More UK 18-year-old applicants have applied for a university or college place than ever before, new UCAS figures reveal.
The number of UK-18-year-olds applying by the deadline is up 2.1% (up from 316,850 in 2024 to 323,360 in 2025). Despite this increase in application numbers, the application rate for UK 18-year-olds has decreased from 41.3% in 2024 to 40.6% in 2025, due to an increase in the 18-year-old population.
Today’s figures also show growth in the number of 18-year-old applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds across all UK nations.
- In England, the number of applicants from IMD Quintile 1 has increased by 1.4% (from 47,850 to 48,520)
- In Wales, WIMD Quintile 1 applicants have increased by 4.5% (from 1,560 to 1,630)
- In Scotland, SIMD Quintile 1 applicants have increased by 4.4% (from 2,480 to 2,590)
- In Northern Ireland, applicants from NIMD Quintile 1 have increased by 1.9% (from 1,570 to 1,600)
The new figures also reveal a total increase in the overall number of applicants, from 594,940 in 2024 to 600,660 in 2025. The number of UK mature applicants (aged 21+) has decreased by 6.4% from 65,450 to 61,280, in line with recent trends of falling number of applications from mature students at this point in the cycle.
Today’s data also suggest the UK’s higher education sector remains an attractive global destination, with a 2.7% increase in international undergraduate applicants through UCAS, compared to last year’s figures. The largest increases were in applicants from China (+2,540), Ireland (+750) and the USA (+700).
These figures come from the UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline, which took place on 29 January, which normally accounts for approximately 80% of applicants in any given cycle. However, anyone wishing to apply for a university or college place via UCAS this year can continue to do so, using the main application service until 30 June, and then subsequently through Clearing.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, UCAS Chief Executive, said: “It’s encouraging to see a record high number of UK 18-year-olds applying for university. The continued fall in demand from mature applicants shows we have more work to do to break down barriers to progression, and better support students from all backgrounds who could benefit from the transformative experience of higher education.
“It’s particularly welcome news to see that global confidence in the UK’s higher education sector remains strong, with an increase in international undergraduate applicants via UCAS to UK universities and colleges in 2025.
“For anyone who is still considering whether to apply this year but has not yet made an application in 2025, don’t worry – you still have plenty of time, with tens of thousands of courses still available. Students can continue to submit an application throughout the year, and UCAS is on hand to support you every step of the way.”
