Million Plus

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) has today published final acceptance data for full-time students applying to university in 2013. The figures confirm an increase in the number of younger full-time students accepted into university in 2013, following a dramatic downturn in 2012 - the year that the new fees regime was introduced in England.

million+ has welcomed the recovery in acceptances from younger students but has highlighted concerns about the continued downturn in applications from students over the age of 25, as well as a downturn in acceptances of students from China and India.

The number of mature students accepted into university in 2013 has declined since 2010 by 8%. There has also been a 14% drop in the number of accepted applicants from China and a 13% drop in accepted applicants from India despite a steady increase in applicants from both countries over the same period.

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, said:

“It is clear that younger people still recognise that studying for a degree is very worthwhile and the increase in acceptances is also good news for economic growth and will have a positive spin-off effect on employers.”

“However university is not just for young people and the new fees regime has dampened interest among those who might have studied at university later in life. As the number of 18-year-olds in the population declines, it is more important than ever that we have fees and funding systems which are attractive to mature students.”

“Government changes in visa regulations have also affected the number of international students studying at UK universities. Opinion polls repeatedly report that even though the public is worried about immigration they do not have the same concerns about international students.”

“All political parties should now commit to reviewing the visa regulations that apply to international students after the next election.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors
1. For further information or to arrange an interview with Pam Tatlow, please contact Victoria Robinson, Press and Communications Officer, million+ on 020 7717 1658 or 07527 336 795.
2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk.
3. The UCAS data relates to applications and acceptances. Final data re. actual enrolments is published later by HESA. 
4. The UCAS 2013 End of Cycle Report and acceptance figures are published on the UCAS website.