University applications down as fees rise

Over 43,000 less applications

The number of UK students applying to start university this autumn has dropped by nearly 9 percent, official figures show.

People applying fell from 506,388 at the same time last year to 462,507, a drop of 8.7 percent.

Overall applications from both British and foreign students were down by 7.4 percent over the same period, according to the applications body Ucas

Fees have been increased up to a maximum of £9,000 for those starting an English university this autumn.

There had previously been concerns applications from the most disadvantaged areas would be hit by the fee increase.

But Universities Minister David Willetts argued these figures showed otherwise as there was only a decline of 0.2 percent.

"It is encouraging that applications from people from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds remain strong," Mr Willetts told the BBC.

The vast fee increase has caused a series of street protests.

Comments