NHS role during coronavirus crisis has inspired a rise of student medics as applications jump 21 per cent on last year
- Applications for medicine courses jumped 21 per cent compared to last year
- University and Colleges Admission Service say rise due to inspiration of the NHS
- Also an increase in students applying for medicine courses outside of the EU
The heroics of NHS doctors during the coronavirus pandemic has helped inspire record numbers to apply to study medicine.
Applications for medicine courses jumped 21 per cent compared to last year, the University and Colleges Admission Service (Ucas) has revealed.
Its figures show that 28,690 people have applied to study medicine in 2021, with increases in applicants from all four countries of the UK.
Students will have undoubtedly been encouraged to apply for medicine courses after being inspired by the inspirational work of the NHS, say Ucas
Ucas chief executive Clare Marchant said: ‘The inspirational work of the NHS, particularly during 2020, will have undoubtedly encouraged students to apply for medicine courses, and it’s heartening that so many want to be part of the recovery as we emerge from the pandemic.’
Applications from students outside of the EU for medicine courses have also risen, but applications from EU students have dropped by 15%, from 1,680 this time last year to 1,430.
Overall, 76,940 people have applied for all degree courses with an October 15 deadline, up 12% on last year, the admissions service added.
A record 2,800 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK have applied.
Meanwhile, international applicants from outside the EU have increased by 20% to 17,510, while EU applicants have fallen to 5,220, from 6,480 last year.
Ms Marchant added: ‘It’s great news to see students aim high and aspire to a future beyond the current limits of Covid with their choices for next year.
International applicants for medicine courses from outside the EU have increased by 20% to 17,510, while EU applicants have fallen to 5,220, from 6,480 last year (file pic)
‘The marked increase in students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds applying is especially welcome, particularly as universities are ready to use the contextual data available to them when considering applications.’
A Universities UK (UUK) spokesman said: ‘Despite the enormous challenges posed by the pandemic, the appetite to continue learning is stronger than ever across the UK, with individuals recognising the value of a university education.
‘It is particularly pleasing to see the growth in applicants for medicine.’