Recession drives up student applications

Published on Wednesday 30 September 2009 22:35

THE number of university applicants soared this year due to a lack of job opportunities amid the recession.

It follows a dip between 2006 and 2007, when the number of students in higher education in Scotland fell 2.5 per cent. Entrants fell by 3.5 per cent over the same period.

However, in the two years since, the number of students has increased, according to figures from University admissions body Ucas. A government spokeswoman, said: "While today's statistics show a slight fall in the number of students participating in higher education, since then there has been a 10 per cent increase in Ucas acceptances for entry in 2009-10 compared to 2008-9."

However, critics said the 2007 drop showed the government had to do more to support those wanting to attend university.

Murdo Fraser, the deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said the latest statistics showed that not charging fees did not encourage greater participation in higher education.