More teens gain university access despite missed grades

A record number of teens will secure their university places even if they do not meet expected grades.

Universities prepare to accommodate more teens despite grade misses

According to Ucas, a significant increase in the number of 18-year-olds will be accepted into their first choice universities, even with grades lower than expected. Nick Hillman from the Higher Education Policy Institute stated that universities are eager to fill their seats this year, driven by financial pressures. Tuition fees have risen for English universities, now set at £9,535 for the 2025-26 academic year, the first increase since 2017. This hike follows a trend of universities depending on higher fees from international students, whose numbers are now declining. Additionally, maintenance loans will support students with increased borrowing for day-to-day costs. Recent data indicates that the total applicants from the UK are slightly less as a percentage of the overall 18-year-old population, but the raw numbers are still strong. Meanwhile, students across the UK will receive their results next week, with Scottish candidates reporting improved results while addressing socio-economic disparities.

The decision to allow more students to stick with their university choices comes amid significant financial strain on higher education institutions. The increased tuition fees symbolize the changing landscape of funding in higher education, with domestic students potentially bearing more of the load as international enrollment dwindles. This situation raises questions about the long-term sustainability of relying on international students for financial support, especially as the UK grapples with its broader economic challenges. Even though the increase in maintenance loans offers immediate relief to students, it underscores the ongoing financial challenges faced by the education sector, placing higher education institutions at a crossroads.

Highlights

How universities adapt to these changes will shape the future of higher education in the UK.