The UK’s top universities are facing a significant number of unfilled undergraduate spots just a week before A-level results are released. This means that more potential students are likely to secure places compared to previous years.
According to a survey conducted by the Press Association, members of the Russell Group of universities have nearly 3,900 vacancies available for domestic undergraduates starting in the fall. This is a significant increase from the 2,000 vacancies reported at the same time last year. In fact, 18 out of the 24 Russell Group universities have unfilled courses this year, with universities like Manchester, Durham, and Liverpool joining the list.
These vacancies are being advertised through clearing, which allows students without an offer of a place or those looking to change courses to apply after receiving their exam results. A survey of 130 universities in the UK revealed that there are approximately 23,000 course vacancies available for students through clearing. This is up from the 22,400 vacancies reported last year.
With A-level and BTec results set to be released on August 15th for students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, universities are gearing up to make quick decisions about potential applicants who may have narrowly missed the required grades for entry. Some experts are predicting that the proportion of top A-level grades awarded in England this year may be lower than in 2022, which could lead high-tariff universities to adjust their entry requirements.
Mike Nicholson, the University of Cambridge’s director of recruitment, admissions, and participation, emphasized the importance of universities being able to fill their spots with students who have met the required grades or those who have come close. This could help universities avoid the need to offer courses through clearing, which some institutions like Cambridge and Oxford have not done so far this year.
The financial pressures facing universities, along with a decline in domestic tuition fees and a decrease in applicants from both the UK and abroad, are driving institutions to fill their spots in order to maintain financial stability. This may be why universities are being proactive in advertising their vacancies online and preparing for a potentially busy period after A-level results are released.
It’s worth noting that the increase in available spots through clearing could be due to a decrease in the number of applications received this year. Only 42.7% of 18-year-olds in England have applied for an undergraduate place, down from 44.9% in 2022. This means that clearing may be competitive for selective courses and universities.
In Scotland, where results have already been released, a record number of students aged 19 and under have been accepted into university or college courses. This could be an indication of the trend that universities across the UK are experiencing this year.
As students await their A-level results, it’s important for them to research their options and have a plan in place for clearing. With universities gearing up for a potentially busy period, students should be prepared to make informed decisions about their future academic paths.
