In response to the UCAS figures released today, NUS Wales is concerned at the drop in applications but advises against scaremongering on Wales tuition fee deal. 

NUS Wales President Luke Young said:

"It is disappointing to see the number of applicants fall as we want everyone who has the talent and ambition to be able to access higher education. The continuing drop in applications from mature students is a point of significant concern and one that needs to be addressed.

While the figures are concerning, it is important not to scaremonger on the sustainability of the tuition fee grant provided by the Welsh Government. It is clear that the changes to higher education funding in England and Wales are influencing student behaviour. We do not yet know the full impact. What we need is for the available options to continue to be fed through to applicants to ensure that their choices are being made on hard facts."