A “growing pressure” on student finances may influence the choices prospective undergraduates make after results day, experts have suggested, as record numbers of students are expected to secure a place through clearing this year.
A record number of 18-year-olds are predicted to wake up today to the news that they have been successful in securing their first-choice university, with record numbers of students accepting places through, and applying directly to, clearing also expected this year. Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-Level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers.
Students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing. Jo Saxton, chief executive of Ucas, told PA new agency: “We’re expecting this summer in clearing to see both record numbers accepting a place through clearing but also we probably will see record numbers applying direct to clearing.”
Dr Saxton said: “We know that applicants’ number-one concern at the moment is cost of living, and their concern is about whether they’ll have enough money to live whilst they study, so that all wraps up together to this picture of increasing live-at-home.” Adrian Dutch, a pro-vice chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, told PA: “Students are almost confronted by the reality of the cost of going to their chosen university, and particularly if they were looking to move away from home and particularly if they were going to a big city, the cost of accommodation alone is a real game changer for some students and realistically very, very challenging to do without parental support.
“There will be people who change their minds (through clearing). I think originally that was what used to be called trading up because grades were better, but I think it’s also now around the realities of the additional costs.”
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of UUK, told PA there has been “growing pressure on student finances”, but she was “optimistic” about “stabilisation” in the sector. A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact that the cost-of-living crisis has had on students.
“In the last few weeks, the Government has set out measures to give people breathing space including on their energy bills and travel. We are also increasing loans for living costs each year from 2026/27 in line with inflation.
“We inherited the current system and have taken steps to make it fairer – including reintroducing targeted maintenance grants to help people from all backgrounds access university or college.”