Finance International applicants from China are particularly confident about their financial situation, with 89% agreeing that they have enough money, 91% that they have friends and family to rely on for money and 91% confident in their budgeting skills. Among UK domiciled applicants, there are differences based on socioeconomic group†. Groups A and B are more likely to agree that they have enough money to cover costs, and groups D and E are significantly less likely than all other groups to say they have friends and family they can rely on. Those with disabilities may be disproportionately affected by cost concerns. They are less likely to have confidence in their budgeting skills and are more likely to report financial impacts on their mental health. Finances are also more likely to affect the mental health of care experienced (57%) and estranged applicants (54%) compared to the applicant population as a whole. *For this question, agreement indicates a negative response; the score for this question was reversed when calculating the index score †Please refer to the Methodology section for definitions of socioeconomic groups I will have enough money to cover my costs at university 12% 17% 23% 21% 27% I have family or friends that I would feel comfortable about asking for financial help if needed 9% 10% 17% 24% 40% I am confident that I can budget and manage my money whilst at university 5% 12% 21% 28% 34% *Financial issues are affecting my mental health 21% 18% 19% 21% 22% Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Neutral Moderately agree Strongly agree Figure 1: Breakdown of responses to Finance theme questions This year, financial confidence among applicants has improved, returning it to 2023 levels and reversing the downturn seen last year. This is driven by greater confidence in the first three areas: having enough money to cover costs, having family and friends to ask for help and being confident about budgeting. However, alongside this there has been a rise this year in those agreeing that financial issues are affecting their mental health. The Finance score indicates the level of confidence in financial means and skills. Up 1 from 2024 59 Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 12 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS FINANCE METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES BACK TO THEMES