UNITED KINGDOM

University applications soar over 12 months

Students are facing mounting competition for university places after applications surged by more than 20,000 in just 12 months, writes Graeme Paton for The Telegraph. Figures show that around 634,600 people applied for degree courses by the end of May – an increase of 4% in a year and the second highest number on record.

The increase has been fuelled by rising demand from foreign students, including those from European Union member states, with overseas applications up by more than 6%. The disclosure – in data from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – brings applications close to levels seen in 2011 when record numbers of students applied just before a near tripling of tuition fees. It also appears to confirm government claims that students have not been put off university by fees of up to £9,000 a year (US$15,000).

The rise is set to create mounting competition for places this year and may lead to more students missing out on their preferred place.
Full report on The Telegraph site