UCAS – the UK’s university admissions service – hosted a webinar on 11 August featuring Jo Saxton, Chief Executive of UCAS; Maggie Smart, UCAS Director of Data and Analysis; and Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute.
The webinar explored applicant behaviour, emerging sector trends and the outlook for higher education ahead of Results Day on 13 August 2026. Here, we consider some of the key points raised and what they could mean for universities and their partners.
Applications and course demand
UCAS reported that more than two million offers have been made during this admissions cycle. Saxton described the outlook ahead of Results Day as “really healthy”, with the sector anticipating record numbers of acceptances.
Applications have increased across most types of institution, with only specialist colleges experiencing a slight decline.
Demand for STEM subjects remains particularly strong. Applications for engineering and technology courses have increased by around 60% since 2019. Applications for social sciences have also returned to growth, rising by approximately 10% following two years of decline, with subjects including economics and politics performing particularly well.
International applications submitted through UCAS have increased by 7%, including a 10% rise in applications from China. However, the panellists acknowledged that not all international applications are made through UCAS.
Applicants are also using artificial intelligence to support their research and course discovery. Despite this, information provided directly by universities and UCAS continues to command the highest levels of trust.
University choice and sector strength
The UCAS team highlighted the continuing strength of the UK higher education sector. Universities are measured against a range of outcomes, including continuation and progression rates, rather than enrolment numbers alone.
The UK continues to have one of the lowest student drop-out rates internationally, and UCAS encouraged applicants to feel confident about both their choice of institution and course.
Living at home while studying
Around one-third of this year’s applicants intend to live at home for at least one of their university choices.
There are pronounced regional and socioeconomic differences in students’ intended living arrangements. Students from more disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to consider commuting from home, as are mature students and applicants from Scotland and London. Applications from mature students are also increasing.
These findings reinforce the importance of clearly communicating the distinctive benefits of the residential university experience, including the opportunities it can provide for independence, belonging, participation in campus life and access to university support.
Participation trends
A gap of 11 percentage points remains between the application rates of young women and young men. Applications from young women continue to grow, while those from young men remain largely flat.
Clearing and Results Day
Clearing – the process through which applicants can find available university courses after examination results have been released – is increasingly viewed as a positive, choice-led route rather than a last resort.
Many students use Clearing to change their course or institution, including “trading up” after receiving better results than expected.
Around 100,000 applicants are expected to hold an offer on Results Day without having a confirmed place. However, UCAS expects most to secure one quickly, often within a matter of days.
Increasingly, applicants research alternative options and develop a “Plan B” before receiving their results. Clearing is therefore becoming part of a considered decision-making process rather than a purely reactive one. Universities are also just as likely to gain students through Clearing as they are to lose them.
The panellists highlighted the importance of considering where to live early when evaluating Clearing options. Clear and timely information about university residences can help applicants understand their choices and make decisions with greater confidence.
Apprenticeships and alternative routes
The UCAS team believes that higher education remains an attractive option. Although alternative routes such as apprenticeships also appeal to school leavers, their growth is currently constrained more by limited supply than by a lack of demand.
Saxton noted that this year’s school leavers were in Year 7 when the COVID-19 pandemic began and experienced considerable disruption to their education. This cohort is now demonstrating a strong appetite to continue in formal education.
Head or heart?
Hillman concluded the webinar by asking Saxton whether students should follow their “head or heart” when choosing a university course. Saxton encouraged applicants to balance their career aspirations with a genuine interest in the subject they choose to study.
What could these trends mean for student residences?
The continued strength of demand for higher education is encouraging. With more than two million offers made and applications increasing across most types of institution, university study remains a popular choice despite growing awareness of alternative pathways.
From a lettings perspective, continued interest in university study among applicants considering living at home reinforces the need to explain more clearly the value of the residential, live-away-from-home experience.
Living on campus can help students establish friendships, develop independence, participate more fully in university life and gain easier access to academic, pastoral and wellbeing support. Universities and their partners have an important role to play in bringing these benefits to life for applicants and their families.
The changing perception of Clearing – from a last-resort process to an active and considered route into higher education – also creates an opportunity. Timely information about university residences can give applicants greater confidence when comparing institutions and making decisions within a short timeframe.
Final thoughts
As UPP’s lettings teams and our university partners’ residential services and admissions teams prepare for one of the busiest periods in the student cycle, I would like to wish everyone the very best of luck and thank them for their hard work.
UPP is committed to supporting its university partners as they help students navigate this important next step in their journey.
