📊 Overview of the HESA 2024/25 Release

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the official body responsible for collecting and publishing data on higher education (HE) in the UK, has just released its annual Higher Education Student Statistics bulletin for the 2024/25 academic year. This comprehensive report provides a snapshot of student enrolments and qualifications obtained across UK higher education providers, which include universities and colleges delivering degree-level and above qualifications. Covering the period from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025, the data reveals continued challenges for the sector, with total student numbers marking a decline for the second consecutive year.

Understanding these statistics is crucial for prospective students deciding on their next steps, educators shaping curricula, policymakers addressing funding and access issues, and employers scouting talent. The report highlights shifts influenced by factors such as visa policy changes, economic pressures, and evolving student preferences. For those navigating the competitive landscape of university jobs, these insights offer valuable context on workforce supply and demand.

Overall Enrolment Trends in UK Higher Education

Total higher education student enrolments in the UK for 2024/25 stood at 2,863,180. This represents a 1% decrease from the 2,904,425 recorded in 2023/24, continuing a downward trend that began last year when numbers fell 1% from the 2022/23 peak of 2,937,155. Entrant enrolments—those starting new courses—have also softened, mirroring broader patterns seen since the post-pandemic recovery.

To put this in perspective, UK HE student numbers had been growing steadily for nearly a decade prior, driven largely by international demand. However, recent government measures, including restrictions on student dependants and post-study work visas, have curbed this growth. Here's a quick breakdown of recent years:

This table illustrates the shift, with absolute declines totaling over 70,000 students in two years. While undergraduate numbers remain stable, postgraduate declines are steeper, particularly among non-UK students.

🌍 Breakdown by Domicile: Home vs International Students

Domicile refers to a student's permanent home address before starting their course, a key metric for understanding market dynamics. In 2024/25, UK-domiciled students comprised the majority at around 76-78% of total enrolments, roughly 2.2 million, similar to prior years. Non-UK students, vital for revenue generation, accounted for about 22-24%, or approximately 650,000-680,000.

• Non-EU international students: Sharpest declines, down further from 2023/24's 6.7% drop in new entrants, due to visa curbs.
• EU students: Stabilizing at low levels post-Brexit, around 3-4% of total (down 68% since 2020 for full-time UG).
• Top non-UK countries: China, India, Nigeria remain leaders, though volumes dipped.

At undergraduate level, international students fell to 14% in 2023/24 from 15%, while they form 51% of postgraduates. This PG reliance exposes vulnerabilities. Transnational education (TNE)—students overseas earning UK degrees—rose 8% to 621,065 in 2023/24, offering a buffer. For detailed domicile data, see the HESA bulletin.

By Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Shifts

First degree courses (bachelor's level) dominate, comprising 65% of enrolments in 2023/24, up 1 percentage point as students opt for core qualifications amid uncertainty. Undergraduate enrolments total around 2.1 million, with other UG (e.g., foundation degrees, HNDs) down 6% recently.

Postgraduate taught (PGT) enrolments, often one-year masters popular with internationals, dropped 6% in 2023/24 (10% non-EU), breaking a decade-long rise. Research postgrads stable. This matters for postdoc jobs, as fewer PGRs enter the pipeline.

Figures extrapolated for consistency; actual 2024/25 shows similar proportions with overall decline.

Mode of Study: Full-Time Dominance Persists

Full-time study remains the norm, at about 75-80% of enrolments, favored by younger UK and international students. Part-time and other modes (flexible, online) have plummeted over 15 years, down two-thirds for non-first UG, due to funding cuts and lifestyle shifts. Online HE grew pre-pandemic but stabilized.

• Full-time UG: Stable for UK 18-year-olds, entry rate 36.3% in 2025.
• Part-time: Mature students hit hardest, reflecting work-life pressures.

This trend influences campus vibrancy and support services.

Photo by Sichen Xiang on Unsplash

Regional Variations Across UK Nations

England hosts ~83% of students, Scotland 9%, Wales 4%, Northern Ireland 3%. Scotland emphasizes widening access, with recent HESA data showing progress for disadvantaged groups. Financial pressures vary, with Welsh and NI providers facing unique funding models.

For example, state school entry rates: 49% of English pupils start HE by 25. Regional disparities persist, higher in London/South East.

Demographic Insights: Gender, Age, and Diversity

Women outnumber men (57% vs 43%), a long-term pattern worsening male participation gaps—half a million young men missed HE last decade. Mature students (21+) declining; average age ~24-25.

Ethnicity: White student recruitment falling; disadvantaged groups like FSM-eligible (free school meals) doubled entry rates but gaps widen (e.g., 14% White British FSM boys vs 50% Black/Asian peers). Disability data shows rising declarations, aiding inclusive policies.

Popular Subjects and Discipline Trends

Business & management leads, followed by subjects allied to medicine (nursing, therapy), health, engineering, computer science. STEM growth contrasts humanities dips. Internationals cluster in business/PG STEM.

• Business: ~15% enrolments
• Health-related: 12%
• Subjects allied to medicine: 10%

Aligns with professor salaries and job markets.

Qualifications Obtained and Outcomes

The bulletin includes qualifiers data: ~800,000 awards in recent years, mostly upper second-class (2:1) honours. UG pass rates stable; PG high. Outcomes: 87% graduates employed/unpaid work six months post-graduation.

Check House of Commons analysis for entry rates.

Implications for the Higher Education Sector

Declines strain finances, especially PG/international-reliant unis. Solutions: Boost TNE, domestic part-time revival, apprenticeships. Positive: Record UG acceptances via UCAS signal resilience.

For educators, fewer students mean job competition; explore faculty positions.

Photo by MChe Lee on Unsplash

Practical Advice for Prospective Students and Professionals

Prospective students: Target growing fields like health/tech. Internationals: Research visas early. Share experiences on Rate My Course.

Professionals: Sector needs adaptable talent. In summary, while challenges persist, UK HE remains world-class. Stay informed via AcademicJobs.com—visit Rate My Professor to review faculty, browse higher ed jobs, get career advice, or search university jobs. Post a vacancy at Recruitment or upload your CV today.