The figures, which show a 7.8 per cent rise in the number of applications for full-time study at university and a pronounced increase in mature applicants, NUS welcomed the record number of applications but warned that urgent expansion of places is needed to meet demand.
"It is hugely encouraging to see a record breaking number of applications to Britain's universities, but we remain concerned about the numbers of places available as a result of the cap on numbers imposed by the government,” says NUS President Wes Streeting.
Long-term benefits
"While some had speculated that demand would fall, applicants of all ages are clearly making the correct assessment that it is better to invest now in their education and training. We understand the current pressures on public finances, but the government must also make the right long-term decisions. It is surely better to bear the cost of additional university places now than to shoulder the burden of long-term unemployment later.
"Unless there is an urgent expansion of places, universities will be unable to meet this demand. We are therefore calling on government to launch an immediate review of student numbers for the coming year and invest in the number of places needed to guarantee a place to those who have the ability and aspiration to succeed in higher education."
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