Rise in university applications in Northern Ireland welcomed
17 January 2008
Official UCAS figures issued today, detailing the number of full-time students accepted onto undergraduate courses, showed a significant increase in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the figures Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “The increase of 8.4% in the number of applicants accepted to Northern Ireland Higher Education Institutions in the current academic year is both very positive and very welcome. It is significantly above the UK average of 5.8%. It is even more impressive when viewed against a reduction of around 5% in the number of 18 year olds in Northern Ireland available to apply to university.
“In order for us to compete globally we need to ensure a constant flow of higher level skills into the labour market and the level of applications to study at university here is very encouraging.
“As I have stated previously I am committed to carrying out a review of variable tuition fees in the next academic year and these statistics will help to inform that review.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the organisation responsible for managing applications to UK higher education courses.
2. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
3. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.