Over 660,000 UCAS applications? The latest data just dropped!
According to UCAS stats released last week, there were 665,070 undergraduate applications to UK universities as of June 30, 2025—up by 8,310 compared to the same time in 2024.
Among them, international applications rose to 138,460 (up 3,000), and UK domestic applicants increased by 5,310. This growth marks a return to rising demand for UK education.
China continues to lead international student numbers with 33,870 applications from the Mainland—up by 3,010 from last year.
Despite challenges like Brexit, visa tightening, and tuition pressures, the UK remains one of the most competitive global destinations for undergraduate study.
However, rising application numbers don’t mean easier admissions. In fact, top universities are quietly raising the bar:
Cambridge now restricts Chinese applicants to designated October sittings of ESAT/TMUA.
UCL, LSE have introduced TMUA test requirements.
Imperial College demands 39 IB points for some majors.
Admission is now holistic—academic scores alone are no longer enough.
Oxford’s 2024 intake saw public school admits drop to 66.2%, while private school admissions rose to 33.8%. At Cambridge, private school applicants received 387 offers from 589 applications over the past three years.
It’s clear that UK private schools still hold an advantage. But this comes with a steep price—upwards of £40,000/year, excluding summer academies or Oxbridge prep camps.
Many parents are asking: “Can this cost become an investment?”
Yes—with the right strategy. Families are turning to “property-backed education”, using real estate to offset tuition and grow long-term wealth.
How it works:
Buying property to save on rent.
Renting it out to offset living costs in Oxbridge.
Relying on capital appreciation to offset education expenses.
Lansha Tip:
For Oxbridge families, investing in London real estate offers:
Stable rental income.
Cost savings compared to long-term renting.
Strong capital growth potential.
Exit flexibility post-graduation.
In short, it’s a win-win-win: Education + Housing + Asset Growth.
Buy a property in the UK with a team of professionals who know the UK property market best｜ Lansha Group
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Paddington, London, Lansha Group has become one of the top 100 seafarers in the industry in the past 10 years, providing one-stop services for international property. We have many years of professional experience in dealing with all aspects of the property market, from choosing a property to opening a home, loans, solicitors, tenancy management and second-hand property sales. We provide 24-hour real-time service to our global clients, assisting them in dealing with the cumbersome formalities of property purchase and home inspection, so that they can move into their homes or invest in them with peace of mind. If you are looking to invest in the UK, Lansha Group has a professional investment team to assist you in selecting the best properties, analysing the housing information and regional development, and making a comprehensive assessment to choose the ideal home. Visit Lansha Group's website now to view our selection of properties and choose your dream home!
If you have any questions about buying a property in the UK, please feel free to contact us directly.
