UCAS 2025: University Applications Hit New Heights with Growing Global Interest
Record-Breaking Application Numbers
The 2025 university admission cycle has reached a new milestone, with total applications increasing to 600,660. A record number of UK 18-year-olds have applied, with numbers rising by 2.1% to 323,360 compared to the previous year.
Shifting Demographics and International Growth
Despite the increase in application numbers, the application rate for UK 18-year-olds has slightly decreased to 40.6% from 41.3% in 2024, due to population changes. However, there has been encouraging growth in applications from disadvantaged backgrounds across all UK nations.
The UK continues to be an attractive destination for international students, with a 2.7% increase in international undergraduate applicants. The largest increases came from China, Ireland, and the USA.
Changes and Improvements in the Application Process
For 2025 entry, the application fee has been set at £28.50 for up to five choices. Notably, UCAS has removed the application fee for students receiving free school meals, making higher education more accessible. Teachers and advisers can verify eligible students through the adviser portal.
Subject Trends and Institutional Impact
The application pattern shows varying impacts across institutions, with high-tariff universities seeing the most benefit. This trend is particularly noticeable in international applications, where high-tariff institutions have seen a 6% increase, while lower-tariff institutions have experienced a 7% decrease.
Engineering, technology, and mathematics continue to show strong performance. Business and management courses have seen increased interest, and there has been an encouraging rise in applications for medicine, dentistry, and allied subjects.
Future Guidance
For those who haven’t yet applied for 2025 entry, UCAS emphasizes that there are still opportunities available, with thousands of courses open for applications. The organisation continues to provide support throughout the application process.
