Though it is still early days – the UCAS application deadline is 15 January – there are early indications that the fee hike in English universities is having a negative impact on university application levels, not just in England but across the UK. Fees this year, for English universities are up to £9000 pa.
Five European Universities joined Eunicas at their stand in Higher Options, Irelands leading Education Fair for school-leavers. Reflecting rocketing levels of interest in studying abroad, the was very busy for the three days of the exhibition.
Final numbers are not yet in but universities across Europe are reporting higher than ever numbers of UK and Irish students joining programmes, taught through English, in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Physiotherapy.
Families face the prospect of third-level fees without any government loan deal to soften the blow. Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has firmly ruled out a previously mooted scheme where graduates would repay the State for their college education.