The latest UCAS statistics published today (14 February 2008) show that the number of English students applying to full-time undergraduate courses at English universities and colleges has increased by 10.1%.(1)
Commenting on the figures, Sir Martin Harris, Director of OFFA, said:
“These figures are encouraging. Clearly, we are still only part way through the admissions cycle but the January figures show that the upward trend in university applications continues. It’s particularly pleasing to see that there’s been a slight rise in applications from lower socio-economic groups – up to 29.2% from 28.2% in 2007.(2)
“Given that we are now in the second year of the new fees system in England, the continued growth in applications suggests that students are not being deterred from higher education on financial grounds.”
1) This includes applicants who would previously have applied through NMAS, the admissions service for nursing and midwifery diploma courses.
2) This figure applies to English applicants aged 18 and under.