Withdrawing before enrolment About a third (32%) of applicants think it likely that they will not take up their place Respondents were able to choose multiple reasons from a list, including an ‘other’ at university, however the majority of these only think it ‘somewhat likely’. option. Financial issues are the most common reason closely followed by not achieving the required grades. However, lack of confidence, mental ill-health and homesickness were also significant. Figure 24: How likely is it that you will not go to university, for example because you withdraw your applica琀椀on or you don’t take up the place Figure 25: If you don’t go to university, what is most likely to be the reason? that is o昀昀ered? 35% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 30% 32 33% 32% 19% 9% 4 4 25% 27 20% 22 21 Not at all likely Not likely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely Don’t know 15% 15 13 10% 10 Broadly, these feelings are more prevalent among male applicants and those who are aged 19 or over. There is no significant difference between UK and international 5% applicants, though applicants who are ethnically Chinese (85% of which are 5 international students from China) are much less likely to think they won’t take 0% up their place, suggesting a higher level of uncertainty among other international Financial Not achieving Lack of Mental Homesickness Physical Stories about Other / student groups. These feelings are also more prevalent among care experienced and issues the grades confidence ill-health ill-health university don’t know estranged applicants, those with a disability, health condition or neurodivergence, you need in the media and LGB+ applicants. Base: Applicants who think it likely that they will not go to university (704) Data from the UCAS 2023 End of Cycle report shows that 26% of last year’s applicants were not placed, so we know not all applicants end up in higher education. Mental ill-health was the most significant concern for applicants with a disability or Nonetheless, it is impossible to infer how many of those who think they might drop mental health condition, neurodivergent applicants, estranged applicants and those out of the applicant process will indeed do so. The overall strength of feeling – only who are LGB+. ‘somewhat likely’ – suggests that, for many, these are concerns rather than strong doubts. Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 39