This is the fourth report on demand for higher education that HEPI has published since 2003, updated each year in the light of the most recent information. Last year’s report extended the review to 2020. This year’s takes a first look beyond, to 2030. The purpose of the report is not to provide firm projections – any such projections are almost certain to prove wrong. Rather it is to discuss the influences and uncertainties surrounding future HE demand, and to illustrate the impact of some of these on future numbers.