Latest news with #VivienneStern
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The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Students could still get into first choice university even if they don't get necessary grades
Students could still get into their first choice university even if they don't get the grades needed, a leading education chief has suggested. As a result, students are being advised to 'take stock' and think carefully before accepting a degree place on lower entry grades. Hundreds of thousands of students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their A-level results on Thursday, with many finding out whether they have secured a place at their first choice university. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK (UUK), said some universities in the country are 'really keen' this year to recruit 'as many students as they can' due to pressures facing the sector. University leaders have been warning of financial pressures due to uncertainty about the recruitment of overseas students as well as years of frozen tuition fees by domestic students. As such, it has been suggested that some universities are offering incentives and relaxing offers to fill places. Speaking ahead of A-level results day on Thursday, Ms Stern said: 'We have seen some evidence of universities dropping grades in order to fill places.' '(Students) should take stock of whether what they're being offered is right for them.' Ms Stern added: 'It's a bit of a buyer's market this admissions round.' 'It's been a very competitive admissions cycle from the institutional perspective. 'We know that some universities are offering places to students with lower grades than they might have done in the past. 'From a student point of view that might be really good news. 'Although I would just say think very carefully about what's right for you.' On the day before A-level results day, a sample of 129 of the UK's largest higher education providers showed there were 22,518 courses with vacancies for undergraduate students living in England on the Ucas clearing site – which matches applicants to university places yet to be filled. A similar analysis last year – carried out by PA on the day before A-level results day and looking at the same range of institutions – showed there were 22,774 courses with vacancies on the clearing site. Eighteen of the 24 Russell Group universities, which represent some of the most selective UK institutions, had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,492 courses between them. A similar analysis last year, the day before A-level results day, showed 17 of the 24 Russell Group universities had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,500 courses between them. Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers. Students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing. Ms Stern advised students waiting for their grades to spend some time familiarising themselves with the Ucas system and to look at the clearing site. She said: 'There are plenty of options available and whatever's happened it's almost certainly not a disaster and it won't be the end of everything. 'So take a big deep breath and don't panic.' Last week, Jo Saxton, head of Ucas, suggested a record number of 18-year-olds are expected to wake up on A-level results day to the news that they have been successful in securing their first-choice university. Ucas figures released last month revealed that the number of offers made to prospective undergraduate students from universities and colleges has reached a record high this year. Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: 'Some universities are now in survival mode — offering incentives, ramping up marketing, and relaxing offers to fill places. 'We must make every effort to ensure that students from all backgrounds are also well prepared and supported to succeed in their degrees.' Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, said: 'It is a good year for applicants in the sense that demand is pretty flat so universities are having to fight over themselves to win new students. 'Universities do not want to have to close courses and make staff redundant but they will need to if they cannot fill their places.' Mike Nicholson, director of recruitment, admissions and participation at the University of Cambridge, said there had been a drift for students applying more to the well-known and 'more reputable universities' in recent years. The expert said that he was expecting more students to be looking in clearing for opportunities to do internships or placements as part of their degree. Mr Nicholson said: 'I think what we're probably seeing is students looking carefully at what the degree outcomes might be. 'We've seen a shift towards engineering degrees, mathematics degrees, associated degrees in medicine. 'They're all up significantly this year in applications.' Joanna Burton, head of policy (higher education) at the Russell Group, said: 'There is always some flexibility in offer-making decisions, and students may find they are accepted with grades slightly different to the advertised offer. 'However, our universities only admit students who show evidence they can meet the rigour of the course.' She said: 'While there appears to be some flattening out of the application rate among 18-year-olds, our universities are still seeing strong demand for courses that offer high-quality teaching and promising career prospects – and they're working hard to meet this demand.'
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Students urged to ‘take stock' before accepting degree places on lower grades
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK (UUK), said some universities in the country are 'really keen' this year to recruit 'as many students as they can' due to pressures facing the sector. University leaders have been warning of financial pressures due to uncertainty about the recruitment of overseas students as well as years of frozen tuition fees by domestic students. Speaking ahead of A-level results day on Thursday, Ms Stern told the PA news agency: 'We have seen some evidence of universities dropping grades in order to fill places.' She said: '(Students) should take stock of whether what they're being offered is right for them.' It has been suggested that some universities are offering incentives and relaxing offers to fill places. Ms Stern told PA: 'It's a bit of a buyer's market this admissions round.' She said: 'It's been a very competitive admissions cycle from the institutional perspective. 'We know that some universities are offering places to students with lower grades than they might have done in the past. 'From a student point of view that might be really good news. 'Although I would just say think very carefully about what's right for you.' On the day before A-level results day, a PA sample of 129 of the UK's largest higher education providers showed there were 22,518 courses with vacancies for undergraduate students living in England on the Ucas clearing site – which matches applicants to university places yet to be filled. A similar analysis last year – carried out by PA on the day before A-level results day and looking at the same range of institutions – showed there were 22,774 courses with vacancies on the clearing site. Eighteen of the 24 Russell Group universities, which represent some of the most selective UK institutions, had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,492 courses between them. A similar analysis last year, the day before A-level results day, showed 17 of the 24 Russell Group universities had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,500 courses between them. Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers. Students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing. Ms Stern advised students waiting for their grades to spend some time familiarising themselves with the Ucas system and to look at the clearing site. She said: 'There are plenty of options available and whatever's happened it's almost certainly not a disaster and it won't be the end of everything. 'So take a big deep breath and don't panic.' Last week, Jo Saxton, head of Ucas, suggested a record number of 18-year-olds are expected to wake up on A-level results day to the news that they have been successful in securing their first-choice university. Ucas figures released last month revealed that the number of offers made to prospective undergraduate students from universities and colleges has reached a record high this year. Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, told PA: 'Some universities are now in survival mode — offering incentives, ramping up marketing, and relaxing offers to fill places. 'We must make every effort to ensure that students from all backgrounds are also well prepared and supported to succeed in their degrees.' Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, said: 'It is a good year for applicants in the sense that demand is pretty flat so universities are having to fight over themselves to win new students. 'Universities do not want to have to close courses and make staff redundant but they will need to if they cannot fill their places.' Mike Nicholson, director of recruitment, admissions and participation at the University of Cambridge, said there had been a drift for students applying more to the well-known and 'more reputable universities' in recent years. The expert said that he was expecting more students to be looking in clearing for opportunities to do internships or placements as part of their degree. Mr Nicholson told PA: 'I think what we're probably seeing is students looking carefully at what the degree outcomes might be. 'We've seen a shift towards engineering degrees, mathematics degrees, associated degrees in medicine. 'They're all up significantly this year in applications.' Joanna Burton, head of policy (higher education) at the Russell Group, said: 'There is always some flexibility in offer-making decisions, and students may find they are accepted with grades slightly different to the advertised offer. 'However, our universities only admit students who show evidence they can meet the rigour of the course.' She said: 'While there appears to be some flattening out of the application rate among 18-year-olds, our universities are still seeing strong demand for courses that offer high-quality teaching and promising career prospects – and they're working hard to meet this demand.'
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Students urged to ‘take stock' before accepting degree places on lower grades
Students should 'take stock' and think carefully before accepting a degree place on lower entry grades, a university sector chief has said. Hundreds of thousands of students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their A-level results on Thursday, with many finding out whether they have secured a place at their first choice university. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK (UUK), said some universities in the country are 'really keen' this year to recruit 'as many students as they can' due to pressures facing the sector. University leaders have been warning of financial pressures due to uncertainty about the recruitment of overseas students as well as years of frozen tuition fees by domestic students. Speaking ahead of A-level results day on Thursday, Ms Stern told the PA news agency: 'We have seen some evidence of universities dropping grades in order to fill places.' She said: '(Students) should take stock of whether what they're being offered is right for them.' It has been suggested that some universities are offering incentives and relaxing offers to fill places. Ms Stern told PA: 'It's a bit of a buyer's market this admissions round.' She said: 'It's been a very competitive admissions cycle from the institutional perspective. 'We know that some universities are offering places to students with lower grades than they might have done in the past. 'From a student point of view that might be really good news. 'Although I would just say think very carefully about what's right for you.' On the day before A-level results day, a PA sample of 129 of the UK's largest higher education providers showed there were 22,518 courses with vacancies for undergraduate students living in England on the Ucas clearing site – which matches applicants to university places yet to be filled. A similar analysis last year – carried out by PA on the day before A-level results day and looking at the same range of institutions – showed there were 22,774 courses with vacancies on the clearing site. Eighteen of the 24 Russell Group universities, which represent some of the most selective UK institutions, had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,492 courses between them. A similar analysis last year, the day before A-level results day, showed 17 of the 24 Russell Group universities had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,500 courses between them. Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers. Students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing. Ms Stern advised students waiting for their grades to spend some time familiarising themselves with the Ucas system and to look at the clearing site. She said: 'There are plenty of options available and whatever's happened it's almost certainly not a disaster and it won't be the end of everything. 'So take a big deep breath and don't panic.' Last week, Jo Saxton, head of Ucas, suggested a record number of 18-year-olds are expected to wake up on A-level results day to the news that they have been successful in securing their first-choice university. Ucas figures released last month revealed that the number of offers made to prospective undergraduate students from universities and colleges has reached a record high this year. Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, told PA: 'Some universities are now in survival mode — offering incentives, ramping up marketing, and relaxing offers to fill places. 'We must make every effort to ensure that students from all backgrounds are also well prepared and supported to succeed in their degrees.' Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, said: 'It is a good year for applicants in the sense that demand is pretty flat so universities are having to fight over themselves to win new students. 'Universities do not want to have to close courses and make staff redundant but they will need to if they cannot fill their places.' Mike Nicholson, director of recruitment, admissions and participation at the University of Cambridge, said there had been a drift for students applying more to the well-known and 'more reputable universities' in recent years. The expert said that he was expecting more students to be looking in clearing for opportunities to do internships or placements as part of their degree. Mr Nicholson told PA: 'I think what we're probably seeing is students looking carefully at what the degree outcomes might be. 'We've seen a shift towards engineering degrees, mathematics degrees, associated degrees in medicine. 'They're all up significantly this year in applications.' Joanna Burton, head of policy (higher education) at the Russell Group, said: 'There is always some flexibility in offer-making decisions, and students may find they are accepted with grades slightly different to the advertised offer. 'However, our universities only admit students who show evidence they can meet the rigour of the course.' She said: 'While there appears to be some flattening out of the application rate among 18-year-olds, our universities are still seeing strong demand for courses that offer high-quality teaching and promising career prospects – and they're working hard to meet this demand.'
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Students urged to ‘take stock' before accepting degree places on lower grades
Hundreds of thousands of students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their A-level results on Thursday, with many finding out whether they have secured a place at their first choice university. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK (UUK), said some universities in the country are 'really keen' this year to recruit 'as many students as they can' due to pressures facing the sector. We have seen some evidence of universities dropping grades in order to fill places Vivienne Stern, Universities UK University leaders have been warning of financial pressures due to uncertainty about the recruitment of overseas students as well as years of frozen tuition fees by domestic students. Speaking ahead of A-level results day on Thursday, Ms Stern told the PA news agency: 'We have seen some evidence of universities dropping grades in order to fill places.' She said: '(Students) should take stock of whether what they're being offered is right for them.' It has been suggested that some universities are offering incentives and relaxing offers to fill places. It's been a very competitive admissions cycle from the institutional perspective Vivienne Stern, Universities UK Ms Stern told PA: 'It's a bit of a buyer's market this admissions round.' She said: 'It's been a very competitive admissions cycle from the institutional perspective. 'We know that some universities are offering places to students with lower grades than they might have done in the past. 'From a student point of view that might be really good news. 'Although I would just say think very carefully about what's right for you.' Some universities are now in survival mode — offering incentives, ramping up marketing, and relaxing offers to fill places Professor Lee Elliot Major, University of Exeter On the day before A-level results day, a PA sample of 129 of the UK's largest higher education providers showed there were 22,518 courses with vacancies for undergraduate students living in England on the Ucas clearing site – which matches applicants to university places yet to be filled. A similar analysis last year – carried out by PA on the day before A-level results day and looking at the same range of institutions – showed there were 22,774 courses with vacancies on the clearing site. Eighteen of the 24 Russell Group universities, which represent some of the most selective UK institutions, had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,492 courses between them. A similar analysis last year, the day before A-level results day, showed 17 of the 24 Russell Group universities had vacancies on courses for English residents – a total of 3,500 courses between them. Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers. Students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing. It is a good year for applicants in the sense that demand is pretty flat so universities are having to fight over themselves to win new students Nick Hillman, Higher Education Policy Institute Ms Stern advised students waiting for their grades to spend some time familiarising themselves with the Ucas system and to look at the clearing site. She said: 'There are plenty of options available and whatever's happened it's almost certainly not a disaster and it won't be the end of everything. 'So take a big deep breath and don't panic.' Last week, Jo Saxton, head of Ucas, suggested a record number of 18-year-olds are expected to wake up on A-level results day to the news that they have been successful in securing their first-choice university. Ucas figures released last month revealed that the number of offers made to prospective undergraduate students from universities and colleges has reached a record high this year. Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, told PA: 'Some universities are now in survival mode — offering incentives, ramping up marketing, and relaxing offers to fill places. Universities do not want to have to close courses and make staff redundant but they will need to if they cannot fill their places Nick Hillman, Higher Education Policy Institute 'We must make every effort to ensure that students from all backgrounds are also well prepared and supported to succeed in their degrees.' Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, said: 'It is a good year for applicants in the sense that demand is pretty flat so universities are having to fight over themselves to win new students. 'Universities do not want to have to close courses and make staff redundant but they will need to if they cannot fill their places.' Mike Nicholson, director of recruitment, admissions and participation at the University of Cambridge, said there had been a drift for students applying more to the well-known and 'more reputable universities' in recent years. The expert said that he was expecting more students to be looking in clearing for opportunities to do internships or placements as part of their degree. Mr Nicholson told PA: 'I think what we're probably seeing is students looking carefully at what the degree outcomes might be. While there appears to be some flattening out of the application rate among 18-year-olds, our universities are still seeing strong demand for courses that offer high-quality teaching and promising career prospects – and they're working hard to meet this demand Joanna Burton, Russell Group 'We've seen a shift towards engineering degrees, mathematics degrees, associated degrees in medicine. 'They're all up significantly this year in applications.' Joanna Burton, head of policy (higher education) at the Russell Group, said: 'There is always some flexibility in offer-making decisions, and students may find they are accepted with grades slightly different to the advertised offer. 'However, our universities only admit students who show evidence they can meet the rigour of the course.' She said: 'While there appears to be some flattening out of the application rate among 18-year-olds, our universities are still seeing strong demand for courses that offer high-quality teaching and promising career prospects – and they're working hard to meet this demand.'
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Huge university tuition fee hike across England kicks in from today
UNIVERSITY tuition fees are being increased to £9,535 for millions from today. The yearly cost of an undergraduate degree in England and Wales has gone up by £285, from the previous £9,250. 1 It's the first time fees have risen in line with inflation since 2017, and follows calls by universities for extra cash. Maintenance loans have also gone up, meaning students can borrow more to help with their living costs. Maximum maintenance loans will rise from £10,227 to £10,544 for students outside London, and from £13,348 to £13,762 in London. The fee hike was first announced by Sir Keir Starmer in November 2024, despite previously pledging to scrap fees altogether. The PM vowed to end tuition fees, which he slammed as "unfair and ineffective", while he was running for Labour leader in 2020. The hike was welcomed by the universities when it was first announced, with Industry body Universities UK hailing it as "the right thing to do". UUK chief executive Vivienne Stern said: "Thriving universities are essential to a thriving UK, delivering stronger growth, better public services and improving individual life chances. "A decade-long freeze in England has seen inflation erode the real value of student fees and maintenance loans by around a third, which is completely unsustainable for both students and universities. "Keeping pace with inflation stops the value of fees going down year after year." How do tuition fees work? Tuition fees are normally covered by a tuition fee loan from Student Finance, which is paid directly to the university or college on your behalf. I lost 'everything' when UC stopped my £4.3k-month payment... now I've been sacked from my new job Repayments start from the first April after you finish or leave your course, but only if your income exceeds a certain threshold. You repay 9 per cent of your income above the repayment threshold. This means that the majority or basic-rate taxpayers lose 37p for every £1 they earn above the threshold - 20p as income tax, 8p as national insurance and 9p for a student loan. Your repayment threshold will vary depending on when you studied at University. Interest is charged on your loan from the day you receive the first payment until it is repaid in full. However, it's important to note that any remaining debt can be written off after a set number of years, even if you haven't repaid the total amount. What about maintenance loans? In addition to tuition fee loans, students can also receive a maintenance loan worth up to £13,762 - or £10,544 for those outside of London - to help with everyday living costs. Like a tuition fee loan, maintenance loans must be repaid following the same repayment rules outlined above. A maintenance loan is paid directly into your bank account at the beginning of each term. This means typically you'll receive three payments a year. The loan is meant to cover your living costs during your studies and most people use it to help pay for rent. You won't need to use this money on your tuition because that is paid for separately. However, your household income during the application process could affect how much you're entitled to. For example, depending on household income, those living at home can get a maintenance loan worth between £3,790 and £8,610. Check for student loan overpayments MILLIONS of people who went to university have overpaid their student loan and could be due money back. It's not just recent graduates affected, and many could now be in their 30s and 40s. You're only supposed to start paying back your loan once you earn above a certain amount. This amount depends on when you started your course, and thresholds have increased over the years as average salaries have risen. However, many graduates have been caught out repaying loans even though their earnings weren't high enough. Repayments are automatically taken through work payroll systems – usually when monthly income suggests that yearly salary will be over the threshold. But if you earn more in a month – because of bonuses, overtime or irregular hours – it can wrongly trigger repayments. Other system errors might also have meant you overpaid. You shouldn't have any payments taken until April after you've graduated, even if you're over the earnings threshold, but mistakes can occur. You might also have been put on the wrong loan repayment plan or had money deducted after you've paid off your loan. Dig out your payslips to check if you're owed a refund on some of your student loan repayments. Then, check your total annual income and look at when your loan repayments started in case they began too soon. You can also cross-check this information with your paper statements from the Student Loan Company online. If you're due a refund, you can complete an online request form on the government website. Find out more by visiting
