NHSE said the increase was being driven by a rise in students under 25, up by 6% on 2024 to 11,530.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Nurses are the beating heart of the NHS and will be at the forefront of our mission to build a health service fit for the future.

‘Our new Graduate Guarantee will break down barriers and create thousands of job opportunities across the country, and the 10-Year Health Plan will roll out 2,000 more nursing apprenticeships in areas with the greatest need. 

‘Their skills are urgently needed, and we're equipping them to lead long, fulfilling careers – bringing down waiting lists and offering patients the highest quality care as part of our Plan for Change.'

Overall, 18,640 people have so far accepted a place on an undergraduate nursing degree this year – up 1% on the same period last year.

The number of new nursing students rose by 25% to 22,490 in 2020 and another 4% rise to 23,490 in 2021 during and following the pandemic, compared to 17,950 in 2019. 

The number of students accepting nursing places at this point in the UCAS cycle has remained above the pre-pandemic level but has steadily declined since 2021, falling to 18,420 last year. 

Midwifery degrees have also seen a 3% in acceptances so far this year with 3,390 students compared with 3,290 in 2024. The number of 18 to 24-year-old students increased by 10%, rising by 220 from 2,140 in 2024 to 2,360 in 2025.