International Undergraduate Applicants In UK On Rise; Applicants For Medicine Courses Dips: UCAS

As per the data released by the UCAS, the applications for early-deadline courses increased by 1.3% overall as compared to the previous year.

Study in UK: UCAS figures have revealed that this year there is a rise of 1.3% in overall applications for the early deadline undergraduate courses as against the last year. There are a total of 990 applicants for the undergraduate courses.

The international undergraduate applications through UCAS have increased by 4.7% this year as compared to the previous year and China remains the biggest international market with a 14% increase in applications this year.

In the 2025 cycle, there are a total of 73,720 applicants to veterinary, dentistry, and medicine courses and courses at Oxford and Cambridge.

Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive at UCAS said, “I’m pleased to see an increase in applications for early deadline courses compared to last year, especially among mature students. Medicine remains a competitive subject with many more applications than available places, even with the decline in applicants seen in recent years, following the peak demand during the pandemic. It’s welcome news to see that global confidence in the UK’s higher education sector remains strong, with an increase in international undergraduate applicants to UK universities and colleges for early deadline courses."

"I’m delighted to see applicants already starting to benefit from UCAS’ new free school meals fee waiver, and I want to encourage anyone considering an application this year to apply. We know there is more that can be done as a sector to break down any potential barriers and ensure more young people can benefit from the transformative opportunities of higher education. UCAS is available to support students throughout the cycle, and the team are on hand to guide students with their next steps as we approach the equal consideration deadline for all other courses on 29 January 2025," added Dr Jo Saxton CBE.  

UK 18 Year Olds Applications Decline; Mature Applicants Increases

For the early deadline courses, the number of UK 18-year-olds applied has dipped by 0.9% as the total number of such applications stood at 38,940 as against the previous year data of 39,310. The number of 18-year-old applicants from POLAR4 Q1 which is the most disadvantaged backgrounds remains level with the previous year. However, the UK's applications from mature people of age 21+ have increased by 3%, at 5,930, up by 190 as compared to last year.

The number of applications for the medicine courses also declined by 3.3% with 23,350 applicants opting for this stream by the October 15 deadline. This figure stood at 24,150 last year.

Read more:

• Study In UK: Oxford University Bursts Myths Of Interview Process
• Study In UK: Aston University Hosts Cyber Security Escape Game