The number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has risen to a record high this year, Ucas figures show.
A total of 439,180 applicants have gained a place at university or college – up 3.1% on the same point last year, according to data published by the university admissions service.
Ucas said it is the highest number of placed students on results day on record.
Overall, 82% of UK 18-year-old applicants awaiting a decision on results day secured their first choice – which was the same proportion as last year.
For 18-year-olds in the UK, 255,130 applicants have been accepted onto a university or college course – up 4.7% on last year, which is a record high.
The number of international students who have been accepted on to undergraduate courses has risen by 2.9% – from 51,170 last year to 52,640.
Accepted applicants from China (12,380) are up 13% compared with last year.
The figures come as universities have been warning of financial pressures because of uncertainty about the recruitment of overseas students as well as years of frozen tuition fees for domestic students.
University leaders have suggested the Government’s plans for immigration could deter international students from coming to the UK and exacerbate the financial challenges faced by British universities.
Under the immigration white paper proposals, graduate visas will be reduced to 18 months and a new levy on income that universities generate from international students could be introduced.
Education minister Baroness Jacqui Smith of Malvern said the complete picture on international student demand will not be known “for some time” as many are postgraduates who do not apply through Ucas.
She told the PA news agency: “We’ve been clear, whether or not it’s whilst thinking about the immigration white paper, or the welcome we provide to students, that we will always continue to welcome the very brightest and best to come to this country to study in our universities.
“Whilst we’re pleased for students to take advantage of world-leading higher education institutions, we’re not prepared for them to take advantage of our immigration system.”
When asked whether she believes a university could go bust this academic year because of financial pressures, Baroness Smith told PA: “I think we’re taking the action necessary to safeguard our higher education institutions.”
She said: “Were we to face a situation where a university got into trouble, our top priority would be how we protect students and it’s sensible to plan for that.
“That doesn’t mean that I think that that is imminently going to happen.”
Speaking on A-level results day, the education minister added: “We’ve always been clear that the priority in the case of any university, for whatever reason, closing down would be the ongoing support of the students.”
Baroness Smith said she expected universities to have “plans to protect students” in the event of any course closures and for the Office for Students (OfS) to “keep a close eye” on it.
Ucas data also showed regional disparities remain in university access, with the gap between north-east England and London the highest on record.
Overall, 24.9% of 18-year-olds from north-east England secured a university place on results day, compared with 43.4% of 18-year-olds from London.
The gap is now 18.5 percentage points, up from 17.3 percentage points last year and 11.9 percentage points in 2019.
Jo Saxton, chief executive of Ucas, told PA: “The North East is the only region in England that has seen a decrease in participation today.
“That is just incredibly stark.”
The Ucas figures released on Thursday also show that the subjects with the largest percentage increases in placed students this year are engineering and technology, mathematical sciences and law.
Dr Saxton said: “I think Ucas applicants have always been savvy and think about what is going to give them the best outcomes.”
She added: “This year’s students were just thirteen when the pandemic hit, and their secondary schooling was turned upside down.
“It’s great to see these applicants securing a university place in record numbers, seeking more education and investing in their futures.
“I am equally delighted to see how universities across the country have responded to their ambition.
“For any student who didn’t quite get the grades they were hoping for, or even those still yet to apply, there are plenty of options in clearing with around 27,000 available courses.
“Ucas experts are also available on the phones, on social media and on the Ucas website, to help all those deciding on the next step that’s right for them.”
