New data highlights shifting patterns in UK higher education enrolments

New figures released today show continued shifts in UK higher education participation.

Total enrolments fell by 1% in 2024/25, but this masks diverging trends: first-degree enrolments grew by 2%, while postgraduate research numbers rose sharply by 11%. At the same time, postgraduate taught entrants declined by 5%, driven largely by a significant drop in international students, including a 10% fall in non-EU entrants. These changes raise important questions about the UK’s future talent pipeline and global competitiveness.

Dr. Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said:

“These new figures highlight a sector in transition, reflecting both changing student demand and evolving institutional priorities. The continued growth in first-degree enrolments points to the sustained appeal of UK higher education, while the important rise in postgraduate research students underlines the strength and international competitiveness of the UK’s research base. Together, these trends suggest a system increasingly oriented towards advanced skills, innovation, and knowledge creation, even as it adapts to wider financial, demographic, and policy pressures.”

He continued:

“But the continued decline in postgraduate taught entrants, particularly among international students, is a cause for real concern. International postgraduate students form a vital part of the UK’s skills pipeline and contribute significantly to our research and innovation capacity. At a time when the UK is striving to boost productivity and global competitiveness, we cannot afford instability in this part of the system. Government and the sector must work together to ensure our universities remain attractive, open and able to deliver the talent and research the country needs.”

Key points from the 2024/25 data