Foreign undergraduate student applications to universities across the United Kingdom (UK) have climbed to an all-time record.
It was gathered that UK universities recorded a 7.1% increase in foreign undergraduate student applications according to data released by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS revealed that following the late-June deadline, total foreign undergraduate applicants reached 148,350—a 7.1% increase compared to 138,460 in 2025.
In a statement issued by UCAS, it was also gathered that overall admissions figures across domestic and international students reached a milestone of 695,740 applicants, up 4.6% year-on-year.
The figures underscore the enduring global prestige of UK higher education, even as institutions navigate a shift in visa regulations, rising living expenses, and discussions regarding proposed international student levies.
The statement reads: “In total, 344,760 UK 18-year-olds applied through UCAS by the 30 June deadline – up from 328,390 last year (+5.0%). This rise reflects the increase in the number of UK 18-year-olds in the population, putting the application rate (the proportion of the 18-year-old population who have applied so far) at 41.4%.
“The total number of applicants (all ages, all domiciles) has also hit a record high, reaching 695,740, and up from 665,070 last year (+4.6%). This includes an increase in the number of applicants from all four nations in the UK. Today’s figures also show that universities and colleges have responded to this demand by making more offers this year in total.
“Demand from UK mature students (aged 21+) stands at 87,180 compared to 86,310 last year (+1.0%). This is a notable shift from reporting at the January ECD, when UCAS reported a 6.1% year-on-year decline in UK mature applicants, although still represents the second lowest figure in a decade.
“International applicants (all ages) who applied to undergraduate courses via UCAS have risen to 148,350, up 7.1% on 138,460 last year – with strong growth in the number of applicants from China (+4,140, +12%). UCAS data only reflects a partial view of undergraduate international admissions.
“Following a period of decline following the pandemic-related peak in 2021, the number of applicants who have applied to study nursing has increased by +3.5% this year (from 41,890 in 2025 to 43,370 in 2026). This is the largest annual increase since 2021.”
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, UCAS Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many UK 18-year-olds holding an offer this year, putting them in a strong position as we head into the critical summer results period. It’s clear that young people remain as keen as ever to invest in their futures, and I’m delighted that UK universities and colleges are responding to that demand.
“At the same time, I am acutely aware of the financial challenges facing students in an uncertain economic environment, and the extent to which the cost of living is shaping decisions. UCAS is working hard to remove barriers to progression and help students make informed decisions, including through UCAS’ scholarships and bursaries tool and our new budget calculator.
“As we head into the results period this summer, UCAS is here to support students and their families as they navigate their next steps. With guidance available online, over the phone and through social media, and a wide range of courses available in Clearing, students will have plenty of opportunities to find the right option for them.”
Record international demand
Foreign undergraduate student applications in the UK reached a record 148,350 in 2026, a 7.1% increase from 138,460 last year. This translates to an additional 9,890 overseas applicants in a single admission cycle.
The latest figure also continues a long-term upward trend. International applications stood at 120,080 in 2017 and have steadily climbed over the past decade, touching a new high this year after minor fluctuations in recent admission cycles.
Among UK applicants, the number of 18-year-olds applying rose 5% to 344,760, while applications from those aged 21 years and above increased by 1% to 87,180.
China remains the largest source, India among top markets
China continued to be the largest international source market with 38,000 applicants, followed by India (11,470), the United States (8,270), Ireland (6,880) and Hong Kong (4,990).
China also recorded the biggest year-on-year increase, adding 4,140 applicants compared with 2025. Ireland and Iran each saw an increase of 810 applicants, while Nigeria added 680 and Turkey 460.
A few countries registered small declines. Applications from Russia, Pakistan and Canada each fell by around 100, while the European Union recorded a decline of 140 applicants. Saudi Arabia saw the largest drop among the listed countries, with 350 fewer applicants than last year.
Engineering sees biggest surge
Subject-wise, Engineering and Technology recorded the strongest growth in applications between 2025 and 2026, with 38,260 additional applicants.
It was followed by Social Sciences (+30,980), Subjects Allied to Medicine (+24,460), Law (+15,340) and Medicine and Dentistry (+14,220), indicating sustained interest in professional and STEM-focused programmes.
In contrast, Computing registered the sharpest decline, attracting 10,210 fewer applicants than last year. Other subjects reporting lower application numbers included Language and Area Studies (-4,010), Design, Creative and Performing Arts (-1,470), Agriculture, Food and Related Studies (-600) and Combined and General Studies (-240).
The latest UCAS figures suggest that while international demand for UK higher education continues to reach new highs, applicant preferences are also shifting, with engineering, healthcare and law emerging as the fastest-growing areas of study, even as interest in computing courses declines.
