UCAS end-of-cycle data demonstrates healthy demand for higher education

Today’s UCAS end-of-cycle data shows high demand for higher education from young people, with a record number of UK 18-year-olds accepting a place at university or college in 2024. 

It is also encouraging to see acceptances among UK 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds are also at a record high, despite the cost-of-living pressures in recent years, with increases across three out of the four nations. 

International student recruitment presents a more mixed picture, with an overall dip of 2.3% across the sector. It is vital that the UK can continue to be competitive in the global education market and remain welcoming to international students, who contribute so much to our universities and communities – bringing vital economic contributions as well as diverse skills and experiences that enrich our learning environments.  

More UK 18-year-olds accepted places at high-tariff institutions, allowing them to benefit from the high-quality, research-informed teaching offered by these universities. Russell Group universities are well prepared to meet this demand – as they have demonstrated in previous periods of growth, for example following the pandemic – and to maintain the same high standards of teaching and university experience that students expect. 

Admission to courses at Russell Group universities remains highly competitive, and our universities typically have higher entry requirements than others in the sector. Our universities accept students with the capability to embark on, and succeed in, their chosen course. Our admissions teams have a wealth of experience in assessing students’ suitability for a course, and there is flexibility in the admissions process, allowing for individual circumstances. 

Commenting on the new UCAS data, Joanna Burton, Head of Policy (Higher Education) for the Russell Group, said:

"It is encouraging to see continued high demand for higher education among young people, including those from the most disadvantaged background. Today’s students have many possible pathways to continue their education and pursue their chosen careers, and we are pleased to see that more students than ever value the opportunities that a university degree offers.  

"Our universities are ready to support these students to get the most out of their experience. This includesfinancial support to help with the cost of living, especially for the most disadvantaged students. But this needs to be backed by a robust package of maintenance support from government, to make sure no student’s aspirations are hindered by financial barriers".