UK: Lesser university applications as fee rise

The first year of higher tuition fees in UK universities sees a decrease in applications from students.


The applications are down by 8.7%, according to the admissions service. England being the most affected, has seen a decrease rate of 9.9% after the fees rise up to £9000 per year.


Scotland and Wales have seen a fall of 1.5% and 1.9% respectively, with Northern Ireland witnessing a decrease of 4%.

The general secretary of the UCU lecturers' union, Sally Hunt, said the "figures are very worrying and once again highlight the government's folly in raising tuition fees to as much as £9,000 a year.

"Applications in England are down over 50% more than in any other part of the UK as a result of the government making it the most expensive country in the world in which to gain a public degree."