A record number of U.S. students have applied to study undergraduate degrees in the United Kingdom next year, according to newly released figures.
Data from the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) shows that 6,680 American students applied to U.K. universities for the 2025–26 academic year by the main January deadline. That represents a 12 percent increase from the previous year and the highest total since comparable records began in 2006.
The figure surpasses the previous record of 6,670 set in 2021–22 and is more than double the number of U.S. applicants recorded in 2017.
Education analysts have suggested that U.K. universities could benefit from shifting attitudes among international students following the return of Donald Trump to the White House, and early data indicates that American students are already contributing to rising demand.
Growing appeal of U.K. universities
Maddalaine Ansell, director of education at the British Council, said she was “delighted” by the 20-year high in applications.
“It’s a testament to the quality of U.K. universities that so many people want to study here,” she said. “Three-year degree programs, lower tuition costs, and post-study work opportunities all increase the attractiveness of the U.K. offer.”
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Ansell added that international students enrich campuses and often maintain long-term professional and personal ties with the U.K. after graduation.
Who is applying
According to UCAS data, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of U.S. applicants were 18 years old, while 61 percent were women, highlighting strong interest among school-leavers.
Although the UCAS figures cover undergraduate applicants only, separate government data shows rising demand from American students across all levels of study.
Statistics from the UK Home Office reveal that 15,274 U.S. applicants were granted sponsored study visas in 2024. That marked a 5 percent increase from 2023 and the highest number since at least 2009—despite an overall decline in student visa numbers worldwide.
Political context and global shifts
Recent research by the British Council indicates that more international students now view the U.K. as a preferred alternative to the U.S., citing political uncertainty following Trump’s return to office.
While Trump gained ground among younger voters, those aged 18 to 29 still largely supported Kamala Harris in November’s election.
Since returning to the Oval Office, Trump has pledged to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, restrict federal funding for institutions that permit what his administration describes as “illegal” protests, and reduce spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Cautious optimism from universities
Universities UK welcomed the rise in applications but urged caution.
“The increase in demand to study in the U.K. is encouraging after a turbulent period for international recruitment,” a spokesperson said. “However, it is too early to say whether this marks the start of a sustained long-term trend.”
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The group emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between universities and government to ensure the U.K. remains a competitive and welcoming destination for overseas students.
Wider migration trends
The surge in student interest follows other signs of growing transatlantic movement. Separate data released earlier this year showed that a record number of Americans applied for U.K. citizenship in 2024, a trend immigration lawyers linked to Trump’s re-election campaign and eventual victory.
Together, the figures suggest a broader shift in how Americans—particularly young people—are weighing their education and future opportunities abroad.
