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Written question asked by Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 26 February 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 March 2015. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 March 2015 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Higher Education: Europe

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the new application process to European universities; what consideration they have given to how attractive the lack of tuition fees at European universities might seem to young people in the United Kingdom; what consideration they have given to the possible consequences of such competition on Scottish universities; and what financial incentives they will give British students to either completely or partially study for degrees in Britain or return to the United Kingdom to work after graduation.

Answer

This is a matter for UCAS, (University and Colleges Admissions Service) as a body formed by the universities themselves independent from the Government. UCAS have said that the new service will provide extra choice for students and UCAS' rigorous scrutiny of European Universities applying to use the service will ensure they demonstrate that they meet equivalent standards to those in the UK. Many home students already choose to study abroad by applying directly to particular universities.

Data from UCAS for 2014 showed that applications to higher education in England are at an all-time high. Record numbers of students were accepted for entry: for the first time ever over half a million applicants were placed in higher education. The percentage of 18 year olds who were accepted for entry to higher education in England is the highest ever at 30.4%.

The consequences for Scottish universities are matters for the Scottish parliament.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5251
Session
2014-15
Subjects
Admissions Fees and charges Higher education Europe Scotland Students
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk