Rise In Tuition Fees Put Off Students

UK Universities are facing a massive slump in entrants with overall applications down 12.9 percent official figures shows. 

Many students no longer feel they can afford to go to university 

These Universities sees 20,000 fewer applications fro 2012 registration.

With fees set to treble to a maximum of £9,000 in 2012, applications from UK students alone are down by 15.1 per cent, according to statistics published by Ucas.

But while fewer UK students are applying to university, the number of applicants from overseas, outside of the EU, has risen by 11.8 per cent, the data shows.

In total, 23,427 fewer people have applied to start degree courses at UK universities next autumn than at the same point last year.

Ucas insisted that it was too early to make predictions about the demand for higher education next year.

Would-be students have until January 15 to apply for courses beginning next autumn.

oday's figures show that 133,357 UK applicants have applied so far, a drop of 23,759 compared to the same point last year.

Applications from other EU students are down 13.1 per cent to 9,034.

The figures also show that the largest fall is among Scottish applicants.

Applications from Scottish students are down 17.1 per cent, English students 15.2 per cent, Welsh students 10.3 per cent and Northern Irish students 16.9 per cent.

The statistics also show that 13,665 fewer women have applied so far this year, compared to 9,762 fewer men.

Ucas chief executive Mary Curnock Cook said: "Recent changes in high education funding mean that application patterns this year may be different to previous years and we are gearing up for a possible late surge close to the January 15 deadline where applicants have taken more time to research their applications.

"We expect some depression of demand due to a decline in the young population but it is much too early to predict any effects from changes in tuition fees."

Dr Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group of leading universities, said: "It would be no real surprise if overall applications through Ucas are somewhat lower for 2012 entry than for 2011, but we shouldn't rush to assume that this is due to higher fees.

"For one thing, demographic change means there will be fewer 18-year-olds leaving school or college in 2012 than in 2011.

"We also know that in 2011 there was a drop in numbers opting for a 'gap year', meaning more applications in 2011, and fewer applications for 2012 entry. Current 2012 figures are actually very similar to figures at the same point in 2010.

"The decrease in the number of Scottish applicants to Scottish universities, where there are no fees, also shows that decrease in England cannot simply be explained by the new fees and funding system."

Professor Les Ebdon, chair of think-tank million+ and vice-chancellor of Bedfordshire University, said: "Universities are working hard to ensure that students understand that studying for the degree you need to get the job you want remains one of the best career moves that you can make, especially in uncertain economic times.

"One in four first time undergraduates is a mature student. Many study later because they realise that they have missed out on the life-changing employment and learning opportunities that studying for a degree offers. No-one should lose the chance to be what they might have been.

"Ministers need to up their game and should launch a campaign in the new year to ensure that older students understand the new loan system and the opportunities available."