Figures reveal record slump in university applications for North West

Survey also reveals A-level students considering cheapest options or not going to university

The number of people applying to university in the North West has dropped by 13.9% compared to this time last year, according to new figures released today by the university admissions service UCAS.

The University and College Union (UCU) said the figures were particularly worrying when put alongside results of a survey released today that shows the increase in university fees is putting 10% of A-level students off applying to university. Around half of the youngsters polled said they would consider a university closer to home or one abroad with cheaper fees to save cash.

Lisa Nandy, MP for Wigan said:

These figures are a clear indication of the impact of the hike in tuition fees on Wigan and the North West.  I have been inundated with letters, emails and phone calls from students who are terrified about their future in the face of crippling debt.  The government must simply do more to help young people into further and higher education and provide opportunities for an entire generation that will otherwise be lost.

UCU General Secretary, Sally Hunt, said:

The government’s fees policy has been a disaster from the start and it is clearly having a serious impact on the choices young people make. Now is the time for a rethink to avoid doing serious damage to universities and young people’s futures.

People should study the right course for them, not just the cheapest one or none at all. These depressing figures take us back to the time when it was cost, not ability, that determined your future.

For more on the university applications figures visit http://www.ucas.ac.uk/about_us/media_enquiries/media_releases/2011/20111024

For more on the survey of A-level students visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15392743