Skip the NI Direct Bar

Continued rise in university applications in Northern Ireland welcomed

15 January 2009

Official Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) figures released today, detailing the number of full-time students accepted into undergraduate courses, show a continued increase in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the figures, Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “The increase of 5.8% 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 significant when viewed against a reduction of around 1% in the number of 18 year olds in Northern Ireland available to apply to university.

“As I have stated previously, we need to ensure a constant flow of higher level skills into the labour market to enable us to compete globally, and it is encouraging that this trend is continuing with the increase in accepted applicants.

“These figures are very timely in that they will help inform the current review of variable tuition fees.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the organisation responsible for managing applications to UK higher education courses.
  2. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.