million+ calls for £93 million additional investment in student support to provide places for thousands of hopeful students
Figures released today (Thursday) by UCAS, the universities admissions service, confirm a record rise in university apllications with applications to universities in England increasing by over 10%.
The UCAS figures show that 592,312 people have applied to start courses this autumn compared with 540,108 at the same point last year. The figures suggest that over 35,00 well-qualified students will not secure places this year. A spike in the number of 18 years olds, increased attainment and rising levels of unemployment have combined to trigger an unprecedented level of interest and applications to university.
Professor Les Ebdon CBE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and Chair of the university think-tank million+ said, “The key to unlocking additional student places in 2009 and 2010 is funding for student support. If the Government could find £93 million per year more in student support, many universities would be able to offer these students places. It is in the national interest for universities and the Government to work together to resolve this crisis.
“The figures confirm that the applicants are the very students that have been at the heart of the drive to uplift aspirations with record applications from mature students, those from lower-socio economic backgrounds, black males and young white men. Government should act now before universities that would welcome these additional students have to start turning qualified students away at clearing and the potential for universities to create further social mobility in the UK is wasted.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education. www.millionplus.ac.uk
- Figures released by UCAS refer to the number of applications for people applying for full-time undergraduate courses by 30 June
- In England there has been 10.1% increase in applications with an unprecedented rise in applications from older students 21-24 – 17.2% increase from students aged 21-24 and a 22% increase from students aged 25 and over.
- million+ has calculated that loans for maintenance and fees and maintenance grants for 35,000 additional students would cost £93.million per annum
- The full figures can be sought from the UCAS press office (d.barker@ucas.ac.uk) or by calling 01242 545723
- For more information please contact Gemma Tumelty, Public Affairs Officer on 0207 7171657 or 07900 277819.