Lana Oconnell
The number of students attending university in the UK has been steadily increasing over the years, with a record number of applicants accepted in 2013, and new records set in each of the three following years. In the 2021/22 academic year, a total of 2.86 million individuals were enrolled in higher education. This number increased to 2.94 million in 2023, with 752,000 applications to study at university that year. The number of students from non-EU countries has been rising, while the number of EU students has been falling. The UK's universities are a national asset, providing opportunities, growing the economy, solving global challenges, and equipping graduates with skills for the future.
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What You'll Learn
- In 2022/23, there were almost 3 million students at UK universities
- The number of applicants through UCAS more than doubled between 1994 and 2020
- The number of EU students starting full-time undergraduate courses fell by 68% between 2020 and 2024
- The number of non-EU overseas applicants increased to record levels each year from 2019 to 2022
- In 2021/22, there was a 24% rise in students from non-EU countries
In 2022/23, there were almost 3 million students at UK universities
In 2022-23, there were almost 3 million students at UK universities. This figure represents the total number of students enrolled in higher education at various institutions in the UK. The University with the highest number of enrolled students was the Open University, with 140,215 students, followed by University College London, with 51,810 students, and the University of Manchester, with 46,860 students.
The number of students at UK universities has been increasing over the years, with the total number of applicants through UCAS more than doubling between 1994 and 2020. In 2022-23, the number of applicants through UCAS was 752,025, and the number of accepted applicants from low participation neighbourhoods also increased, with 23% of 18-year-olds from these areas accepted to study full-time undergraduate degrees, compared to 14.1% in 2012.
The growth in the student population has been driven by increases in overseas students, particularly at the postgraduate level. In 2021/22, there was a 24% rise in students from non-EU countries and a concurrent 21% fall in students from EU countries. The number of EU students starting full-time undergraduate courses fell by 68% between 2020 and 2024, while the number of non-EU overseas applicants increased to record levels each year from 2019 to 2022.
Despite the overall increase in student numbers, there are concerns about falling numbers in certain groups of students, including part-time undergraduates, postgraduate students, EU students, mature students, and some disadvantaged groups. The number of entrants to 'other undergraduate' courses has also fallen by almost two-thirds over the last 15 years, with the majority of these students being part-time UK students.
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The number of applicants through UCAS more than doubled between 1994 and 2020
In the 2018/19 academic year, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) recorded 666,815 overseas students, with the majority (260,155) enrolled at Oxford Brookes University. Other universities with significant numbers of overseas students in 2018/19 included the University of London Worldwide (40,675), the Open University (29,610), Coventry (16,785), Nottingham (15,740), Liverpool (14,730), Heriot-Watt (11,955), Staffordshire (11,900), and Middlesex (11,890).
The total number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in the UK has also increased over time. In the 2021/22 academic year, HESA recorded a total of 2,862,620 students enrolled, an increase of 4% from the previous year. This number includes both full-time and part-time students, without distinguishing between undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study.
The growth in student numbers can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing number of overseas students, particularly on postgraduate taught courses, and the improving rates of entry for different groups of students, including those from disadvantaged areas or backgrounds. In 2023, a record 23% of UK 18-year-olds from low-participation neighbourhoods were accepted to study full-time undergraduate degrees through UCAS, compared to 14.1% in 2012. Similarly, the entry rate of state school students in England who received free school meals at age 15 increased from 13.0% in 2012 to 19.1% in 2023.
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The number of EU students starting full-time undergraduate courses fell by 68% between 2020 and 2024
The number of students enrolling in UK universities reached record levels in the early 2020s. However, there are concerns about the declining numbers of specific student groups. One notable decrease is in the number of EU students enrolling in full-time undergraduate courses. Between 2020 and 2024, there was a significant drop of 68%, resulting in the lowest level of EU student enrolment since 1994. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the impact of Brexit and changes in immigration policies.
In contrast, the number of non-EU overseas applicants to UK universities reached record levels annually from 2019 to 2022. This trend continued even during the Covid-19 pandemic, indicating a resilience in the attractiveness of UK higher education globally. The overall acceptance rate of applicants through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) has fluctuated, with a slight decline since 2020 after reaching a peak.
Despite the decrease in EU student enrolment, UK universities continue to attract a diverse student population. In 2022-23, there were approximately 2.9 million students enrolled in UK higher education institutions, with a notable proportion of international students. The number of UK 18-year-olds from low-participation neighbourhoods accepted to study full-time undergraduate degrees through UCAS reached a record 23% in 2023, reflecting an increasing accessibility to higher education for disadvantaged groups.
While the decline in EU students is significant, it is important to consider the broader context of UK higher education. The overall student population in UK universities remains robust, and efforts are being made to improve access for students from all backgrounds. Additionally, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on student numbers cannot be overlooked, as it caused fluctuations in enrolment numbers across different courses and student groups.
In conclusion, the 68% decrease in EU students enrolling in full-time undergraduate courses in the UK between 2020 and 2024 is a concerning trend. However, UK universities continue to attract students from diverse backgrounds, and overall enrolment numbers remain high. The impact of Brexit and changing immigration policies on EU student enrolment warrants further attention to ensure that UK higher education remains accessible and attractive to European students.
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The number of non-EU overseas applicants increased to record levels each year from 2019 to 2022
The number of students going to university in the UK each year has reached record levels in the early 2020s. However, there are concerns about falling numbers of students outside the full-time undergraduate group, including part-time undergraduates, postgraduates, EU students, mature students, and some disadvantaged groups.
Despite these concerns, the number of non-EU overseas applicants to UK universities has been increasing to record levels each year from 2019 to 2022. In 2022/23, there were 663,355 non-EU students out of a total of 758,855 overseas students, accounting for 26% of the total student population in the UK. This increase in non-EU overseas applicants can be attributed to several factors, including the UK's popularity as a global destination for international students, offering high-quality education, and providing opportunities for graduates.
The UK has consistently been one of the top global destinations for international students, second only to the US for many years. In recent years, the UK has competed with Australia for the second spot, regaining its position in 2021 and 2022. This popularity among international students has contributed to the increasing number of non-EU overseas applicants.
The growth in non-EU overseas applicants can also be attributed to the economic impact of international students on the UK's higher education sector. In 2022/23, fee income from all international students reached £11.8 billion, contributing 23% of the total income for the sector. This increase in fees is due to the lack of tuition fee caps for international students, allowing higher education providers to charge significantly more.
While the number of non-EU overseas applicants has increased, it is important to note that the overall growth in student population has stalled in recent years. The increase in international student numbers has been offset by a decline in other student groups, particularly part-time undergraduates and postgraduate students. Despite record numbers of applicants, there are concerns about falling student numbers in these groups, which make up a significant portion of the UK's higher education landscape.
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In 2021/22, there was a 24% rise in students from non-EU countries
The UK's higher education system is one of the most prestigious and established in the world, with an increasing number of people enrolling in universities each year. In the 2021/22 academic year, there was a notable shift in the demographics of students, with a significant increase in the number of students from non-EU countries. This trend is worth examining in more detail to understand its implications for UK universities and the broader context of global higher education trends.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) recorded a 24% rise in the number of students from non-EU countries in the 2021/22 academic year. This increase is substantial and indicates a growing attraction of UK universities to international students beyond Europe. The total number of students enrolled in higher education institutions reporting data to HESA in the same year was 2.86 million, a 4% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by the increase in non-EU students, as the number of students from the EU fell by 21%.
The rise in non-EU students is part of a broader trend of increasing internationalisation in UK higher education. In recent years, the number of non-EU overseas applicants has consistently broken records, indicating that UK universities are becoming increasingly attractive to students worldwide. This trend has continued despite concerns and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted travel and teaching methods. The pandemic's impact on entry rates and qualifications has been significant, and further research is needed to understand its long-term effects.
The increase in non-EU students has had a notable impact on the composition of the student body at UK universities. While the majority of students are still UK nationals, the proportion of non-EU students is growing. This shift may influence the cultural and academic dynamics within universities, potentially enriching the educational experience through greater diversity. Additionally, the economic impact of international students is substantial, with their local spending contributing to the UK economy.
The rise in non-EU students enrolling in UK universities has implications for both the institutions themselves and the broader higher education landscape. For universities, it may present opportunities for cultural exchange, enhanced global reputation, and increased financial revenue. However, it also raises questions about the accessibility and affordability of UK higher education for domestic students, especially with concerns about falling numbers in certain student groups. The trend underscores the competitiveness of UK universities on a global scale, but it also highlights the need to ensure that domestic students from diverse backgrounds continue to have access to higher education opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2022–23, there were 2,937,155 students studying at UK higher education providers.
In 2023, there were around 752,000 applications to study at university in the UK. This number has been increasing over the years, with 758,000 applications in 2024.
In 2023, a record 23% of UK 18-year-olds from low participation neighbourhoods were accepted to study a full-time undergraduate degree through UCAS. This is an increase from 14.1% in 2012.
The number of EU students starting full-time undergraduate courses in the UK fell by 68% between 2020 and 2024, reaching its lowest level since 1994. In 2018/19, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) recorded 666,815 overseas students, with 153,660 of them from the EU.
In 2021/22, there was a 24% rise in the number of students from non-EU countries, with a total of 350,325 non-EU domicile first-year entrants.
