UCAS has revealed that university applications have increased by 4% on last year.
The deadline for potential students to send their admissions was 30 June, after which they went into clearing, with universities and colleges filling any remaining places.
Data released after this date shows that 659,030 applications were submitted to UCAS by the end of June.
A further break down of the statistics shows that applications from England, Scotland and Wales have risen by 3%, 2% and 3% respectively, and have remained constant in Northern Ireland. Applications from other EU students increased by 5% and an increase of 6% was seen in applications from students outside the EU.
“Applicants are clearly recognising the advantages of higher education, and are embarking on a potentially life-changing journey”
The figures also show that more women applied to university than men. UCAS revealed that at the June deadline, there were 376,860 female applicants and 282,170 male applicants.
Professor Les Ebdon, director of fair access to higher education, said: “These figures are excellent news. Applicants are clearly recognising the advantages of higher education, and are embarking on a potentially life-changing journey.
“At the same time, our economy and society will continue to benefit from a consistent supply of highly qualified graduates.”
“(there is) widespread recognition of the importance of a university degree and the positive impact it has on people’s lives and the economy”
Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of vice-chancellors’ group Universities UK, said: “It is encouraging to see the numbers applying to university increasing again this year, demonstrating the widespread recognition of the importance of a university degree and the positive impact it has on people’s lives and the economy.
“The opportunities afforded by higher education are … there for … people of any age. It is therefore particularly good to see an increase of nearly 9,000 more mature students compared to last year.
“We are a knowledge-based economy and rely increasingly on people to develop their skills throughout their lives.”
However, statistics for the University of Nottingham (UoN) did not follow the national pattern.
Applications to UoN by 30 June 2014 were down nearly 6% on applications by 30 June 2013, with 2,878 less applicants this year.
The university revealed that last year it received 51,142 applications, whereas this year it received 48,264 applications, 5.6% less than in the previous year.
It further revealed that in the previous academic year (2012/3), of the 51,142 applications, 39,965 offers were made.
Beth Rowland
Image: University of Nottingham via flickr
