UCU Scotland response to surge in university applications

There has been a 30% increase in applications to university from Scots with older students in particular flocking to apply to universities. The number of applications from Scots over 25 years of age has doubled and there was a 50% increase in applications from those aged between 21 and 25.

This has resulted in a 20% surge in applications to Scottish universities, who have stated they will be reducing the number of places available to ensure they meet government targets and to avoid the chaos caused by the sudden increase in students accepting places last year.

UCU Scotland Official, Mary Senior, said: 'Many potential students are going to miss out on a university education which would have helped them find employment after the recession because of a lack of investment in our brightest citizens. Though there has been funding to meet increases in students this year, this has not met the full costs of their education and was only for one year.'

'Other leading economies are investing money in universities in order to help economic growth and widen participation, while Scotland stands still. This approach is an insult and a snub to the thousands of students the government has been encouraging to reach for university for the entirety of their educational career.'