Universities in region ‘set to buck trend’ on applications

Figures announced today are expected to show a drop in the numbers of candidates applying for degree courses for 2012/13 – the first year group to be hit with annual fees of up to £9,000.

However Yorkshire Universities’ chief executive Professor Roger Lewis said he has seen indications that up to seven of the 11 higher education providers in the region could actually record a rise in numbers despite the fee hike.

It is thought the low cost of living compared to the south of England and a possible increase in the number of school leavers wanting to study from home could have led to an increase in applications to some of Yorkshire’s universities.

He said: “Interest from young people wanting to study in the region remains high and in many cases applications are up on previous years.

“Universities report that they are attracting the right students without having to lower their expectations of high-quality applicants and all institutions predict that they will meet their recruitment targets.”

Last month the Yorkshire Post revealed that the majority of universities which responded to a survey had seen their applications drop compared with the same point in mid-December 2010.

Four universities – Huddersfield, Leeds Metropolitan, Sheffield Hallam and York – had received fewer applications; three universities – Hull, Leeds and Sheffield – did not provide figures; and Bradford and York St John had seen applications rise.

UCAS had said it was possible that there could be a late surge of applicants up to the January 15 deadline.

The last national figures announced two months ago showed applications were down 12.9 per cent, with applicants from Yorkshire down by 15 per cent.

Prof Lewis, who heads the umbrella organisation representing the region’s higher education sector, said he believed Yorkshire’s strength was that its universities were so distinctive in what they offer.

He added: “From members of the Russell Group in Leeds and Sheffield to rich heritage locations, institutions in rural settings and lively and interesting towns and cities, I would say Yorkshire’s universities genuinely have it all.”

A breakdown of today’s UCAS application figures will feature in tomorrow’s Yorkshire Post.