UK University Applications Surge: What It Means for You

TL;DR

Applications to UK universities from international students have been climbing steadily. For EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status living in the UK, this increased competition doesn’t change your home fee status or student finance eligibility - but it does mean you need to apply strategically.

The good news? You have advantages that international applicants don’t: access to the same tuition fees as UK students (up to £9,535) and full student finance support if you qualify. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Why Are Applications Rising?

UK universities remain highly attractive globally, and recent data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows continued growth in international student numbers. Several factors are driving this trend:

Global Reputation

UK universities consistently rank among the world’s best. With institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and UCL in the global top 20, the UK remains a magnet for ambitious students worldwide.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

The Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for two years after graduating (three years for PhD graduates). This pathway has made UK degrees even more valuable for career-focused students.

Course Variety and Flexibility

From traditional three-year degrees to accelerated two-year programmes, foundation years, and integrated masters, UK universities offer routes that suit different needs and backgrounds.

What Does This Mean for EU Citizens in the UK?

If you’re an EU citizen with settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, here’s what you need to understand:

Your Fee Status Hasn’t Changed

As an EU citizen with settled status who has lived in the UK for three years, you qualify for home fee status. This means:

• Tuition fees capped at £9,535 (2025-26 rates) rather than international fees of £20,000-£40,000+
• Access to Tuition Fee Loans covering the full amount
• Eligibility for Maintenance Loans to help with living costs

This is a significant financial advantage. While an international student might pay £25,000 per year for the same course, you pay under £10,000 - funded entirely by a loan you don’t repay until you’re earning over £25,000 annually.

Competition Context

Rising international applications do put pressure on popular courses at top universities. Medicine, law, computer science, and business programmes at Russell Group universities are particularly competitive.

However, this competition affects course places, not your funding eligibility. Your student finance entitlement is determined by your residency status, not by how many other people apply.

How to Strengthen Your Application

With more applicants competing for places, here’s how to stand out:

1. Apply to Multiple Intakes

Unlike many countries, UK universities often have multiple entry points throughout the year:

• September intake: The main entry point, most competitive
• January/February intake: Less competitive, same courses and quality
• May/June intake: Available at some universities, ideal for mature students
• November intake: Growing option at several institutions

Applying for a January or May start can significantly improve your chances of acceptance on competitive courses.

UniStart specialises in helping students navigate all four intake windows - explore your options.

2. Choose Your Universities Strategically

Don’t just apply to the five most famous names. Consider:

• Course content over university ranking: A strong course at a mid-ranked uni beats a mediocre course at a prestigious one
• Employment outcomes: Check graduate employment rates for specific courses, not just overall university statistics
• Support for mature students: Some universities have dedicated support services that can make a real difference

3. Perfect Your Personal Statement

With more applicants, admissions tutors have less time per application. Your personal statement needs to:

• Open strong: Skip the clichés (“I have always been passionate about…”) and start with something specific
• Show, don’t tell: Instead of saying you’re interested in psychology, describe a book, study, or experience that shaped your understanding
• Explain your context: If you’re a mature student or changed careers, briefly explain why now is the right time

4. Highlight Relevant Experience

As an adult living in the UK, you likely have work experience, life experience, or both. Universities value this. Make sure your application reflects:

• Professional skills that transfer to academic study
• Any relevant volunteering or community involvement
• Language skills (multilingual applicants are increasingly valued)
• Understanding of UK systems and culture

Student Finance: Your Full Entitlement

Whatever the competition looks like, your funding entitlement remains the same. Here’s what EU citizens with settled status can access:

Tuition Fee Loan

Source: GOV.UK Student Finance guidance

Maintenance Loan

Source: GOV.UK Student Finance guidance

Additional Support

Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for:

• Disabled Students’ Allowance: For students with disabilities or learning difficulties
• Childcare Grant: Up to £193.62 per week for one child, or £331.95 for two or more
• Parents’ Learning Allowance: Up to £1,963 per year for course-related costs
• Adult Dependants’ Grant: Up to £3,545 if you support an adult dependant

Visit our funding page to check what you’re entitled to.

Common Questions

Does increased competition mean it’s harder to get student finance?

No. Student finance eligibility is based on your residency status and household income, not on application volumes. If you qualify, you qualify - regardless of how many others are applying.

Should I delay my application until competition decreases?

Probably not. University places and student finance are separate systems. Delaying might mean missing out on career progression while waiting for a “better” year that may never come.

Do EU citizens compete against international students for places?

Not directly. Many universities have separate quotas for home/EU students and international students. As a home fee student, you’re generally competing within the home student pool.

Is it true that some courses prioritise international students?

Some programmes may accept more international students because they pay higher fees. However, this shouldn’t discourage you - there are thousands of courses where home students are the majority.

What if I get rejected from my first choices?

The clearing process (August/September) often has excellent options, including at well-ranked universities. January and May intakes also offer fresh opportunities if September doesn’t work out.

Next Steps

Rising application numbers don’t have to mean rising stress levels. With proper planning and the right support, you can secure a place on a course that matches your goals - and access the full funding you’re entitled to.

Here’s what to do now:

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you understand your fee status and funding entitlements
2. Research courses: Look beyond the obvious choices to find programmes that genuinely fit
3. Prepare your documents: Get your household income details ready for the finance application
4. Apply early: Both for university places and student finance

👉 Download the UniStart app to check your eligibility and explore courses matched to your profile.

👉 Request a callback to speak with an advisor about your specific situation.

“More competition sounds scary, but it doesn’t change the fundamentals. If you’re eligible, you’re eligible. Focus on making your application strong, and let us help with the rest.”

• Radu Danila, Founder of UniStart