Applicants must now declare where generative tools were used in preparing a proposal, covering drafting, data analysis and figures alike. Reviewers remain barred from uploading any part of a submission to an external AI system, a rule introduced after a data-handling complaint earlier this year. The guidance takes effect for the next call, with no retrospective changes to proposals already under review. Institutions are being asked to update their own policies to match by the same date.

New admissions data show a modest but sustained rise in applications from students over the age of 25, continuing a trend first noted two years ago. Institutions attribute part of the increase to shorter, more flexible course formats introduced since then. Representative bodies say funding rules still assume a traditional school-leaver applicant, and are calling for maintenance loan terms to be reviewed accordingly. A government response to related consultation is expected before the next admissions cycle opens.