The latest UCAS figures for 2010 entry published today (16 July 2010) show that the number of English students applying to full-time undergraduate courses at English universities and colleges has increased by 10.6 % compared to the same point last year.
Commenting on the figures, Sir Martin Harris, Director of Fair Access, said: “Applications have levelled off significantly compared to earlier in the cycle but are still up substantially compared to the same point last year – demonstrating the value that students see in continuing their education, particularly in these uncertain times.
“However, my delight at the continued appetite for a higher education is tempered by concern that disadvantaged youngsters will be disproportionately affected by pressure for places. Last year, thanks to hard work by universities and colleges, this fear did not in fact materialise. I would urge universities and colleges to make all possible efforts to ensure that the same is true for 2010 applicants.
“In the meantime, if they have not already done so, I would urge all applicants to apply for financial support as soon as possible so that any loans, grants and bursaries to which they are entitled are in place when they start their studies. “In most cases, students who are eligible for a bursary simply need to agree to share their information when they apply for state support. However, some students will need to apply directly to their particular university or college.”
In 2010-11 annual bursaries for students on full state support will range from £329 to £3,400. The average bursary for a student on full state support is around £900, so representing an important element in the overall support available to lower income and other under-represented students.
1. The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is an independent, non departmental public body established under the Higher Education Act 2004 to help promote and safeguard fair access to higher education. Our main remit is to regulate the charging of higher tuition fees by English universities and colleges offering higher education courses.
2. For further information, please contact OFFA on 0117 931 7171 or email press@offa.org.uk.