16 Appendices Introduction Finance Thematic analysis Applicant Index Report 2026 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Financial issues Mental ill-health Not achieving the grades you need Lack of confidence Homesickness 32 % 36 % 33 % Physical ill-health Stories about university in the media Other / don’t know 21 % 29 % 21 % 27 % 27 % 28 % 22 % 25 % 24 % 15 % 17 % 17 % 13 % 14 % 15 % 10 % 14 % 14 % 5 % 8 % 12 % Figure 9: If you don’t go to university, what is most likely to be the reason? 2024-26 2025 2026 2024 Base: 760 (applicants who think it likely they will not go to university) Financial issues and mental ill ‑ health are the most commonly cited reasons for not going to university, ahead of not achieving the grades. Mental ill ‑ health has risen sharply as a reason, while financial issues and lack of confidence have also increased slightly since 2024. Belonging, equity and inclusion Back to contents