Direct answer
Swansea University operates a Clearing process for 2026 entry, open to international students from 2 July until the start of term in September. You can apply if you have your results and meet the university’s English language requirements, and either did not meet your existing offer conditions, did not apply through UCAS by 30 June, or are considering changing university. Two application routes exist: a direct application (free, outside UCAS) and a UCAS Clearing route. The official vacancies page lists hundreds of courses open to international applicants, but live availability must be checked on the day you contact the university.
What Clearing is at Swansea University
Clearing is a process that allows universities to offer remaining course places after the main application cycle. At Swansea, it runs from 2 July until the start of term in September. It is open to students who do not yet hold an offer, did not meet their conditions, or are applying later in the cycle. The university’s international Clearing page states that Clearing offers “another opportunity to secure your place” if you are still looking to study in the UK this year.
International student eligibility
To apply through Clearing as an international student, you must have your results and meet Swansea’s English language requirements. You are eligible if any one of the following applies:
- You have not met the conditions of your existing offers and want to explore other options.
- You did not apply through UCAS by 30 June but would still like to apply.
- You are thinking about changing university.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for direct degree entry, The College, Swansea University offers Foundation and International Year 1 programmes that provide tailored academic and English language support.
The two application routes
Swansea University provides two main routes for international applicants during Clearing.
Route 1: Apply directly
If you have not applied through UCAS, you can submit a full application using Swansea’s direct application system. The university describes this as “free of charge, easy to use, and the best method for applying directly to us outside of UCAS.” You can apply whether or not you have your results; the university states it will still be able to consider making you a conditional offer.
Route 2: Clearing
You can apply through Clearing if you have your results, meet the English language requirements, and are looking to explore options outside your existing offers. This route uses either UCAS or the direct application system.
How to apply through Clearing
The official process has six steps:
- Check your eligibility – Confirm you have your results, meet English language requirements, and fall into one of the eligible categories.
- Search for a course – Courses available during Clearing can be searched from 2 July on the Clearing Vacancies page.
- Get in touch – Contact the university’s Clearing team to discuss your options and confirm availability.
- Apply – Apply either through UCAS or directly to the university. Have your academic results and supporting documents ready.
- Receive and accept your offer – If successful, you will receive an email confirming your offer and any conditions. Follow the instructions in the email to accept.
- Meet CAS and visa deadlines – Submit all required documents, pay any tuition deposit, complete your CAS application, and allow enough time for your visa to be processed.
Courses available to international applicants
The Clearing Vacancies page lists courses with places still available for 2026 entry. You can filter results to show only courses “open to internationals.” The published list includes degrees across disciplines such as Accounting and Finance, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Law, Marine Biology, and many more. The list is extensive and includes variants with a Year Abroad, Year in Industry, Foundation Year, or Integrated Masters.
This list is a snapshot of courses that were open to international applicants at the time of publication. Live availability can change, and you must confirm with the Clearing team before applying.
What the official page establishes and what requires live rechecking
The official pages establish the eligibility criteria, the two application routes, the step-by-step process, and the existence of a searchable course list with an international filter. They also confirm that direct applications are free and that conditional offers can be made even if you do not yet have your results.
What requires live rechecking includes:
- Whether a specific course still has vacancies on the day you contact the university.
- Accommodation availability for Clearing students.
Foundation and International Year 1 options
For international students who need additional preparation, The College, Swansea University offers Foundation and International Year 1 programmes. These provide tailored academic and English language support and lead to a wide range of Bachelor’s degrees at Swansea University. The College is fully embedded into the university campus. To apply, you visit The College website, choose your entry level based on your highest qualifications, prepare your academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency, and submit an application directly to The College.
FAQ
Can I apply through Clearing if I have not applied through UCAS?
Yes. If you have not applied through UCAS, you can use Swansea’s direct application system. It is free and you can apply whether or not you have your results.
Do I need my final results before applying through Clearing?
For the direct application route, you do not need your results to apply; the university can make a conditional offer. For the Clearing route, the official page states you need to have your results.
What happens if I do not meet the entry requirements?
You can apply for Foundation or International Year 1 programmes at The College, Swansea University. These programmes offer academic and English language preparation before degree entry.
When does Clearing open and close?
Clearing runs from 2 July until the start of term in September. Course availability can be searched from 2 July.
Is there a fee to apply directly to Swansea during Clearing?
The direct application system is free of charge.
How do I know which courses are open to international students?
Use the Clearing Vacancies page and filter by “open to internationals.” You should still contact the Clearing team to confirm live availability.
Official sources
For broader context on UK application systems, see our guide on how to apply through UCAS. If you are comparing international study destinations, you may also find our articles on the University Group of Eight and studying in Canada useful. For practical planning, review the 2026 international student health insurance comparison across the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US.