University Applications Fall

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.

The Office for Fair Access (Offa)- a government university admissions organisation, revealed that one-fifth of universities and colleges in England are thinking of reducing their fees. That amounts to 28 institutions who are looking to reduce their fees to an average of under £7,500 per year.

This would not only bring the benefit of attracting more students, but also meet the mark to gain incentives from the government. After Offa announced in July that the average 2012 fees would be £8,393, the government created a scheme that encouraged universities to drop their fees to below £7,500 in return for a number of different benefits.

Whether student applications will continue to drop, or if reduced fees will attract more applications remains to be seen, but the picture will become clearer and clearer over the coming months.

Share with friends