2022/23 increase in international applications for UK undergraduate courses.

Newly published data from the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) confirms a rise in international undergraduate applications to UK universities for 2022/23.

UCAS reports 134,870 international applications (as of 30/06/22) for undergraduate courses in 2022/23, a 3.4% increase when compared to 2021/22. This is the second highest figure ever– the highest was 138,770 in 2020-21.

Non-EU applications for 2022/23 have also reached a record high of 111,720, a 9.2 % increase compared with the previous year, and almost 50 % higher than applications in 2018/19.

Notable non-EU growth in undergraduate applications came from: China, up 10% to 31,400; India, up 20% to 11,800; Hong Kong, up 6.5% to 6,570 applications; and Nigeria, up 58% to 5,290.

However, EU undergraduate applications declined by 17.6% to 23,160 for 2022/23. In 2020/21, this figure was 49,350. However, it should be noted that 2020/21 was the final year (pre-Brexit) for EU students to access the same tuition fees as UK domestic students. EU students now pay the international fee set by individual universities.  

Within the EU, Ireland saw a 4.8% increase to 5,510 (it should be noted that Irish students still pay the same tuition fees as UK students). France declined by -42.2% to 2,970; Spain declined by -47% to 2,370; Italy declined by -52.8% to 1,860; and Germany declined by -43.2% to 1,750.

The new Graduate Route of post-study work rights for international students, launched by the UK Government in 2021, is accredited with much of this growth in non-EU international applications.

For more expert advice, guidance, and comment, please contact Steven, our Senior Educational Consultant, at steven@educationadvisers.co.uk / +44(0)1622 813870 to discuss how Education Advisers Ltd can support your pathway to university.