University applications fall: 'some talented young people choose not to go'

As the number of university applications drops by 18,000 in a year, Richard Irwin, Head of Student Recruitment at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, says there are many opportunities for those who choose not to pursue higher education.

Figures show that demand for higher education is down by 6.3 per cent amid a continuing backlash over fees of up to £9,000-a-year.

It emerged that 265,730 British students had applied for university places by mid-December – the lowest number since the data was first collated in 2008/9.

The figures – published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – relate to courses starting in autumn this year and are likely to reignite the debate over higher fees.

Overall, numbers are down by more than 41,000 – 13 per cent – compared with two years ago before the introduction of the new student finance regime.

Richard Irwin from Pricewaterhouse Coopers says it makes sense for firms to offer opportunities to those who have chosen not to go to university, as well as to graduates.

"For us, it's about offering a range of opportunities to young people, whatever the choices they make as they come through their academic careers," he said.

"Some talented young people may choose not to go to university for whatever reason and we'll be in a great place if we can offer a compelling opportunity for them to join our firm."

Source: 3 January 2013, The Telegraph – University Education

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9779178/University-applications-fall-some-talented-young-people-choose-not-to-go.html