Russell Group welcomes continued rise in university applicants

16 February 2009

Director General of The Russell Group, Dr Wendy Piatt, said:

“The Russell Group of Universities welcomes the UCAS figures released today which show the continued rise in the number of applicants to UK universities for 2009 entry, as of 15 January 2009. The figures show a significant increase (7.8%) in undergraduate applications from this point last year and represent the third straight year of growth in the number of applicants.

“We are also encouraged by the rises in those applying to many strategic STEM subjects, such as subjects allied to medicine and engineering programmes, as these are vital to UK’s economy and wellbeing.

“Russell Group universities are committed to ensuring that talented students from every background have the chance to benefit from a degree and are delighted that the percentage of mature students, age 25 and over, rose by 12.6%.

“We recognise that there is a more work to be done. We have dramatically increased the amount of money committed to outreach and widening participation. Much of these resources have been devoted to raising aspirations and informing potential students – from young children to mature learners –  about higher education, even though these programmes do not directly benefit our universities as many pupils who receive this help apply elsewhere.

“The UCAS data also demonstrates that the UK continues to be a destination of choice for international students. These figures show that there was a 9% rise in international (non-EU) applicants.

“The Russell Group maintains its clear commitment to both excellence and equity through the provision of world-class education, research and innovation.”