As new figures show that university applications for next year are down by 9%, a number of universities reveal they are considering dropping their fees to under £7,500.
Ever since the British government announced that university fees would be capped at £9,000 rather than £3,000 from 2012, experts have been predicting reduced student numbers. This theory has now been proven, with the latest figures from UCAS showing that overall university applications are 9% below last year's level.
However, whilst this headline figure shows a drop in applications overall, overseas applications have actually increased since this time last year. Whilst UK and EU students will be paying far more than previously, non-EU international fees have not significantly increased. This then explains why UK applications have dropped by 12% and international applications are staying strong.
Dropping 2012 Fees
Universities UK have been quick to challenge the figures, with chief executive Nicola Dandridge emphasising that "It's too early to read into these figures at the very start of the applications process". Despite this though, a number of universities are considering dropping their planned fees to attract more students.
