The latest UCAS figures for 2009 entry published today (9 July 2009) show that the number of English students applying to full-time undergraduate courses at English universities and colleges has increased by 10.1 % compared to the same point last year.
Commenting on the figures, Sir Martin Harris, Director of Fair Access, said:
“The significant upward trend is encouraging in so far as it indicates that students continue to have faith in the benefits that higher education can offer.
“However, it will be very important to ensure that applications from lower income families and other under-represented groups are not disproportionately affected by the increased demand for places this autumn.
“The continuing increase in applications is almost certainly due in part to the consistent efforts of universities and colleges to encourage applications from lower income families and other under-represented groups. New data from the Sutton Trust shows that 77% of young people now aspire to go to university.
“It would be an enormous waste if these efforts were set back just when they are starting to bear real fruit.
“As always, I would urge all prospective students to investigate fully the financial support available to them, including non-repayable bursaries and scholarships from universities and colleges. Some students are still not claiming the bursaries they are entitled to. On average, a student starting in 2009 and receiving the maximum state maintenance grant can expect to receive a bursary of just over £900 a year. Whoever you are and whatever your family income, it’s worth finding out what you’re entitled to.”
For further information
Please contact Zita Adamson, Communications Manager, on 0117 931 7272 or email press@offa.org.uk.