UCAS have announced a record number of applications to University have been received by the 29th of January.
This is a significant increase on the previous year of 8.5% and is the most applications ever received at this point in the application cycle.
43.5% of 18 years olds
Of the total applications received 306,000 are from 18 year olds and this represents over 40% of the UK’s population of 18 year olds. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of the UK’s Higher Education system and well as the long established trend to growth in the sector during times of economic uncertainty. This is positive for the long term future of Higher Education and Student Accommodation, particularly when combined with the decade long forecast growth in the number of 18 year olds https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-great-recruitment-crisis-planning-for-rapid-student-number-growth/
International students
Applicants from none EU countries have also increased and are up by 17% to a record 85,000. Applications from China, India and the US are in significantly growth. While there has been strong global growth there has been a decline in applications from EU students, down 40% to 26,000 as a result of the short term uncertainty around the withdrawal from the EU.
Covid 19 response
This year has seen a substantial increase in the numbers applying for nursing courses, with growth of over 1/3rd resulting in over 60,000 people applying for such courses. This has included growth from all sections of society with a 39% rise in applicants from those aged 35 or over particularly noteworthy.
Implications for Student Accommodation
This is positive news for the student accommodation sector, with the continued appetite for Higher Education likely to have a positive impact on the demand for all forms of student accommodation. Simon Thompson, Manging Director of www.accommodationfortudents.com said “Despite the challenges of the past year the attractions of the University Education remain clear and this is particularly the case for 18 year olds. Throughout 2020 and 2021 we have seen continued demand for student accommodation and a 25% increase in website traffic since the turn of the year. Further increases in student numbers can only support this trend and be positive for all forms of student accommodation”.
To see the full figures from UCAS here here.
