GraduatesLast year 47,600 places were awarded through clearing

Competition for university places is expected to be intense this year, with fewer places likely to be available through clearing, a survey suggests.

Clearing, the process matching students who have failed to get the right grades with free places, could be "briefer and tighter", Universities UK said.

A small survey for news agency PA suggests some universities are cutting the number of clearing places on offer.

Last year around 47,600 students accepted places through clearing.

'Adaptable' applicants

A spokeswoman for Universities UK, the vice-chancellors' umbrella group, said: "The increased pressure on places this year does mean that competition is likely to be more intense and it will be a challenging time for everyone.

"It is anticipated that the clearing process for this summer will be briefer and tighter than in previous years.

"However, universities are very experienced in handling high numbers of applications and they have been preparing for this peak time for many months now along with [admissions body] Ucas."

He added: "Applicants may need to be more adaptable in their clearing and adjustment choices again this year."

Less than two weeks before A-level results are published, the Press Association surveyed a handful of universities about plans for places on offer through clearing.

There are usually few places on offer through clearing at the most sought-after universities.