The number of applicants from China via the UCAS route drops by 4.2%, on the other hand, the applicants from India and Nigeria grew by 5.4% and 23.1% respectively.
As per reports, the number of applicants from China applying has fallen by 4.2% in comparison to the previous year. Though the application number is higher in 2023 (27,710) compared to the pre-pandemic level, in 2021 (21,250).
The application number has come down from 6,010 to 5,680. The fall can be due to the travel restrictions that were been implied in China following safety issues. This restriction was lifted just before the application was closed in January 2023. The director of UCAS International expects that there will be an increase in the number of applicants between January and summer since the restriction has been lifted.
Spokesperson and senior consultant at BOSSA, Jon Santangelo, and this decline in the application can be reflective of a long-term trend. This downfall can be a game-changer as it will change demographic situations with the economic shift.
The number of applicants from India and Nigeria rose by 5.4% and 23.1% respectively. The head of policy at the Russell Group, Hollie Chandler said that an increase in demand from India and Nigeria can reflect reforms in the Graduate Route which have started to pay off.
Even, the number of students from the US, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates has also increased. On the other hand, the application number from EU countries has been on a constant decline after the Brexit vote. But, applications in other European countries like Ireland, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the Netherlands increased.
The total number of applications via the UCAS platform, including UK students, has fallen by 2.3% but the application number is still higher than pre-pandemic level. The government of the UK is confused and is on a debate whether they should reduce the time students stay after graduating.