Savanna Hoffman
The number of students enrolled in UK universities has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with some arguing that there are too many university students in the country. In 2022/23, there were an estimated 2.94 million students enrolled in higher education courses in the UK, with the number peaking after a decline between 2011/12 and 2014/15. The Open University, focusing on remote learning, had the highest number of students enrolled in 2021/22, with University College London and the University of Manchester following closely behind. International students make up a significant portion of the student body, with a record high of 758,855 international students in UK higher education in 2022/23. However, a sharp drop in international student numbers and stagnant domestic tuition fees have reportedly led to financial challenges for many universities.
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What You'll Learn
In 2022/23, there were 2.94 million UK university students
The Open University, which focuses on remote learning, had the highest number of students enrolled among UK-based higher education institutions in 2021/22, with 151,840 students. University College London had the second-highest number of students, followed by the University of Manchester. The oldest universities in the UK, Oxford and Cambridge, also have high student numbers, with 27,290 and 22,610 students, respectively.
International student enrollment has also contributed to the growing student population in the UK. In 2022/23, there were 758,855 international students in UK higher education, a 12% rise from the previous year. However, there has been a recent sharp drop in international student numbers, creating financial challenges for many universities.
While the increasing number of university students in the UK indicates a positive trend, some argue that the tertiary education system is too skewed towards universities. There may be a need for more appealing options for school leavers, such as apprenticeships and on-the-job training, to ensure that the skills needed in the country align with the education provided.
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There were 758,855 international students in 2022/23
The UK has witnessed a growing trend in the number of students enrolled in higher education courses in recent years. In the 2022/23 academic year, the presence of international students formed a significant part of this trend, with a record high of 758,855 international students in UK higher education institutions. This figure represents a notable 12% increase from the previous year, underscoring the growing appeal of UK universities to a global audience.
The contribution of international students to the UK's higher education sector is substantial, and their enrolment numbers are closely monitored by institutions. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) plays a crucial role in tracking these statistics. According to HESA, the number of overseas students in the 2022/23 academic year was 576,705. While this figure may differ slightly between sources, it still highlights the significant presence of international students in UK universities.
The Open University, renowned for its focus on remote learning, has consistently attracted a high number of students. In the 2018/19 academic year, it enrolled 48,805 overseas students, showcasing its ability to cater to a diverse student body. University College London and the University of Manchester are also popular choices, reflecting the appeal of these institutions to both domestic and international students.
The impact of international students extends beyond enrolment numbers. Their presence brings significant economic benefits to the UK. Between 2018/19 and 2021/22, the economic value of international higher education in the UK rose from £31.3 billion to £41.9 billion. This substantial increase highlights the vital role that international students play in contributing to the country's economy.
While UK universities have faced challenges in recent years, including financial strains and a sharp drop in international student numbers, the latest data for 2022/23 indicates a positive shift. The rising number of international students choosing UK universities underscores the country's continued appeal as a leading global education destination.
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The Open University had 151,840 students in 2021/22
The Open University is a unique institution in the UK, focusing on remote learning. In 2021/22, it had 151,840 students enrolled, making it the largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers. This number is significantly higher than the second-highest, University College London, which had 46,830 students in the same year.
The Open University's focus on remote learning has likely contributed to its high student numbers. Remote learning offers flexibility and accessibility that traditional campus-based universities cannot. Students can enrol in courses from anywhere in the country, and often, the world, without having to relocate or commute. This is especially appealing to those with families, full-time jobs, or other commitments that may hinder their ability to attend a traditional university.
The Open University's ability to cater to a large number of students is also due to its structure and organisation. It likely has a large capacity for students as it does not need to consider physical space limitations, such as classroom sizes or accommodation availability. Additionally, the university may have a more streamlined admissions process, as it can be more flexible with enrolment numbers and is not restricted by physical infrastructure.
The high enrolment numbers at the Open University highlight the demand for remote learning options in higher education. Traditional universities may face challenges in accommodating large numbers of students on campus, whereas the Open University's remote model allows for greater accessibility and inclusivity. This is particularly beneficial for students who may not be able to access higher education through conventional means, whether due to geographical, financial, or personal constraints.
The Open University's student body of 151,840 in 2021/22 is a testament to the appeal and success of remote learning in the UK. It demonstrates a shift in the higher education landscape, where traditional campus-based learning is no longer the only option. The university's large student population also underscores the importance of accessibility and flexibility in higher education, ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.
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University College London had 46,830 students in 2021/22
In the 2021/22 academic year, there were a total of 2.86 million students enrolled in higher education in the UK. University College London (UCL) had the second-highest number of students at 46,830, preceded by the Open University with 151,840 students. UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, with over 18,000 staff and 51,000 students from 150 different countries. The university is based in the Bloomsbury area of the London Borough of Camden, with its main campus located around Gower Street.
UCL was ranked 22nd in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. Admission to the university is highly selective, with an average entry tariff of 189 UCAS points for 2020-21, the 9th highest in the UK. The university has a low offer rate, with 36.1% at the undergraduate level and 23.5% at the postgraduate level in 2021.
UCL has a rich history, founded in 1826 with a deliberate secular ethos. This allowed students from different Christian traditions to study alongside each other without conflict. Today, UCL caters to people of all faiths, with a prayer room, ablution facilities, and a silent meditation room in the student centre. The university also has over 250 clubs and societies, including UCL Snowsports, Pi Media, and the Debating Society.
UCL gained university status in 2022 when its application was approved by the Office for Students, becoming a university in its own right while remaining part of the University of London.
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Oxford and Cambridge had 49,900 students in 2021/22
The UK is home to two of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world: Oxford and Cambridge. Together, these institutions had a total of 49,900 students in the 2021/22 academic year.
Oxford and Cambridge are often jointly referred to as 'Oxbridge'. Oxford is the older of the two, with evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Cambridge was founded in 1209 by Oxford academics who had fled northeast following disputes with Oxford townsfolk. Both universities share many common features as a result of their shared history.
Oxford University is a collegiate research university comprising 43 constituent colleges, including 36 semi-autonomous colleges, four permanent private halls, and three societies. The university has a rich history, with religious orders such as the Dominicans and Franciscans settling in Oxford in the mid-13th century and maintaining houses or halls for students. The first three societies for women at Oxford were Lady Margaret Hall, Somerville College, and the Society of Oxford Home-Students, which later became St Anne's College. Today, Oxford has a diverse student body, with individuals from 175 countries and territories.
Cambridge University, meanwhile, was established by Oxford exiles and shares many similarities with its older counterpart. Both universities have produced numerous renowned scholars over the centuries. During World War I, many undergraduates and fellows from both universities joined the armed forces, with Oxford alone recording 14,792 members serving in the war.
While Oxford and Cambridge are among the most prestigious universities in the UK, they do not have the largest student populations. That distinction belongs to the Open University, which focuses on remote learning and had 140,215 students enrolled in 2022.
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Frequently asked questions
In the academic year 2022/23, there were 2,937,155 students studying at UK higher education providers. This is an increase from the 2021/22 academic year, where a total of 2.86 million individuals were enrolled in higher education.
In the 2024 academic year, there were 758,000 applications for full-time undergraduate places, with almost 565,000 applicants accepted. In 2021/22, 66% of students were studying for a first degree either full or part-time, and 29% were postgraduates.
In the 2022/23 academic year, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) recorded 576,705 overseas students. The number of non-EU overseas applicants increased to record levels each year from 2019 to 2022. In 2021/22, 20% of students at UUK member institutions were from outside the EU.
In 2023, a record 23% of UK 18-year-olds from low-participation neighbourhoods were accepted to study a full-time undergraduate degree. In 2022, England and Scotland saw record percentages of disadvantaged students beginning full-time undergraduate courses.
