STUDENTS are being aspirational with their university choices for next autumn, with more applying for some of the most competitive courses.
Admissions service Ucas said a total of 76,940 people - up 12 per cent on last year - have applied to start an undergraduate course with an early application deadline of October 15.
This was the deadline for anyone wanting to start a course in autumn 2021 at either Oxford or Cambridge, or for most medicine, dentistry, or veterinary courses.
The rise follows a year in which pupils enjoyed record-breaking A-level results, which were based on teacher predictions and uncertainty about further disruption.
A record 2,800 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in Britain and Northern Ireland have applied - an increase of almost a fifth on 2019.
International applicants from outside the EU also increased by 20 per cent while EU applicants have fallen to 5,220, from 6,480 last year.
Applicants for medicine courses specifically have increased to 28,690, up almost 5,000.
"It's great news to see students aim high and aspire to a future beyond the current limits of Covid with their choices for next year," said Ucas chief executive Clare Marchant.
"The marked increase in students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds applying is especially welcome, particularly as universities are ready to use the contextual data available to them when considering applications."
