On 17 July 2025, UCAS confirmed that this year’s admissions cycle is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. A total of 665,070 applicants have applied for undergraduate study in Autumn 2025, up 1.3% from last year. Of these, 138,460 are international undergraduates, an increase of 2.2%. Chinese students continue to drive much of this growth, with applications reaching a record 33,870, up 10% from 2024.

China’s rise is part of a wider trend. Nigeria recorded a 23% increase in applicants, and the United States saw growth of 14%. UCAS also reported a record 65,010 international applicants aged 18, up 9% year-on-year. This surge means Chinese and other Asian students are not only competing against each other, but also against a growing number of strong candidates from other fast-growing markets. For the most sought-after subjects and institutions, entry thresholds are likely to tighten further.

Subject choices also reflect shifting demand. The data continues to show a strong tilt toward STEM courses, with computing and engineering seeing notable growth earlier in the cycle, mirroring employer demand in AI, data, and net-zero technologies. Business, computer science, engineering, data/AI, and many health-related degrees remain fiercely competitive. For students targeting these areas, strong academic results in the right A-level or IB subjects, supported by a portfolio of relevant projects, competitions, or internships, will be critical.

Offer-making is at record levels. Universities issued more than two million offers this year, a 3.8% increase, with 94.5% of applicants who applied by the January deadline receiving at least one offer. While this might sound encouraging, it does not mean admissions are easy—particularly for high-demand courses. Well-prepared applicants with balanced course choices stand the best chance of success.

Domestic demand is also a factor. UK 18-year-old applicants reached 328,390, up 2.2% and the highest ever recorded. In many universities, home-student demand takes priority, with remaining international places concentrated in courses and institutions that have capacity. Applying early and broadly is essential.

One notable shift in this cycle is the increase in deferred entry applications, which rose from around 755,580 in 2024 to 818,180 in 2025—an 8% jump. While these figures reflect applications rather than unique applicants, they still point to a tightening of immediate-start capacity in some courses, particularly where accommodation or specialist facilities are limited. This may also increase competition in the next admissions cycle if a significant number of deferred students carry over.

For Chinese and Asian families, the message is clear: start planning at least 12 to 18 months ahead. Secure the right subject mix early—such as A-level Maths and Further Maths for computing or engineering, or relevant IB Higher Levels. Take English-language tests like IELTS or TOEFL well in advance, leaving room for retakes if needed. Build a UCAS list that balances aspirational, competitive, and safer options, and prepare thoroughly for admissions tests or interviews. Strengthen your academic story with evidence of readiness: for STEM and business courses, this could mean competition results, coding projects, or internships; for health-related fields, relevant work experience and reflective writing remain important.

With international numbers rising and more students deferring, accommodation should be secured quickly once offers are received, and reputable private providers should be researched as a backup. Clearing can still offer opportunities, but in a competitive cycle like this, it should be viewed as a tactical fallback rather than a primary plan.