Media Statement

In response to the UCAS Applicant figures to 19 December 2011, Amanda Wilkinson, Director of Higher Education Wales, said:

“The figures show a significant rise in the applications between November and December 2011. This suggests that students in Wales and indeed across the UK are taking more time to research and consider the options available to them in light of the new fees arrangements.

“Given the improving picture and the extent to which applications have exceeded the number of places available at Welsh Universities in the past, we would not anticipate any recruitment difficulties”.

“However, we will need to look carefully at the final figures and compare them to not only last year but to the current demographic profile of Wales to ensure that nobody who could benefit from higher education is missing out the opportunity due to a lack of clear information regarding the support on offer.”