Elite universities increase share as record numbers progress to HE

Higher-tariff institutions have increased enrolments for the third year in a row as a record number of 18-year-olds head to university in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

On A-level results day, data from admissions service Ucas shows that the entry rate of this key cohort dipped slightly from 32 per cent in 2025 to 31.6 per cent, with increases in applicant numbers driven primarily by the rising number of 18-year-olds in the overall population.

The data also shows that the proportion of applicants securing their firm offer was down on last year, with insurance choices up.

In total, 446,690 applicants across all ages have been accepted on to courses, exceeding equivalent results from last year, when 439,180 applicants were accepted. 

Higher-tariff institutions – those with the toughest entry grade requirements – accepted 188,480 (42 per cent of applicants), an increase on the 179,360 they took last year.

Those accepted by lower-tariff institutions fell to 118,780 from 122,610, while the number accepted by medium-tariff providers has grown slightly to 112,720, up from 109,380.

Ucas has changed the tariff categories for this year, introducing new categories for smaller and specialist providers. The data shows that both groups saw decreases in their numbers for 2026 entry, continuing a trend that began in 2023.

Some 228,990 18-year-olds have been accepted at their first choice of university or college, up from 226,580 last year (1 per cent), while 31,770 have been placed at their insurance choice today, a rise of 21 per cent on last year.

Because of the rise in the total number of 18-year-olds, the percentage receiving their first choice offer was down – 79 per cent, compared with 82 per cent last year. Another 13 per cent have been placed at their insurance choice compared with 11 per cent in 2025.

The number of UK-based 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds gaining a place has increased, with 37,300 students from the most deprived areas of England going on to higher education, up 4 per cent on last year. The same demographic saw a 15 per cent rise in placement numbers in Wales and 3 per cent in Northern Ireland.

Once again, more women than men will attend university, continuing an established trend of the past four years, with 251,580 gaining a place this year versus 188,660 male applicants.

The total number of accepted applicants intending to live at home has risen once more, with 33 per cent saying they intend to do so. Last year, 32.3 per cent of all accepted applicants said the same.

In terms of subject choice, the data suggests a continuing shift towards programmes seen as leading more directly to a career, with arts and humanities getting squeezed – 200 fewer applicants were accepted on to history, philosophy and religious studies courses this year compared with last year, while 940 fewer will enter language and area-related studies.

The three subjects with the largest increase in acceptances are engineering and technology with 34,100 placed applicants (up 14 per cent on last year), followed by social sciences with 48,840 placed applicants (up 6 per cent), and law with 28,590 placed applicants (up 5 per cent). 

There was also steady growth in accepted international applicant numbers, up to 53,740 from 52,640 last year. The majority of overseas students do not apply to universities via Ucas. 

Congratulating those receiving their results, education secretary Lucy Powell said her priority was “making sure every young person has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the jobs of the future”.

Meanwhile, skills minister Jacqui Smith told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the government will take action to ensure university courses are good value for money, confirming that future increases to tuition fees will be linked to the quality of courses provided by universities.

Many Russell Group universities have made further places available in clearing – likely to put more pressure on lower-tariff institutions hoping to boost their intakes via this route.

Libby Hackett, chief executive of the mission group, said: “With an ever-growing spotlight on the value of higher education and the shifting job market, it’s hugely encouraging to see so many young people opting for university again this year”.

She said it showed that “students continue to recognise the benefits a university education can bring, particularly at high-tariff universities like those in the Russell Group”.

“Of course, our education sector is wonderfully diverse with all sorts of excellent courses and choices available, whether that is a traditional degree, an apprenticeship or another option. It's important this includes the right mix of academic and technical options, so students can access fantastic, high-quality education of all types and the UK has the right set of skills for the future workforce we need.

georgia.luckhurst@timeshighereducation.com