Late surge in applications to Scottish universities

Figures released by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service this week have showed a strong surge in university applications by Scottish students to Scottish institutions, just weeks before the deadline for submissions closed.

With English and Welsh institutions having been allowed to set their own fees up to a maximum of £9,000 per annum, many took the decision to substantially increase the levels charged, with more than half setting levels at the maximum.

Scottish institutions adjusted their fees for students from the rest of the UK in response to this decision, although only Edinburgh and St Andrews chose to impose the maximum £9,000 per annum.

This had led to fears that a number of students would be priced out of higher education, especially those from poorer or disadvantaged backgrounds.

However, despite a 6.4 per cent drop in applications across the UK as a whole, Scotland has seen an increase in applications of 0.8 per cent with a 0.1 per cent increase in Scottish students wishing to attend university. Scottish institutions have seen a reduced number of English applicants as a result of the decision to increase fees, however the reduction of 3.4 per cent compares well to the 8.3 per cent drop English institutions experienced by home applicants.

Whilst the figures demonstrate the impact of changes to tuition fees across the UK, the figures have calmed the fears of those who expected many more students to be put off applying due to the increased cost.

Indeed, preliminary figures released by UCAS in November had showed that UK universities were facing a 12.9 per cent reduction in applications.

Fears that economic pressures were likely to discourage students from applying to university have been dispelled and the figures have been welcomed by student bodies.

Robin Parker, president of the National Union of Students in Scotland responded to the figures, stating: “It’s great to see applications from Scottish students to Scottish universities remain steady – absolutely thanks to the right decision by the Scottish Parliament to keep education in Scotland free.”

It is hoped that this late surge in applicants will bring UK-wide figures up to at least match the previous year’s figures.

However, with UCAS expected to release a full breakdown of the final application figures on 30 January, many will be waiting to assess the true impact of fees.

The deadline for applications for those wishing to attend university in 2012 is 15 January.