New UCAS data reveals varying trends for 2025 university entry
Latest UCAS figures reveal a 1.3% increase in applicants for early deadline university courses, with 73,720 applicants compared to 72,730 at the same point last year.
However, the number of applicants for medicine courses has fallen by 3.3%.
The data, marking the start of the 2025 entry cycle, shows a mixed picture across different applicant groups.
While the number of UK 18-year-old applicants has fallen by 0.9%, the number of UK mature applicants (aged 21 and over) has increased by 3%.
There was also a significant 4.7% rise in international undergraduate applicants through UCAS for early deadline courses, continuing the UK's appeal as a global higher education destination.
China remains the largest international market, with a 14% increase in applicants compared to last year.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive at UCAS said:
“I'm pleased to see an increase in applications for early deadline courses compared to last year, especially among mature students.
“Medicine remains a competitive subject with many more applications than available places, even with the decline in applicants seen in recent years, following the peak demand during the pandemic.”
The fall in medicine applicants, down to 23,350 from 24,150 last year, was primarily driven by a decline in the number of UK 18-year-olds applying, from 11,750 to 11,300. However, there was a small increase in UK mature applicants for medicine.
Dr Saxton added: “It's welcome news to see that global confidence in the UK’s higher education sector remains strong, with an increase in international undergraduate applicants to UK universities and colleges for early deadline courses.
“I’m delighted to see applicants already starting to benefit from UCAS’ new free school meals fee waiver, and I want to encourage anyone considering an application this year to apply.
“We know there is more that can be done as a sector to break down any potential barriers and ensure more young people can benefit from the transformative opportunities of higher education.”
The data also showed variations in 18-year-old applicant numbers across the UK nations, with an 8% increase in Scotland, level numbers in Wales, a 6% fall in Northern Ireland and a 1.2% fall in England.
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