Compared to 2024, this year’s applicants who have one or more disability are just as likely to need additional support or adjustments for assessments, but slightly more likely to need support or adjustments for learning. In the light of the advice note published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission following the Natasha Abrahart case, which confirmed the anticipatory duty on higher education providers to make adjustments for assessment for disabled applicants, this reinforces the ongoing need for an inclusive approach to learning, teaching and assessment. Overall, international applicants have a lower rate of disability compared to UK applicants. Those international applicants who are disabled are more likely to have a sensory or mobility disability and less likely to have a neurodivergent or mental health condition compared to UK applicants. International applicants who are disabled are more than twice as likely to think they will need additional support for day-to-day life (49%) than their UK counterparts (22%). This year’s disabled applicants are just as likely to have disclosed their disability as part of the applicant process. Disclosure was much higher among applicants with a sensory or physical disability (70%) compared to those with neurodivergent (53%) and mental health (48%) conditions. The percentage of those who intend not to share at all has fallen from 20% in 2024 to 16% in 2025. This year we asked applicants who were not planning to disclose their disability to share their reasons. Common reasons included: • It didn’t feel necessary because there was no impact on their learning • The disability was not diagnosed, and they believe that the university would not respond because of this • A fear of judgement Figure 16: How, if at all, do you think your disability or condition will affect your life at university? 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% I will need additional support or adjustments for learning (lectures, seminars etc) 0% I will need additional support or adjustments for assessments (essays, presentations etc) I will need additional support or adjustments for day to day life I do not think it will affect my life at university Other / don’t know 32% 29% 36% 37% 27% 28% 25% 25% 9% 10% Base = 883 (applicants with a disability or health condition) 2025 2024 Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 23 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS WELLBEING METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES BACK TO THEMES