England has seen a boost in young nursing students as UCAS data reveals a 6% rise in under-25s entering the profession
The number of students accepting places on undergraduate nursing degrees in England has increased for the first time since the post-pandemic surge in 2021, according to new data released by UCAS.
This year, 18,640 students have accepted a place on a nursing degree – a 1% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth is largely driven by a 6% rise in students aged under 25, with 11,530 young people choosing nursing as their career path, up from 10,850 in 2024.
The figures mark a positive shift following a steady decline in nursing degree acceptances since the pandemic peak. In 2020, nursing acceptances jumped by 25% to 22,490, followed by a further 4% rise to 23,490 in 2021. However, numbers fell to 18,420 in 2024, despite remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
Midwifery degrees have also seen a 3% increase, with 3,390 students accepted so far this year. Notably, the number of 18 to 24-year-olds entering midwifery rose by 10%, from 2,140 in 2024 to 2,360 in 2025.
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Barton, commented:
“Nursing is a fantastic career. Becoming a nurse is the best decision I ever made, and it continues to inspire and challenge me just as much today as it did when I qualified. You have the unique privilege of impacting people’s lives every day, offering both clinical expertise and compassionate care.
“The opportunities for growth and lifelong learning are limitless – as well as working on wards, nurses play a vital role at the heart of local communities and in research, education and leadership.
“It’s great to see so many younger recruits and we’re also doing more to help mature students join the profession. The 2,000 extra nursing degree apprenticeships promised in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan will play a big part in this by widening access to nursing careers.
“There are also still places available in clearing so I would encourage anyone still thinking about starting university this year to consider a healthcare degree. It’s an incredibly rewarding choice where you can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The rise in acceptances follows the Government’s new Graduate Guarantee, announced in August, which aims to make it easier for newly-qualified nurses and midwives to secure employment. NHS providers will begin recruiting graduates ahead of formal vacancies, with support for trusts to hire based on projected need rather than current headcount.
An online information hub has also been launched to support newly-qualified nurses and midwives as they transition into the workforce.
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