UCAS clearing 2026 – 1 day after results day

One day on from A-level results day, StuRents has examined the latest available undergraduate acceptance data from UCAS to highlight key trends and notable year-on-year changes. Bear in mind that these figures will continue to evolve, with a final dataset expected from UCAS 28 days after results day, on the 10th of September.

Source: UCAS

Total acceptances currently stand at 461,050, representing a 1.6 percentage point year-on-year (YoY) increase. This upward trend is supported by gains across both domestic and overseas applicants. UK-based acceptances have reached 406,430 (up 1.5 points YoY), while non-EU international acceptances experienced a slightly sharper proportional bump, climbing 3.1 points to reach 46,830.

Source: UCAS

Looking specifically at key non-EU international markets, acceptance trends varied notably by region. Acceptances from China surged to 14,210, representing a strong 12.8 point YoY increase. Meanwhile, acceptances from India saw steady growth, reaching 4,340 (up 2.4 points YoY). In contrast, Hong Kong recorded 2,600 acceptances, marking a 6.5 point YoY decline over the same period.

Source: UCAS

Looking at acceptances across university groupings, higher-tariff institutions continue to capture an increasing share of total placements. Higher tariff providers accounted for 41.9% of all acceptances, marking a 5.1 point YoY increase and extending a multi-year trend. Medium tariff providers also saw growth, rising 2.9 points YoY to make up 25.7% of total acceptances. In contrast, lower tariff providers saw acceptances decline by 3.5 points YoY, representing 26.4% of the total as part of an ongoing shift in student choices.

Source: UCAS

When broken down by age demographic, 18-year-old UK acceptances reached 272,650, marking a 2.8 point YoY increase and accounting for 67.1% of total UK acceptances. In contrast, acceptances across other age groups continue to stagnate or decrease, further cementing school-leavers as the primary driver of domestic placement volume.

Source: UCAS

Despite the higher total volume of acceptances among school-leavers, the overall entry rate for UK 18-year-olds, representing the proportion of the population entering higher education, eased to 32.7%. This represents a 0.6 point YoY decrease, bringing an end to two consecutive years of growth in the participation rate for this age group.

Source: UCAS

Looking at the proportion of domestic applicants indicating that they will live at home when they study, the UK intention-to-live-at-home rate now stands at 37.7%. This reflects a 0.8 point YoY increase, highlighting a broader and sustained shift in student behaviour, with the rate having grown by 5.5 points since 2022.

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