- A record number of UK 18-year-olds have accepted a place at university or college in 2024, including record numbers of those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
- UK mature acceptances (aged 21+) also increased compared to 2023.
- International undergraduate accepted applicants via UCAS were down compared to the 2023 figures.
- More students are choosing to use Clearing to find a new course or destination.
UCAS end of cycle data for 2024, published today (Thursday 12 December) shows the number of UK 18-year-olds accepted to university or college is up 2.9% on last year’s figures, with 279,550 accepted in 2024, compared to 271,735 in 2023. This figure also exceeds the numbers seen during the pandemic, reflecting the growing 18-year-old population. Overall, the number of accepted applicants (all age/all domiciles) is up 1.9% to 564,940, from 2023’s figure of 554,465.
Today's data also shows that 36.4% of UK 18-year-olds will enter higher education, up +0.7 percentage points on 2023, and the first year-on-year increase since 2021.
The number of UK 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds who accepted a place is also at a record high:
- In England, 42,670 students from IMD Quintile 1 accepted a place, up from 40,620 in 2023 (+5.0%).
- In Scotland, 2,145 SIMD Quintile 1 students accepted a place, up from 1,920 in 2023 (+12%).
- In Wales, 1,430 WIMD Quintile 1 students accepted a place, down from 1,455 in 2023 (-1.7%).
- In Northern Ireland, 1,100 NIMDM Quintile 1 students accepted a place, up from 1,095 in 2023 (+0.5%).
The number of international accepted applicants in 2024 has decreased by 2.3% (-1,665), compared to the 2023 cycle, though these figures only represent international undergraduate students who apply via UCAS. China remains the biggest share of accepted international applicants, but this year’s figures also reveal strong growth in accepted applicants from Turkey (+ 355 students, +33%), Kuwait (+350 students, +50%) and Nepal (+145 students, +19%).
The number of UK-domiciled mature students (aged 21+) who accepted a place also grew compared to last year, rising to 109,780 in 2024 from 106,195 in 2023.
UCAS has also found an increase in the number of students using Clearing, including significant growth among those who choose to decline their original place and use Clearing voluntarily to explore and find a new course or university.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive at UCAS said: “I am pleased to see an increased number of UK 18-year-olds accepting places at universities and colleges in 2024. But what I’m even more delighted about, is that we are seeing record numbers of disadvantaged students taking this important next step. Removing barriers — both real and perceived — is an absolute priority for us, and it’s encouraging to see those numbers growing.
“UCAS is here to help all applicants take their next step, and I remain committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the life-changing opportunities that higher education brings.”
View the 2024 end of cycle dashboard
ENDS
Notes to editors
Other end-of-cycle insight
Subjects
Subjects allied to Medicine remain of interest to UK 18-year-olds – the number of UK 18-year-old accepted applicants to ‘Subjects allied to Medicine’ in the 2024 cycle is at a record high, totalling 26,625, higher than 2021 pandemic figures. This includes growth in:
- midwifery: +120 students (+9%)
- children’s nursing: +260 students (+15%)
- mental health nursing: +75 students (+10%).
Further technological and AI advancements continue to drive interest in STEM among UK 18-year-olds, with an increase of +980 students (+6%) accepted onto computing courses, and +1,800 students (+10%) accepted onto engineering and technology courses.
UK regions
There has been an increase in 18-year-old accepted applicants from all English regions, with the biggest percentage increases from the North East (+4.4%), London (+4.2%), North West (+3.4%) and East of England (+2.9%).
UK 18-year-olds separated by country
The number of Scottish 18-year-olds who accepted a place has increased +6% from 2023, with 17,835 this year. Similarly, Northern Irish 18-year-old accepted applicants has increased 0.3%, with 8,890 in 2024. The number of Welsh 18-year-olds who accepted a place, is in line with last year, decreasing slightly, by 10 applicants.
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UCAS
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an independent charity, and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education.
UCAS’ services support young people making post-18 choices, as well as mature learners, by providing information, advice, and guidance to inspire and facilitate educational progression to university, college, or an apprenticeship.
UCAS manages almost three million applications, from around 700,000 people each year, for full-time undergraduate courses at over 380 universities and colleges across the UK.
UCAS is committed to delivering a first-class service to all our beneficiaries — they're at the heart of everything we do.