In 2021−22, there were 2,717,010 students at Universities UK (UUK) member institutions; an increase of 4% compared to 2020−21.
- 79% studied full time
- 71% were undergraduates
- 4% were from EU countries
- 20% were from other non-EU countries
- 57% were female
- 63% were mature students (aged 21 and over)
Mode of study and country of institution, 2021–22
Full-time higher education numbers at UUK member institutions in 2021–22 increased by 4% since 2020-21. Part-time numbers also increased (up 3% since 2020–21). In 2021–22, part-time students accounted for 34% of postgraduate students and 15% of undergraduate students.
Level and mode of study, 2021–22
In 2021–22, almost 80% of students at UUK member institutions were studying full-time. 66% of students were studying for a first degree either full or part time, and 29% were postgraduates. 'Other undergraduates' were the most likely to be studying part time, followed by postgraduate taught students.
Applicants, acceptances and UK 18-year-old entry rates, 2011 to 2022
For the 2022 cycle, total applicant numbers for UK full-time undergraduate higher education courses increased by 4.5% on 2020, but total acceptances went down by 1.3%. The UK 18-year-old entry rate was down 0.8% from 2021.
Entry rates of the most disadvantaged 18-year-olds, 2011 to 2022
England and Scotland saw record percentages of the most disadvantaged students beginning a full-time undergraduate course in the UK in 2022. The percentage in Northern Ireland declined after a record uplift in 2021; and the figure for Wales stayed the same.
Age and ethnicity, 2021–22
In 2021–22, mature students (aged 21 and over) accounted for 63% of the UK-domiciled student population at UUK member institutions, including 48% of undergraduate students. In the same year, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students accounted for 27% of the UK-domiciled student population at UUK member institutions.
Sex, subject area and level of study, 2021–22
In 2021–22, undergraduate student numbers at UUK member institutions were highest in business, subjects allied to medicine, and social sciences. Postgraduate numbers were highest for business, subjects allied to medicine, and education and teaching.
Domicile and level of study, 2021–22
In 2021–22, 4% of students at UUK member institutions were from EU countries, while 20% were from outside the EU. This is a shift from 5% and 16% respectively in 2020–21. The share of postgraduates coming from the EU and non-EU countries in 2021–22 was 4% and 42% respectively.