Record number of US students apply for UK undergraduate degrees

A record number of US students have applied to study undergraduate degrees in the UK next year, figures reveal.

Experts had previously suggested that UK institutions might benefit from international students being put off by Donald Trump’s new administration.

And analysis suggests campuses are already seeing an influx of applicants from the US itself. Figures from the admissions service Ucas show that 6,680 US students applied to UK courses for 2025-26 by the main deadline at the end of January.

This was a 12 per cent increase on the year before, and the most since comparable records began in 2006. It surpasses the previous record of 6,670 set in 2021-22 and is more than double the demand in 2017.

Maddalaine Ansell, director of education at the British Council, said she was “delighted” by the 20-year high.

“It’s a testament to the quality of UK universities that so many people want to study here. Three-year degrees, lower tuition costs and post-study work opportunities all increase the attractiveness of the UK offer,” she said.

“As well as adding to the vibrancy of their courses, we hope that these students will also take a lasting affection for the UK forward into their future careers and stay connected with us for years to come.”

Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of the applicants from the US were 18 years old and 61 per cent were women.

The Ucas data covers applicants at undergraduate level only, but separate figures show an uptick in demand at all levels – even before Trump’s second term began.

Recent Home Office statistics reveal that 15,274 US main applicants were issued sponsored study visas in 2024.

This was a 5 per cent increase on 2023 and also the highest level since at least 2009 – despite total visa numbers from around the world falling.

Recent research by the British Council found that more international students would choose the UK over the US as a result of Trump’s return to the White House.

Although he managed to generate a large swing towards the Republican party among young voters, those aged 18 to 29 still backed Kamala Harris in November. 

In the 78-year-old’s first six weeks in the Oval Office, he has pledged to shut the Department of Education, block federal funding for institutions that allow “illegal” protests, and launched a crackdown on spending on diversity, equity and inclusion programmes.

Universities UK said the increase in demand to study in the UK is positive, following a turbulent period for international student recruitment.

“But it is too early to say whether this is the start of a longer-term trend,” added a spokesperson.

“What is important now is for universities and government to continue to work together to promote the UK as a welcoming destination, and to preserve our competitive offer to international students.”

Recent data also showed that a record number of Americans applied for UK citizenship last year, which immigration lawyers attributed to Trump’s presidential re-election bid and victory.

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com