21% rise in applications to Ulster University Derry~Londonderry for 25/26 academic year

11 September 2025

On a visit to Ulster University Magee campus Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew today announced the campus has seen a 21% increase in applications for this academic year.

Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald and Professor Paul Bartholomew , vice-chancellor, Ulster University, speaking with students Orlagh Walker (Rathmore Grammar, Belfast) and Dloireann Lewis (Loreto College, Letterkenny)

The Minister was attending one of the annual Open Days, seeing first-hand the impact of her Department’s investment in new promotional activities and enhanced student engagement initiatives designed to attract more applicants to the campus.

Speaking at the event, Minister Archibald said: 

“My Department is proud to support

Ulster University’s initiatives that promote Derry and encourage young people to see the Magee campus as a prime destination. Those initiatives, and the positivity that has been generated around the Magee expansion, have delivered a 21% rise in applications for the 2025/26 academic year.

“This increase in applications demonstrates Derry’s ability to attract more students and reach the 10,000 target. In parallel a significant programme of work is underway to build teaching blocks and ensure that Derry has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 students. This will be done in close consultation with the local community so that the expansion is as seamless and successful as possible.”

Professor Paul Bartholomew said: 

“I’m pleased to welcome the Economy Minister to Derry~Londonderry to take in the incredible Open Day experience we offer to prospective students. Through sustained and concentrated recruitment efforts and investment, we are delighted that the popularity of this campus has risen significantly and that prospective students are recognising that this vibrant and bustling campus of Ulster University is a great place to study.”

The Magee Expansion Taskforce’s final report and action plan to expand Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus to 10,000 students highlighted that marketing and recruitment activities to promote the campus is central to the success of the growth ambitions and the University has worked with the Department to fund and facilitate this.