Clearing 2025 was a record-breaking year. A total of 439,180 applicants were placed, the highest number ever recorded, with 82% securing a place at their top-choice university.

This strong performance had a ripple effect: higher-tariff providers (typically more selective universities) began to widen their offers amid a shortage of top-grade applicants in Clearing. For mid- and lower-tariff institutions, this created a slower, steadier recruitment period, as more students were considered eligible for higher-tariff options.

Among the most popular subjects this year were English and Teaching, which saw a 14% increase, and Law, which rose by 9% year-over-year. In contrast, Computing experienced a 10% drop in applications, though overall interest in the subject remained solid.

In total, 13,730 students secured a university place through Clearing on Results Day this year, a 4% increase compared to 2024.

This tension isn’t unique to the US. Australia is preparing to roll out a nationwide social media ban for under-16s this December, requiring platforms to take “reasonable steps” to block younger users. That includes checking the age of all accounts, whether by ID upload, AI-based facial estimation, or cross-checking with banks and mobile providers. Noncompliant platforms could face fines of nearly $50 million.

While governments argue these measures are about protecting children online, critics warn of overreach. Smaller platforms like Bluesky say they simply can’t keep up with compliance costs, while civil liberties groups highlight the risks to privacy and free expression. For users, VPN use is likely to soar as they look for ways around restrictions.

US scraps $100m in study abroad programmes

In other international student news, the US Department of State has also removed $100 million in FY25 funding for at least 22 cultural exchange programmes. These cuts, which affect everything from community college initiatives to the flagship Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Programme, were announced just weeks before these programmes were expected to be renewed and receive funding in September. Higher education institutions, students, and staff have therefore all been left in limbo.

Stakeholders say the move isn’t just disruptive; it could be unconstitutional. Typically, these grants are congressionally approved and renewed as standard. But this year, the Office of Management and Budget stepped in, cancelling programmes that had already been allocated funds for 2025. Leaders in the sector warn that this sets a dangerous precedent, opening the door for future cuts at any time.

“Cancelling $100 million in programmes which impact 10,000 students is devastating on many levels,” said Bill Gertz, chairman of the American Institute for Foreign Study, whose YES Abroad programme is among those axed.

The higher ed community has already begun rallying, with campaigns urging Congress to intervene and protect the future of these exchanges.

The impact varies widely by country and institution:

• India: Approvals have plunged to just 20%, down from over 80% only a few years ago.

• Iran: Approvals dropped by more than half in Q2.

• China and South Korea: Relatively stable, with approvals above 65% and 85% respectively.

• Ghana: A standout, with approvals surging 225% compared to Q1.

Colleges are feeling the heaviest blow, with approvals sliding to 28% in 2025 (down from 60% last year), while universities are averaging 53%. Programmes tied directly to labour market needs, like health, tech, and trades, are showing better resilience.

With limits on international students across the US, Australia and now Canada, markets across Europe and Asia could see an increase in applicants as a result.