Universities UK has welcomed today’s UCAS figures which show record numbers applying to start higher education courses this year. Following the 30 June deadline for applications, UCAS is reporting an 11.6% rise across the UK in the number of applications compared to this time last year. Universities UK believes the figures show that people continue to recognise the long-term benefits of gaining a degree.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “Today's figures show that demand for higher education in the UK remains very solid and that competition for places will be intense again this year.

“Funding restrictions from government means that universities will not be able to take on extra students to meet this demand. It is quite likely therefore that more qualified applicants will fail to secure places this year.

“Applicants may have to be more flexible in their choices than in previous years. We would advise applicants to do as much research as possible before they receive their final results. Despite the increased competition, there will still be places available through the Clearing process.

“The availability of information and guidance for applicants will be more important than ever. Universities will be doing all they can to advise applicants and to respond quickly to their enquiries during this busy time. A team of expert advisers at UCAS will also be on hand to offer advice.

“More students than ever will start courses this year. Despite the current problems facing the jobs market, people are still recognising the long-term benefits of gaining higher education qualifications. Graduates will be in strong demand as the economy recovers and their skills will be critically important for the UK's future competitiveness. Looking ahead, there is evidence that the proportion of jobs requiring skills at Level 4 or above is expected to increase by 11 percentage points between now and 2020.

“Universities UK would also appeal to all applicants aiming to start courses this year to apply for their student loans as soon as possible.”

Notes

1. The latest application figures are available in full at: www.ucas.ac.uk 
2. Today's figures from UCAS relate to the number of applications for people applying for full-time undergraduate courses by 30 June 2010.
3. Applicants wanting advice on their application should contact UCAS (www.ucas.com or 0871 468 0 468) where a team of expert advisers are on hand to help.
4. According to Lord Leitch’s Review of Skills, Prosperity for all in the global economy – world class skills, the UK must have more than 40 per cent of adults qualified to Level 4 and above, up from 29 per cent in 2005, if it is to keep up with comparator countries. See: http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/other/0118404792/0118404792.pdf
5. For more information on student loans this year, visit: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance