'Poorest students being sidelined' as universities' intake falls by 10%

The number of students joining Scottish universities has fallen by 10 per cent this year following a reduction in the number of places available, according to new figures.

Statistics published by universities admissions body Ucas reveal universities in Scotland accepted 36,592 applicants this year compared with 40,690 last year.

Critics warned that the figures meant a "devastating crisis" for the thousands - many from deprived backgrounds - who missed out on a place this year, and lecturers fear the lost talent could lead to Scotland's universities falling behind.

However, the Scottish Government dismissed the fall as "anomalous".

The figures, published yesterday, also show the number of Scots staying in Scotland to study fell by 6.9 per cent from 27,194 in 2009 to 25,307 this year. The number of English students enrolled in Scottish universities fell from 4,783 last year to 3,447 this year - a drop of 27.9 per cent.

For the first time Ucas admissions figures this year include applicants to midwifery courses. When they are included there is a drop of just 2.4 per cent overall, with a rise of 3.6 per cent of Scots staying in Scotland.

Student leaders say the figures contrast with a rise in applications of 15 per cent, with total applications standing at 107,072.

Record numbers applied to university over the past two years because of a drop in alternative options, such as school-leaver jobs in the economic downturn.

In consequence, universities were overwhelmed with unexpected acceptances and were forced to reduce places this year or face government fines.

Liam Burns, president of the National Union of Students in Scotland, said: "How on earth is it acceptable that during an unprecedented increase in applications to higher education, universities take on less students?

"We should be treating the increase in applications during the recession as a huge opportunity for Scotland as a whole, not a devastating crisis for thousands of talented individuals.

"My fear is that it's those from the most deprived backgrounds that make up the bulk of the thousands of people that have missed out."

Mary Senior, Scottish official for the lecturers union UCU, said: "The fact that thousands of students missed out on the opportunity to better themselves is tragic. Other countries are increasing the number of graduates they produce.If we don't the find funding to close the gap then we risk being left behind."

Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, said: "If public funding isn't prioritised in this area the government has to limit university places or cut the amount of funding per student, which cheats those who do get a place out of the student experience they are entitled to.

"This is why next month's budget bill from the Scottish Government is such a priority. We need continued investment."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Today's figures tell only part of the story. They do not include the thousands of students who entered higher education via other routes such as transfers from college to degree courses."