Overview of the HESA 2024/25 Higher Education Student Statistics Release

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the official body responsible for collecting and publishing data on UK higher education (HE), has just released its annual Higher Education Student Statistics for the 2024/25 academic year. This comprehensive report provides a snapshot of enrolments and qualifications obtained across UK universities and colleges, covering students enrolled between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025 at higher education providers. Covering over 260 HE providers, the data reveals a sector navigating challenges including policy changes on international student visas, economic pressures, and shifting domestic demand. Notably, first degree courses continue to dominate enrolments, accounting for the majority of students despite an overall decline in total numbers.

This release is particularly timely as UK universities grapple with financial sustainability amid falling international numbers. Domestic student enrolments have shown resilience, offering a buffer, while the data underscores the pivotal role of undergraduate first degrees (bachelor's level qualifications) in sustaining the sector. For prospective students and academics alike, these insights inform decisions on courses, careers, and institutional strategies.

Total Student Enrolments Decline for Second Consecutive Year

Total higher education student enrolments in the UK for 2024/25 stood at 2,863,180, marking a 1% decrease from 2,904,425 in 2023/24—the second year of contraction after years of growth. This trend reflects broader pressures, including stricter student visa rules introduced in 2024 that limited dependants for postgraduate students and raised financial requirements, leading to a sharp drop in overseas enrolments.

Despite the dip, the sector remains robust with nearly 2.9 million students pursuing higher education across full-time undergraduate programs, part-time options, and advanced research. UK-domiciled students reached 2.2 million, up 1% year-on-year, providing stability as international figures plummeted. This domestic growth highlights sustained interest in university education among home students, even as living costs rise.

First Degrees Solidify Dominance in Enrolments

First degree courses—typically three- or four-year bachelor's programs—remain the cornerstone of UK higher education, comprising around 65-66% of all enrolments. In 2024/25, first degree numbers hovered near 1.9 million, building on 1,897,635 in 2023/24, driven by continuing students despite fewer new entrants. This dominance underscores the traditional pathway for school leavers and mature learners seeking foundational qualifications for professional careers.

Compared to postgraduate levels, first degrees saw relative stability. Postgraduate taught (e.g., master's) enrolments fell sharply, while research degrees grew modestly. The shift emphasizes undergraduate programs as the sector's backbone, with universities prioritizing them for revenue and mission delivery. For those eyeing faculty roles post-degree, opportunities abound in higher ed faculty positions.

Full-Time vs Part-Time: Full-Time Maintains Lead

Full-time study continues to prevail, accommodating about 75% of students, particularly in first degrees. Part-time enrolments, popular among working adults, have stabilized after pandemic-era surges but remain below pre-2020 levels. HESA data shows full-time first degrees up slightly, reflecting demand for immersive campus experiences.

• Full-time first degrees: Core growth driver.
• Part-time postgrad: Decline due to economic factors.

This mode split influences university operations, with full-time cohorts requiring more pastoral support and facilities investment.

Domicile Breakdown: Domestic Resilience Amid International Slump

UK-domiciled students form the majority at approximately 77% (2.2 million), with a 1% rise signaling strong national participation. Non-UK students dropped significantly, with non-EU numbers hit hardest by visa curbs—masters courses saw a 10% plunge.

EU enrolments remain subdued post-Brexit. Universities reliant on international fees face deficits, prompting diversification strategies. Explore UK university jobs as institutions adapt.

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Postgraduate Taught Enrolments Take the Biggest Hit

Postgraduate taught programs, often one-year master's degrees, experienced the steepest decline, down around 6-10% depending on domicile. International students, who comprised over 50% of this cohort, bore the brunt due to dependent visa bans and higher maintenance costs.

In contrast, postgraduate research (PhDs) edged up 4%, appealing to funded domestic scholars. This bifurcation highlights market sensitivity in taught postgrad, pushing unis toward postdoc opportunities.

New Entrants vs Continuing Students: Entrant Slowdown

New student entrants fell 3%, mirroring 2023/24, while continuing students provided stability. First-time undergraduates dipped 1%, affected by A-level results and apprenticeships competition. Policymakers note widening access progress, with 17.4% from deprived areas in Scotland.

Qualifications Obtained: Steady Output Despite Enrolment Dip

Qualifications awarded mirrored prior trends, with first degrees leading at over 500,000 annually. Top degrees (first-class) stabilized at 30%. Science subjects grew among females to 39%.

Regional Variations and Provider Types

England hosts 82% of students, with stable numbers; devolved nations show nuanced shifts. FE providers saw postgrad growth but UG declines. Russell Group unis hold large shares, but smaller colleges adapt flexibly.

Subject Trends: Business, Health, and STEM Lead

Business/management and health subjects top enrolments, with STEM rising. Arts/humanities stable but smaller. First degrees dominate popular fields like nursing and engineering.

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Implications for Universities and Policymakers

The data signals a 'domestic-first' pivot, with unis cutting postgrad offers and boosting UG recruitment. Financial deficits loom for international-heavy institutions. Check higher ed career advice for navigating changes.

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Enrolments may stabilize if visa policies ease, but domestic focus likely persists. Students: Prioritize first degrees for employability; academics: Target growing research areas. Institutions should diversify via online/part-time. Visit Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, and Career Advice for resources. Prospective faculty can browse university jobs and post a job.