UCAS reports record progression to higher education for exam sitting students

According to UCAS, 425,830 students are celebrating being accepted into university or college - the second highest on record.

This is an increase of 16,870 compared to 2019 - the last year examinations were held - but two per cent lower than the highest level seen in 2021, where students were awarded places based on teacher assessed grades.

UCAS revealed that 46,850 students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have been accepted, which represents an increase of 3,770 on 2019. This year has also seen the first T Level students gain a place in higher education, with 370 (71 per cent of applicants) accepted.

International placed students account for 12.3 per cent of the total full-time undergraduate applicants accepted via UCAS, down from a high of 14.7 per cent in 2019. 2022 has seen continued growth from nations such as China (+35%), India (+27%), and Nigeria (+43%).

UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant said:

“Congratulations to everyone who has worked incredibly hard and received their results today.

“Throughout this year, there has been much discussion about what the return to examinations would mean for progression to higher education. Today we have seen more students progress compared to the last time students sat exams.

“This year has seen a growth in the number of 18 year olds in the population, which will continue for the remainder of the decade, and creates a more competitive environment for students in the years to come.

“Whilst many will be celebrating today, there will be some who are disappointed. My advice is to take advantage of the wide range of choices on offer, which includes over 27,000 courses in Clearing, along with a range of apprenticeship opportunities."