Record number of UK 18-year-olds receive university offers

UK universities have offered a record number of places to school-leavers this year, with nearly all students who applied receiving at least one offer. 

New data from Ucas show universities and colleges have made 1.3 million offers to UK-based 18-year-olds, up from 1.2 million last year.

Some 333,460 – equivalent to 99 per cent – of school-leavers who applied by the January deadline received at least one offer. 

The total number of 18-year-olds seeking a university or college place through Ucas, including those who applied before the 30 June deadline, rose 5 per cent to 344,760, marking a second year of record figures.

The rise reflects the increase in the number of 18-year-olds in the population, Ucas said, with 41.4 per cent of this group applying to universities and colleges. The figures come despite increased tuition fees and mounting concerns about graduate debt levels.

Across all ages and locations, the number of applications also grew, hitting a record high of 695,740 – up 4.6 per cent compared with last year.  

Medicine-related subjects remained the most popular among students, accounting for 13.6 per cent of applications, followed by business and management courses.

Engineering and technology subjects saw the biggest growth in applications, while computing courses experienced the most notable decline. 

“It’s fantastic to see so many UK 18-year-olds holding an offer this year, putting them in a strong position as we head into the critical summer results period,” said Ucas chief executive Jo Saxton. “It’s clear that young people remain as keen as ever to invest in their futures, and I’m delighted that UK universities and colleges are responding to that demand.”

Universities are expecting an intense clearing round after A-level results day on 13 August, with lower-tariff institutions increasingly competing with more elite universities for students. 

Demand from mature students – classed as over 21 – has also grown 1 per cent to 87,180 – but Ucas warned of long-term declines, with the number representing “the second lowest figure in a decade”.

It comes as the government increasingly focuses on supporting non-traditional learners, including older students, to access higher education, with the lifelong learning entitlement set to open for applications in September – although most eligible courses will require students to apply directly to universities, rather than through Ucas. 

The number of international students applying through Ucas rose to 148,350, up 7.1 per cent on 138,460 last year. China remained the largest international market, with the number of applications up 12 per cent to 38,000. This was followed by India (11,470) and the US (8,270).  

However, the majority of international students do not use Ucas for their university applications and recent visa figures suggest that the total number of foreign students coming to the UK is in decline.

Saxton added that she was aware of the “financial challenges facing students in an uncertain economic environment, and the extent to which the cost of living is shaping decisions”. 

“Ucas is working hard to remove barriers to progression and help students make informed decisions, including through Ucas’ scholarships and bursaries tool and our new budget calculator.”

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com