More student applications have been recorded for UK universities in 2022 compared to previous years. Figures show that more 18-year-olds in the UK have applied to start university at the beginning of academic year in September following two years of growth.
It is unknown the exact cause for this increase, however, it is likely that the pandemic and a subsequent difficult labour market played a part. In particular, UCAS noted that there was a 5% increase in undergraduate enrolments by the 2022 January deadline.
Both 2020 and 2021 saw a large proportion of 18-year-olds applying to university. In 2021 alone 37.9% of 18-year-olds living in the UK were due to start a full-time undergraduate course that September. This is a steady increase from 36.4% for the year prior.
This is despite recent statements made by the government highlighting that degrees are becoming lower in value as tuition fees and student debts increase and graduate pay plateaus. It seems that higher education is still a favoured option for over half of the 18 year old population.
Since the pandemic, there has also been a surge in applications for nursing, medicine and dentistry courses with a 19% increase in nursing applicants and 23% increase in medicine and dentistry compared to 2020.
However, it’s not just national students that are seeing the benefits of attending a UK university, international student numbers are also forecast to increase by 46% across the next 4 years.
This is surprising considering the ongoing pandemic, border restrictions and Brexit which has reduced the number of EU students choosing to study in the UK. The Independent even reported a 40% reduction in applications from EU students in 2022. However, these numbers have been counteracted and exceeded by a huge increase in non-EU applicants from countries including India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Hong Kong.
According to a recent survey, this is due to international students viewing the UK and its academic reputation in a positive light. Currently, the UK is the second most popular host destination after the USA.
The international student market is huge and can be difficult to reach and target. This is where we can help. Alongside our database of students, advisors and schools, we offer international postage, allowing you to reach students anywhere in the world effectively. Send any literature including your prospectus or even promotional gifts to entice international students to pick your UK university.
Over half of 2022 applicants stated that they will research items to purchase for university before they have even confirmed their place. This starts the consumer on their journey to making a purchase, by creating awareness to this market of your products and services at this stage they are more likely to consider your brand later on.
Once students have confirmed their spaces at university, two thirds then make a purchase to celebrate or receive a gift in celebration. This presents a unique opportunity for brands that sell and manufacture items that can be used as celebratory gifts including laptops, jewellery and clothing.
Past the celebratory stage, the buyer journey continues as students prepare for starting university with 91% of those who have confirmed spaces purchasing key items before they have started term.
These items include laptops, kitchenware, bedding and new clothes. Students also plan to spend money on alcohol, meals out and takeaways.
This provides a crucial opportunity to access these early buyers in this market in the UK with promotions on products and services aimed at students.
With most applications already in and unconditional offers provided, now is the time to start your marketing efforts in the run up to results day in August and the start of term in September.
Contact us today to find out more.
