Janice Lozano
The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly common in the UK, with a growing number of individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects and knowledge through university studies. The number of students in UK universities presents both challenges and opportunities for professional service staff, who play a critical role in shaping the student experience and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the percentage of 18-year-olds in England entering full-time higher education courses has steadily increased over the past two decades, with a record 23% of UK 18-year-olds from low-participation neighbourhoods accepted to study full-time undergraduate degrees in 2023. Overall student numbers reached record levels in the early 2020s, with 2.9 million students enrolled in UK higher education institutions in 2023/24. The entry rate for 18-year-olds going into higher education ranges between 30 and 50 percent depending on the region within the UK, with UCAS predicting that there could be up to 1 million higher education applicants in a single year by 2030.
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What You'll Learn
Entry rates for 18-year-olds
The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly common in the UK, with a growing number of individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects and knowledge base through university studies. The percentage of people going to university in the UK has been steadily growing but began to falter in recent years. However, it is expected that the entry rate of 18-year-olds to higher education will remain high.
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. The entry rate of state school students in England who received free school meals while aged 15 increased from 13.0% in 2012 to 19.1% in 2023. The higher education entry rate among UK 18-year-olds increased from 24.7% in 2006 to 30.7% in 2015 and peaked at 38.2% in 2021. It fell back to 36.4% in 2024. The entry rate for 18-year-olds going into higher education ranges between 30% and 50% depending on the region within the UK.
In 2023/24, there were 2.90 million students at UK higher education institutions, with most full-time students studying first degrees. The number of applicants through UCAS more than doubled between 1994 and 2020 but has fallen slightly since then. In 2023, UCAS predicted that there could be up to 1 million higher education applicants in a single year by 2030, representing a growth of 25,000 applicants from today. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) forecasts that there could be nearly 900,000 18-year-olds in the population in 2030, an increase of 180,000 from 2020. This demographic change is expected to lead to a significant increase in the number of students applying to university.
While overall student numbers reached record levels in the early 2020s, 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 EU students starting full-time undergraduate courses fell by 68% between 2020 and 2024 to its lowest level since 1994. However, the number of non-EU overseas applicants increased to record levels annually from 2019 to 2022.
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Postgraduate courses
The pursuit of higher education in the UK has witnessed a steady rise over the years, with an increasing number of students enrolling in universities. This trend has had a significant impact on the professional services landscape within universities, as they adapt to meet the evolving needs of a diverse student body.
Among this growing student population, postgraduates constitute a significant portion. Postgraduate courses in the UK offer a range of qualifications, including taught Master's programmes, research Master's or PhDs, and applied courses such as PGCEs (teacher training qualifications). The latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for the 2020/21 academic year revealed that over 743,000 students enrolled in postgraduate courses across the UK, out of a total student population of 2.75 million. This number increased to 2.9 million students in UK higher education institutions in 2023/24.
The majority of postgraduate students opt for full-time study, although part-time postgraduate student numbers have also risen, reaching around 142,000. London institutions, particularly University College London (UCL) and King's College London (KCL), attract the largest number of postgraduates.
The growth in postgraduate numbers can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the uncertainty surrounding graduate job prospects during the pandemic led many students to opt for further study. Additionally, domestic policy changes have made it easier for UK students to access funds for postgraduate education, with 'home' students now eligible for Master's loans.
However, it is important to note that the number of first-year students enrolling in postgraduate research courses has remained relatively stable over the past decade. This can be attributed to the increasing competition for fully funded PhD places and the reluctance of students to commit to additional loans for doctoral programmes.
To enhance the postgraduate student experience, universities must focus on providing comprehensive support. Wellbeing initiatives are particularly important to help students navigate the unique pressures of postgraduate life, including the demands of intense courses and the need for self-discipline.
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Part-time undergraduates
The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly common in the UK, with a growing number of individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects and knowledge through university studies. While the overall student numbers reached record levels in the early 2020s, there are concerns about the falling numbers of certain groups of students, including part-time undergraduates.
Part-time undergraduate courses, also known as 'other undergraduate' courses, have seen a significant decline in enrolment numbers over the past 15 years, with a near two-thirds drop in entrants. This decline is attributed to factors such as increased fees of up to £9,000, which led to a 7.6% decrease in applicants in 2012. However, applicant numbers recovered in subsequent years, setting new records for acceptances from 2013 to 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on travel and teaching methods raised concerns about a potential sharp drop in student numbers, but applicant numbers remained high in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The number of part-time undergraduate students in the UK is challenging to pinpoint precisely as statistics often focus on full-time students. However, it is clear that part-time undergraduates constitute a significant portion of 'other undergraduate' courses. These students often include those not pursuing their first degree, mature students, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The trend of decreasing part-time undergraduate enrolment has financial implications for universities. Part-time students contribute substantially to tuition fees and education contracts, which comprise a significant portion of the sector's total income. Therefore, addressing the decline in part-time student numbers is essential for the financial stability of higher education institutions in the UK.
Despite the overall decline in part-time undergraduate enrolment, there are positive indicators of growth in specific groups. For instance, the number of state school students in England who received free school meals and progressed to higher education increased from 13.0% in 2012 to 19.1% in 2023. Similarly, in 2023, 23% of UK 18-year-olds from low-participation neighbourhoods were accepted to study full-time undergraduate degrees through UCAS, a notable increase from 14.1% in 2012. These statistics demonstrate that initiatives to promote higher education among disadvantaged groups are showing progress, and continued efforts in this direction could help counteract the overall decline in part-time undergraduate enrolment.
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Non-EU overseas applicants
The pursuit of higher education in the UK has become increasingly common, with a growing number of students enrolling in universities. This trend has presented challenges and opportunities for professional service staff, who play a critical role in shaping the student experience and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
For non-EU international students planning to study in the UK, there are a number of requirements and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, international students must obtain a student visa and have a basic understanding of immigration processes. The visa application process may vary depending on the university and the student's circumstances. In some cases, the university may arrange a local sponsor, while in other cases, the student may need to apply through the appropriate embassy in their home country. Additionally, international students may need to provide proof of identity, evidence of qualifications, and a financial statement.
Another important consideration for non-EU overseas applicants is the English language requirement. UK universities require international students to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English, and this requirement may vary depending on the university and the course of study. It is recommended that applicants refer to the specific requirements of their chosen university and course to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
Furthermore, non-EU overseas applicants should be prepared for the financial commitments associated with studying in the UK. Tuition fees and living expenses can be significant, and it is important for applicants to ensure they have access to sufficient funds. Some universities may require non-refundable deposits to secure an applicant's place, which will be deducted from their tuition costs. Additionally, applicants may want to consider finding a part-time job while studying, as it can provide extra income, help with building professional skills, and offer an opportunity to meet new people.
The application process for non-EU overseas applicants can vary depending on the university and the country. In most cases, applicants will need to submit an application form directly to the university, and the timing of deadlines and start dates may differ. For example, in Asian countries, applications for a September start date are typically due in June, but individual courses may have varying application deadlines. It is important for applicants to research the specific requirements and processes of their chosen universities to ensure a smooth application process.
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Student dropout rates
According to the latest data, the percentage of students going to university in the UK has been growing steadily. In 2023/24, there were 2.9 million students enrolled in UK higher education institutions, with a record number of applicants accepted in the previous year. This growth has presented both challenges and opportunities for professional service staff, who play a critical role in shaping the student experience and ensuring student satisfaction.
However, it is important to note that not all students who start university end up graduating. Dropout rates at UK universities have been a concern, and while overall dropout rates have shown a decreasing trend, some subjects and institutions have higher dropout rates than others. For instance, London Metropolitan University has been identified as the university with the highest dropout rate in the UK at 18.6%, while the University of Cambridge has the lowest. Additionally, computer sciences have the highest dropout rate by the subject at 9.8%medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science have the lowest at 1.5%.
There are various reasons why students might drop out of university. The sudden change in lifestyle and the overwhelming shift to independent living and academic demands can be challenging for some. Additionally, the availability of alternative options, such as internships and apprenticeship schemes, may also contribute to students' decisions to leave their university course prematurely.
To address the issue of dropout rates, universities have considered implementing more support services and student advisors to meet the diverse needs of their expanding student bodies. It is important for universities to encourage students to seek support and address any concerns in a timely manner, as well as highlight the various opportunities available to those who do decide to leave their courses.
While dropout rates are an important consideration, it is worth noting that the pursuit of higher education in the UK continues to gain momentum, and the entry rate of 18-year-olds to higher education is expected to remain high.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2022–23, there were 2.93 million students studying at UK higher education providers. The percentage of students going to university in the UK has been growing steadily but began to falter. The entry rate for 18-year-olds going into higher education ranges between 30 and 50 percent depending on where you are in the country.
In 2023, 752,025 people applied through UCAS to an undergraduate course.
73% of UK graduates found a job within a year of graduating.
