University applications still not picking up

Although there has been a rise compared to 2012, the numbers applying for 2013 are still well down on 2011 (the year before the introduction of £9,000 fees) and even 2010.

In England, where fees have increased the most, the number of students applying to university rose by 2.1% compared to last year. However, applications are down by -7.8% on 2011 and down by -6.2% compared to 2010.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Today's figures do nothing to shake off concerns that the government's decision to introduce fees of as much as £9,000 a year is putting people off applying to university.

'The number of people applying to university remains well down compared to this stage in the years before fees shot up.'

The full figures can be found on the UCAS website (.pdf)