Economic uncertainty is one of the key drivers behind record low university application rates from older age groups in the UK, experts have warned.
Recent figures showed that a near-record number of 18-year-olds submitted Ucas applications by the final deadline in 2023, and the reapplication rate among 19-year-olds was higher than ever.
But these positive figures masked falling numbers of older applicants, according to Mark Corver, co-founder of dataHE.
“Taking out this recycled demand gives mature demand numbers hitting record lows, with application rates down widely,” he said.
