Responding to the June 30 deadline data from UCAS, Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK said:
This data highlights that people continue to believe in the value of a university education, with a 5% increase in applications from 18-year-olds and positive signs of rising demand from mature learners. Individuals and wider society benefit from more graduates. Getting a degree isn't for everyone but on average graduates have 20% higher lifetime earnings compared to non-graduates, even when accounting for the cost of student loans and increased taxes for higher earners.
“It’s encouraging to see the largest increase in applications to nursing since the pandemic. Universities play a huge role in training our NHS workforce and we need to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare workers to create a strong NHS.
“The increase in applicants choosing to live at home while studying reflects the ways that students live and learn are changing and universities are evolving to meet the needs of learners today. Many offer flexible ways to access learning and resources to suit those with longer commutes or other responsibilities. However, the government must uplift the maintenance package to ensure that all students have choice in how they study.
Vivienne Stern MBE
Chief Executive of Universities UK