University applications down 9.9%

By Press Association. The number of students in England applying to university has slumped by almost 10%, official figures have shown.
The latest UCAS statistics reveal that almost 12,000 fewer people living in England have applied to start degree courses in autumn 2013.
In total, 107,687 potential university students have already submitted their applications, the figures show, compared with 119,548 who had applied by this point last year, meaning there has been a 9.9% fall in applications comparing 2013 with 2012.
Students planning to start degree courses next autumn will pay tuition fees of up to £9,000 a year after the hike, which saw maximum fees tripled, was introduced this autumn. Read more...