University applications drop for 2012

Applications for university places are down nine per cent for 2012, which could be leading more people to take up gap year projects instead.

The Ucas admissions service revealed the drop, which could highlight the feelings which are being felt about paying considerably higher tuition fees from next year.

Furthermore, the organisation was keen to note that once overseas applications have been taken out of the picture, a 12 per cent decrease is seen for UK students hoping to take up further education at a university.

Reflecting on the figures, Toni Pearce, vice-president of the National Union of Students, said: "The indication is that the confusion caused by the government's botched reforms is causing young people to at the very least hesitate before applying to university."

The research comes soon after the York Press reported that new undergraduates at York St John University are being encouraged to boost their CVs by volunteering to help charities in the city.

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