Universities Wales, representing the country’s nine institutions, reports a concerning downturn in university applications from Welsh 18-year-olds. Only 32% applied by January, marking a decrease of one percentage point from the previous year. This figure starkly contrasts with the 40.6% application rate across the UK. Furthermore, applications from mature students in Wales continue to decline, exacerbating worries about a widening participation gap between the least and most advantaged students.
The Welsh government recognizes the potential economic impact of this trend. If the number of students attending university does not increase, Wales may face an economic disadvantage compared to other UK nations. Efforts are underway to make higher education more accessible. A £1.5 million investment aims to improve university participation, and initiatives like the Seren programme seek to encourage young people who might not have considered university previously.
"We're investing, for instance, in the Seren programme so that we can make that an equality-based approach so that young people who will have the potential to go to university and might not have considered it previously, can be encouraged to do so." – Vikki Howells
Cardiff University's proposal to close its nursing course adds another layer of complexity. If enacted, the Welsh government has assured that alternative nursing places will be found, ensuring no disruption to nurse recruitment targets.
"We're confident that if Cardiff does go ahead with these unfortunate plans to cut their nursing school, we can reallocate those places to neighbouring institutions so that there's no threat to the target of nurses that we're looking to recruit." – Vikki Howells
Amanda Wilkinson of Universities Wales highlights the critical role graduates play in driving economic growth.
"The industries that will drive our economic growth in the decades to come rely heavily on graduates," – Amanda Wilkinson
The Welsh government has also focused on enhancing school attendance and attainment levels with the goal of better preparing students for university entrance. By aligning these efforts with increased participation rates, they aim to match the rest of the UK's proportion of graduates in the workforce.
"We do need more graduates for the jobs of the future," – Vikki Howells
