Are the UK's top universities really 'hoovering up' students?

The UK higher education sector is facing a severe financial crisis as a collapse in international student numbers threatens vital income. University leaders are urging the Labour government to reverse the levy on international student fees to prevent institutions from going under. Conversely, the most selective universities have experienced the most significant increase in students accepted onto their courses for 2026, suggesting a trend of top-tier institutions attracting a larger share of the student population.