Govt welcomes rise in applications from poor students

Critics who claimed university top-up fees would lead to a drop in students have been proved "emphatically wrong", the government said today.

Pointing to a record number of applicants, higher education minister Bill Rammell said the financial support offered by the government had continued to attract students, regardless of the hike in tuition costs.

UCAS figures show applications for higher education courses are up seven per cent on last year, with 20,700 more students planning to continue their studies.

This includes a rise in the proportion of students from the lower socio-economic groups, up from 28.2 per cent in 2007 to 28.9 per cent in 2009.

Mr Rammell said: "The government is committed to unlocking the talents and potential of all our young people, ensuring that a university education is an option for everyone.

"I am particularly encouraged by the increase in applicants from lower socio-economic groups as we continue to work to widen participation in higher education through, for example, greater links between universities and schools."

But the Conservatives rejected claims to widening participation, arguing the rise can be attributed to UCAS' decision to count the 8,665 people applying for nursing and midwivery diplomas – who mainly come from the lower socio-economic groups - for the first time.

Shadow higher education secretary David Willetts said the figures also masked the failure to boost participation among working class males.

Of the 430,489 applicants, 244,167 were female and 186,322 male.

Mr Willetts said: "We are seeing rapid growth in the number of female students, international students and older students. It is great to see such a diverse mix of people at our universities. But young working-class males are being left behind."

Students applying to courses starting in September 2008 will be able to access new government support packages, with an additional 100,000 students expected to be eligible for a full or partial grant.

Ministers estimate two-thirds of students will receive support, ranging from non-repayable maintenance grants of £2,835 a year, to loans for tuition fees and living costs, as well as university bursaries.

Mr Rammell continued: "We want to ensure that money is not a barrier to going to university which is why we have improved the financial support package, available for students starting university this September.

"The extra support for students from low and middle income families and which rewards hardworking families that support their children, has undoubtedly helped to increase applications."

The government estimates graduates earn £100,000 more over their lifetime than their counterparts with only A-levels.