Withdrawing before enrolment Last year, for the first time, we asked applicants how likely they were to withdraw their application. This year’s applicants gave a very similar response, with around a third thinking that it is likely. In line with last year, UK applicants are more likely to think they will withdraw compared to international applicants. However, there have been some changes in the reasons for considering withdrawing. This year, stories about university in the media has emerged as a stronger reason, and act as a more influential deterrent to international students, especially those from China. Figure 27: How likely is it that you will not go to university, for example because you withdraw your application or you don’t take up the place that is offered? Figure 28: If you don’t go to university, what is most likely to be the reason? Not at all likely Not likely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely Don’t know 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 30% 20% 10% 0% 30% 33% 2025 2024 20% 9% 5 3 33% 32% 19% 9% 4 4 Financial issues 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Not achieving the grades you need Lack of confidence Mental ill-health Homesickness Physical ill-health Stories about university in the media Other / don’t know 32 33 12 14 15 17 21 24 28 27 22 21 15 13 10 5 Base: Applicants who think it is likely that they will not go to university (797) Respondents were able to select more than one reason 2024 2025 Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 36 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES BACK TO CONTENTS