Key Highlights from HESA's 2024/25 Higher Education Student Statistics

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the official body responsible for collecting and publishing data on UK higher education, released its comprehensive Higher Education Student Statistics for the 2024/25 academic year on January 27, 2026. Covering enrolments from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, across more than 300 higher education providers including universities and colleges, the data reveals a sector navigating subtle declines amid shifting student preferences. Total student enrolments reached 2,863,180, marking a 1% decrease from 2,900,240 the previous year. Despite this, first degree courses—typically bachelor's degrees—emerged as the clear leader among new entrants, comprising 51% of all first-year enrolments at 668,170 students, up 2% year-on-year.

This dominance underscores a return to core undergraduate study as the primary pathway into UK higher education, particularly amid economic uncertainties and policy changes affecting postgraduate and international recruitment. Domestic students provided stability, rising 1% to 2.2 million, while overseas numbers fell sharply by 6% to 685,565. These figures highlight resilience in undergraduate first degrees but raise questions about the sustainability of postgraduate programmes in UK universities and colleges.

Total Enrolments: A Modest Decline Masks Underlying Shifts

UK higher education enrolments totalled 2,863,180 in 2024/25, the second consecutive year of slight contraction following pandemic recovery peaks. This 1% drop equates to about 37,060 fewer students compared to 2023/24. Full-time study remains dominant at around 75% of enrolments, reflecting preferences for structured programmes amid rising living costs and part-time work demands.

Breaking it down further, continuing students—those beyond their first year—bolstered totals, while new entrant numbers dipped 3%. Universities in England hosted 82% of students, with devolved nations showing varied patterns: Scotland emphasised widening access, with 17.4% of entrants from deprived areas. This overall stability signals a maturing post-COVID landscape, where first degree retention rates have helped offset entrant softness.

First Degrees Dominate: 51% of New Entrants Choose Bachelor's Pathways

First degree courses, encompassing honours bachelor's and ordinary degrees, accounted for 1,920,660 total enrolments—roughly 67% of all students—and saw a 1% proportional increase from 2023/24. Among first-year entrants specifically, they claimed 51% of the cohort at 668,170, a 2% rise that outpaced other levels. This shift reverses recent trends where other undergraduate and postgraduate options grew faster.

What drives this? Aspiring students prioritise employability-focused bachelor's amid competitive job markets. Fields like business, management, health, and nursing led, with STEM subjects rising due to government incentives. For universities, this means bolstering undergraduate infrastructure, from lecture halls to career services. Aspiring lecturers or professors might find opportunities in expanding first-year cohorts—check lecturer jobs for openings.

• Business and management: Largest subject area for first degrees.
• Health professions: Strong growth, reflecting NHS demands.
• Engineering and technology: Up due to net-zero goals.

Postgraduate Landscape: Taught Programmes Plunge, Research Rises

Postgraduate taught enrolments, including master's degrees, suffered a 10% drop among entrants, with master's specifically down 10%. This stems from a 5% overall PG taught entrant decline, heavily influenced by international hesitancy. Conversely, postgraduate research enrolments surged 11%, driven by funded domestic PhD students and innovation priorities.

Other undergraduate courses fell 7%, squeezing foundation and integrated options. For colleges offering flexible pathways, this signals a need to pivot towards first degrees or apprenticeships. Experts note this bifurcation: taught PG sensitive to fees and visas, research insulated by grants.

Domicile Breakdown: Domestic Growth Offsets International Decline

UK-domiciled students hit 2.2 million, up 1% and comprising 77% of total enrolments—their highest share recently. This buffers sector woes, with slight undergraduate intake gains. International students, however, plummeted 6% to 685,565, the steepest annual fall on record after a 4% dip prior.

Non-EU numbers dropped 5%, now 91% of overseas; EU fell 16%. Key markets: India -12% (post-visa curbs), Nigeria halved since 2022/23, China stabilising after declines. Russell Group universities saw 4% international drops, worse at post-92s like Bedfordshire (-51%). Transnational education (TNE) offshore rose 8% to 669,950, nearly matching onshore internationals.

Policy factors include dependant visa bans, higher maintenance thresholds, and post-study work scrutiny. For higher ed jobs in international offices, adaptation is key.

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Mode of Study: Full-Time Stability, Part-Time Recovery Stalls

Full-time enrolments hold ~75%, favoured for first degrees. Part-time, post-pandemic rebound stalled, down in PG taught. This impacts colleges blending FE/HE, pushing digital and evening options. Widening participation sees more mature domestic part-timers in first degrees.

Demographic Insights: Gender, Age, and Widening Access

Women outnumber men slightly, especially in health/subjects allied. Under-21s dominate first degrees (80%+), but mature students (25+) rose in PG research. Deprived area entrants up, notably Scotland's 17.4%. Ethnicity: White UK 70%, Black African up. First-class degrees stabilised ~30%.

• Mature entrants (25+): Key to PG research growth.
• Disadvantaged backgrounds: Incremental gains via outreach.
• Gender balance: Women 55% overall.

University Impacts: Financial Pressures and Strategic Responses

International-reliant universities face deficits; e.g., Sheffield -26%, Swansea -44%. Strategies: Cut PG offers, boost domestic UG, expand TNE. For faculty, more professor jobs in expanding first degrees, fewer in PG. Explore academic CV tips.

Subject Area Trends Driving Enrolments

Business/management tops, followed by health (nursing boom), subjects allied to medicine. STEM up for green jobs, arts stable. First degrees concentrate here, PG research in sciences.

Expert Perspectives and Stakeholder Views

Dr. Joe Marshall, NCUB CEO: "Growth in first-degrees points to sustained appeal, but PG taught decline among internationals concerns skills pipeline." Universities UK echoes: Sector resilient but needs visa stability. Government eyes domestic focus via apprenticeships.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Opportunities Amid Challenges

Expect first degree dominance to persist, with PG research growth. International recovery hinges on policy; TNE expansion likely. Universities adapt via faculty roles, career advice. Students: Leverage Rate My Professor for choices.

Actionable: Aspiring academics, target growing UG; internationals, eye TNE. Track via university jobs.

Implications for Careers in Higher Education

Enrolment shifts boost demand for UG lecturers, admin. Visit higher ed career advice, higher ed jobs, rate my professor, post a job.