Applications for uni plunge as fees treble

MICHAEL MEACHER

MORE than 750 fewer applications to go to university were made by Oldham students this year following the trebling of tuition fees, new figures have revealed.

It appears young people are turning their backs on higher education after the annual cost soared to almost £9,000 for most courses that started last month.

Official figures from UCAS the university admissions system, show an 9.2 per cent fall in applications across Oldham.

A breakdown shows that in 2011 across Oldham East and Saddleworth, 3,972 applications were made for university places falling to 3,615 this year. In Oldham West and Royton it fell from 4,290 to 3,883.

The 764 fewer applications could top 800 as Oldham residents living in Hollinwood and Failsworth are included in the Ashton parliamentary constituency, which fell by 189 applications.

Each student can make up to five applications.

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher said: “This is a reversal of the social advances that has taken place over the last couple of decades and I think the nation will pay heavily in future years.

“Talent will be suppressed and not given a chance to develop and it is a tragedy for the nation. A new government should bring down the £9,000 fee drastically.

“Unfortunately these figures are what were predicted and the Government ignored the warnings.

“Access to higher education is crucial to life chances.

“I fear those who are suffering are those from poorer families who cannot afford, even with bursaries the cost of staying in education for a further three years.”

But The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) insisted the fall had nothing to do with rocketing fees, which had made the funding system “fairer and more progressive”.
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