Higher fees not deterring would-be students at Winchester University (From Romsey Advertiser)
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Higher fees not deterring would-be students at Winchester University
5:37pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in Winchester
By Rachel Masker
Higher fees not deterring would-be students at Winchester University
MORE students are applying for places at the University of Winchester despite the near tripling of tuition fees.
Statistics provided by the university show there were 8,566 applications from England and other EU countries, compared with 8,177 in 2010 – before changes to the funding regime were announced.
However in line with the national trend, applications for places on degree courses fell slightly compared to 2011.
Figures published last July by Ucas – the Universities and Colleges Admission Service - show that applications from 18-year-olds who want places on degree courses are down overall by one per cent.
Tuition fees at the University of Winchester have increased from around £3,300 in 2010 to £8,600-a-year in 2012.
However those from poorer families qualify for a means-tested bursary from the university which softens the blow of the massive hike in fees.
On average, fees are £7,500 including bursary support.
A university spokesman said: “There was a slight reduction in 2012 compared to 2011 but it should be noted 2011 was a record year and our application numbers for 2012 are significantly higher than in 2010.
“There were fewer applications deferring in 2011, no doubt to get in before the higher fees impacted but this has now returned to a level consistent with 2009 and 2010 entries.”
Winchester has also seen an increase in applications from overseas students - who were already paying fees of about £9,000 - compared to 2010 and 2011. At present, there are about 300 overseas students from 42 countries at Winchester.
Prof Chris Turner, overseas recruitment ambassador, said Winchester’s success in attracting students was down to a number of factors. He said: “It is a small, nurturing, high quality university and it is a lovely city.”
Prof Turner said all first year and overseas students were also provided with places in halls of residence.
* The university is hosting an additional open day this Saturday (September 8) for students considering starting degree courses in September 2013 as a result of the increased interest. Other open days are planned for October 6, 13, and 20.
