Applications to University at Record Levels
14 February 2008
UCAS figures published today show that applications to universities in England for 2008 are at an all time high. Numbers are up over 7 per cent on this time last year - that is at least 20,700 more applications. The rise follows a record number of applications for 2007 and is higher than was widely expected.
The number of applicants from lower socio-economic groups has also increased with figures for applicants aged 18 and under showing a rise in the proportion of such applicants from 28.2% in 2007 to 28.9% in 2008.
Today's figures follow the Government's introduction of an improved student financial support package from September 2008, which will enable a further 100,000 students to benefit from a full or partial grant. Two thirds of students will now receive a full or partial grant.
Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, said:
The Government is committed to unlocking the talents and potential of all our young people, ensuring that a university education is an option for everyone. I am extremely pleased to see that figures for university applications in England are at an all time high, up more than seven percent on this time last year. I am particularly encouraged by the increase in applicants from lower socio-economic groups as we continue to work to widen participation in higher education through, for example, greater links between universities and schools.
The critics of the new system - who claimed that applications would plummet - are being proved emphatically wrong.
We want to ensure that money is not a barrier to going to university which is why we have improved the financial support package, available for students starting university this September. The extra support for students from low and middle income families and which rewards hardworking families that support their children, has undoubtedly helped to increase applications.
Now, more students than ever before, indeed, two thirds of eligible new undergraduates, will be entitled to a non repayable maintenance grant of up to £2,835 a year. That means 100,000 extra students a year will benefit from some level of grant support while they are at university. Put together with loans available for tuition fees and living costs and the bursaries that universities offer, this improved support available means nobody should be put off considering higher education for financial reasons.
Going to university or college can help school leavers fulfil their potential and find real success in their future careers.
Higher Education is one of the most important investments a young person can make and the average graduate over their working life will earn over £100,000 (after tax) more than people with A-Levels who do not choose to go into higher education.
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Emma Griffiths 020 3300 8093
For a full copy of the figures, please contact the UCAS press office on 01242 544987
The figures are published by UCAS, the Universities and Colleges application Service.
Figures published by UCAS also include figures for NMAS applications but all figures quoted in the release are exclusive of NMAS numbers.
Today's figures follow the Prime Ministers call in his speech on education in October to strive for is a Britain with no cap on ambition, no ceiling on hope, no limit to where your potential will take you, how far you can rise, a Britain where the talents of each of us can contribute to the well being and prosperity of all. Indeed there are millions more skilled jobs and opportunities in our country and round the world for people with skills and qualifications.
