will still open at 9am on Tuesday 4 August to support those seeking advice and support.

More information and guidance is also available on the Pathways website