Wales A-levels results due after first normal post-Covid exams

Data from the universities admissions service (Ucas) showed fewer18-year-olds in Wales had applied to higher education, but more could take up places during the clearing process when remaining spaces on courses are allocated.

Aberystwyth University, external said it had clearing places available across a range of subjects, and offered incentives ranging from guaranteed accommodation to a free railcard and sports centre membership.

Bangor University, external said it would particularly like to hear from students interested in computing, engineering, psychology, law and business, which were all proving to be popular subjects.

At Cardiff University, external, a range of subjects was available in clearing, although it said it was difficult to give an exact number of places as the picture was constantly changing.

Cardiff Met, external said availability was comparable to last year. “Some of our popular courses, such as dental technology, have already reached full capacity, however, we still have spaces available in many other programmes,” said a spokeswoman.

Swansea University, external said it would be offering clearing places across a number of courses, including popular subjects such as law, psychology, computer science and nursing.

The University of South Wales, external, which also still has a range of courses on offer, said each person was “much more than just their exam results”, so it took account of individual circumstances.

Clearing places were being offered across 120 courses and 20 academic subjects at University of Wales Trinity St David., external

Wrexham University, external said clearing was always an extremely busy period and it did not expect a big difference, with places available over a wide range of disciplines.

“Whilst our most popular courses – for example, paramedic science and speech and language therapy – won’t be open, we anticipate that we will be open for most other subjects,” said Andy Phillips, head of recruitment and admissions.

Careers Wales, external said there was a range of different options available for young people getting results and it was available to offer advice and support.

“Some people can become overwhelmed with making choices about their future careers or might not know the options available to them,” said Careers Wales chief executive Nikki Lawrence.

“There is the right path out there for everyone,” she added.