Scotland and Wales see student numbers increase

Universities in Scotland and Wales have seen the number of students enrolling increase, while England and Northern Ireland have recorded a fall.

The number of undergraduates heading to institutes in Northern Ireland has fallen by 9%, the BBC reports.

Student enrolments in England have dropped by 2%, while 3% and 4% rises in the number of freshers heading to universities in Scotland and Wales respectively have been recorded.

This follows figures released last week from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, which showed 16% of students in Scotland graduate with a first-class honours degree, the highest percentage out of all the UK countries.

General Secretary of the University and College Union, Sally Hunt, claimed tuition fees are responsible for the figures.

'It is hardly surprising that the number of enrolments at universities where top-up fees are being charged has fallen, or that enrolments have increased at institutions in countries not charging them,' she told the news source.

She remarked that university applications should be based on 'aptitude and willingness to learn', not money.