Applications to study nursing degrees in Wales rose in 2024 and the acceptance rate among international students also grew, new data shows. The figures come as Cardiff University announced a string of proposed cuts including the shock closure of its nursing school and 400 academic job losses.

The figures, from admissions body UCAS, go back to 2019 and show that applications and acceptances from higher-paying international students to study nursing in Wales soared in the five years to 2024. In 2019, 160 international candidates applied, of which just 15 accepted their offer (6.9%). In 2024 that had risen to 175 out of 1,180 applicants (just over 14%).

Around 31% of all applications to study nursing at Welsh universities were successful in 2024 in terms of offers given and accepted. Candidates from Wales were nearly twice as likely to take up places than candidates from outside. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.

Universities in Wales and around the UK say they are being hit by an overall fall in the number of higher-paying international students applying to study here. They say the fall is adding to financial pressures that are seeing them shed jobs and courses. The UCAS data is for undergraduate degrees only and does not include postgraduate courses. Cardiff University staff are due to stage a protest against the suggested cuts outside the Senedd tomorrow (Feb 4).

Latest nursing degree data from UCAS shows:

Total number of applicants who applied to study nursing at universities in Wales 2019-2024

  • 2024 - 4,095 - of which 1,270 accepted, of which 884 were from Wales
  • 2023 - 3,505 - of which 1,105 accepted, of which 860 were from Wales
  • 2022 - 4,405 - of which 1,315 accepted, of which 1,075 from Wales
  • 2021 - 4,960 - of which 1,690 accepted, of which 1,415 were from Wales
  • 2020 - 4,050 - of which 1,655 accepted, of which 1,435 were from Wales
  • 2019 - 3,945 - of which 1,515 accepted, of which 1,340 were from Wales

Number of international applicants to study nursing at universities in Wales 2019-2024

  • 2024 - 1,180 - of which 175 accepted their place = 14.7% acceptance rate
  • 2023 - 405 - of which 25 accepted their place = 5.7% acceptance rate
  • 2022 - 360 - of which 15 accepted their place= 3.6% acceptance rate
  • 2021 - 285 - of which 15 accepted their place = 4/9% acceptance rate
  • 2020 - 160 - of which 20 accepted their place = 11.38% acceptance rate
  • 2019 - 160 - of which 10 accepted their place = 6.9% acceptance rate

There are an estimated 800 to 1,000 students in the Cardiff University nursing school and an estimated shortage of 2,000 nurses across Wales, according to the Royal College of Nursing. The Welsh Government, which said it was only made aware of Cardiff University's proposed cuts a week before the bombshell news was announced publicly last Tuesday, suggested in its response that it was not pleased.

Universities get funding from tuition fees, research grants and government. Cardiff and institutions across Wales and the UK are shedding jobs and courses as they face myriad financial pressures including a downturn in applications from higher-paying international students, stagnant home tuition fees, inflation, and new National Insurance payments.

In the wake of Cardiff University’s proposed cuts the Welsh Government said: “Universities are independent institutions, but we are very disappointed that nursing courses form part of these proposals and we are working urgently with HEIW (Health Education and Improvement Wales) to ensure we train the same number of nurses in Wales.”

Cardiff University said it would continue to offer midwifery going forward, and was still “committed” to delivering nursing degree programmes for students due to start in 2025.

The university added: “It’s important to stress that these are proposals and there is still a great deal of detail to work through before any final decisions are made,” a spokesperson said as the cuts were proposed last week.

“In the short term there will be no immediate impact on nursing students or their ability to complete their studies.

“We are acutely aware of our role in delivering the next generation of healthcare professionals for Wales and beyond and are actively consulting with all stakeholders on our proposals.”

Helen Whyley, executive director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Wales, said: “This proposal comes at a time when Wales is facing a severe nursing shortage, with thousands of vacancies placing immense pressure on an already overstretched workforce.”

She added: “This decision has the potential to threaten the pipeline of registered nurses into the largest health board in Wales and undermines efforts to address the critical staffing crisis in the NHS and social care.”

Nursing degrees run in Wales at Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Wrexham, the University of South Wales, and Swansea.