UK Undergraduate applications increased by 8.5% – UCAS
29 January 2021 was the deadline for full-time undergraduate applications for university and college courses to be considered for courses starting in autumn 2021. This year the deadline was extended from 15 to 29 January to give students and teachers extra time as many needed to get back to online learning.
The statistics on university applications published by UCAS revealed that 616,360 people had applied overall that is an increase of 8.5%.
The subject that has seen a 32% increase in applications is nursing with over 60,000 people applying for nursing programmes showing an interest to be part of the fight against coronavirus pandemic. The increases were in each age group with applications by the UK 18-year-old school leavers up by 27% and by mature applicants aged 35 and older up by 39%.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the NHS attracted volunteers, cheerers and people from different background trying to help and support the health system. The increase in applications reflects the desire of young people to be part of the frontline workers.
Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS England, said: “This surge in interest from people, of all ages, wanting to study nursing is incredible, and is great news for the public and the health service.”
Additionally, the publication shows that 306,200 UK 18-year-old have applied to equal to an increase of 11% in 2020.
The applications from mature applicants (aged 21 and over) from the UK have risen by 24% to 96,390.
Considering the origin of the applicants, the applications from outside of the EU have increased by 17%. The applications from the EU have seen a decrease of -40% due to the UK exit from the EU and increased fees to study for EU students. However, applicants from Ireland have increased by 26%.
Clare Marchant, UCAS Chief Executive, said that overall, applications are up showing that students plan their future for life after lockdown.
UCAS is an independent charity that is providing information, support and admissions services and advice to young people, as well as those applying for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
