Wolverhampton University sees 15pc surge in applicants

The number of students applying to the University of Wolverhampton is up by almost 15 per cent – bucking the national trend that shows applications are down by 23,000.

A total of 12,201 applications have been received so far to study in September, compared to 10,620 this time last year. Two years ago, the number applying to study in the city was 9,190.

The increase comes as figures released by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service reveal the number of British students applying to university has fallen by more than 23,000 following the tripling of tuition fees.

The number of students from the West Midlands applying to university has also dropped by 5.8 per cent.

A total of 26,027 have applied so far, down from 27,643 this time last year.

Professor Geoff Layer, vice-chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said today: "Over the last few years there has been a steady growth in applications to the university.

"This is in recognition of the quality of the student experience and the relevance of our courses.

"We are pleased that in the changing economic climate, this growth has continued and while it is still early days in the process, we are performing above the national average."

Last month, the university announced it would charge students annual fees of £7,500 as long as they continue into their second year of studies.

Bosses had revealed in the summer they would be charging annual fees of £8,500 from this September. But a revised access agreement was accepted by the Office for Fair Access allowing the university to introduce fee waivers.

Staffordshire University refused to release its application figures, saying it will only do so after the UCAS deadline of January 15 has passed.

Plans to triple tuition fees to a maximum of £9,000 were approved by MPs in December 2010.

Related stories:

• Tuition fees cut for Wolverhampton University students

• Number of Wolverhampton University applications is rising

• Wolverhampton University applicants down 14pc