Calls for Urgent Action as University Applications Decline in Wales
Concerns have been raised as the number of people from Wales applying to university has decreased this year, prompting calls for urgent action from the Welsh Government. Alongside a general drop in university applications to and from Wales, it has been highlighted that Wales currently has the lowest proportion of 18-year-olds in the UK applying to undergraduate courses. This concerning trend comes in the midst of UK-wide data indicating an increase in university applications to and from other UK nations, as well as a rise in applications from international students, which is not mirrored in Wales.
Universities Wales, representing the sector, has emphasised the need for immediate intervention from the Welsh Government and funding body Medr to address what they have termed a “participation crisis”. According to Universities Wales, a decline in university attendance from Wales will have significant long-term implications for the nation’s future prosperity. The data also reveals a decrease in applications from higher paying international applicants to Welsh universities, with a 4% drop from non-EU applicants and a 6% decline from EU applicants.
The latest statistics from the university admissions service UCAS demonstrate a slight overall decrease in applications to Welsh universities this year, contrasting with an increase in applications to universities in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The challenging circumstances faced by Welsh universities, including substantial deficits of at least £70 million, proposed job cuts, and department closures, have added to the urgency of the situation. Cardiff University, for example, is currently considering the loss of 400 academic posts and the closure of entire academic schools and degree programmes like nursing.
Universities Wales has highlighted the worsening participation rates from Wales and the decline in applications, notably among 18-year-olds and mature students. The proportion of Welsh 18-year-olds applying to UK universities has dropped to just 32%, below the UK average of 40.6%, indicating a growing participation gap. Moreover, mature student applications in Wales, particularly in the 25-34 age group, have hit a decade-low. This trend raises concerns about the opportunities available to current and future generations of students in Wales.
The widening disparity between the least and most advantaged students in Wales has also been underscored, with disadvantaged students facing greater challenges in accessing higher education compared to other regions of the UK. Universities Wales has cautioned that the negative impact goes beyond university, extending to full-time post-16 education participation rates in Wales, which are significantly lower than in England. With just 33% of young people in Wales studying A-levels as opposed to 47% in England, there is a risk of fewer students pursuing higher education and securing skilled jobs essential for Wales’ economic growth.
Amidst the concerning decline in university applications, particularly from international students, Universities Wales has stressed the critical need for intervention to reverse this trend. While the UCAS data shows a reduction in international student applicants to Welsh universities for undergraduate courses, it is part of a broader challenge in international student recruitment across the sector, exacerbated by recent visa changes affecting postgraduate recruitment.
Responding to the situation, the Welsh Government acknowledged the dip in 18-year-olds applying to university in Wales but highlighted a 4.5% increase in applications from disadvantaged backgrounds within that age group. They also noted a rise in international applicants seeking nursing degrees in Wales. The Welsh Government reiterated its commitment to enhancing participation across all post-16 learning options, with investments aimed at improving school attendance and attainment to drive long-term increases in tertiary participation.
In conclusion, the decline in university applications in Wales demands immediate attention to prevent long-term repercussions on the nation’s economy and educational opportunities. Urgent action and collaborative efforts between the Welsh Government, funding bodies, and educational institutions are crucial to address the participation crisis and ensure a sustainable future for Welsh students.