- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Faculties
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
16 Jul 2009 10:04:52
University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor Les Ebdon CBE has called on the Government to find more money to fund student support in a bid to ease the looming crisis in the higher education system.
Official figures released last week revealed a shortfall of nearly 50,000 places at university this autumn. Applications to study degrees have soared nationally by nearly ten per cent and the Government has capped the number to reduce spending.
At the University of Bedfordshire the number of applications is rising weekly and is up 29 per cent on last year – putting the University in the top five in the country for increases in applications.
Speaking as chairman of million+, a think tank that works to solve problems in higher education, Professor Ebdon, said: “If the Government could find £93 million per year more in student support, many universities would be able to offer these students places.
“The figures confirm that the applicants are the very students who have been at the heart of the drive to raise aspirations with record applications from mature students, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, black males and young white men.”
And at the University’s graduations ceremonies this week Professor Ebdon said: “Until this year, universities have been allowed to make institutional decisions about the number of students to recruit within a tolerance band. This allows institutions to make adjustments and manage fluctuations in supply and demand.
“In an effort to control the costs of student support, the former Department of Innovations, Universities and Skills threatened universities and the Funding Council with financial penalties if they recruited more students in 2009 than in 2008. Universities which would like to recruit additional students have been prevented from doing so.
"If the Government found funding for additional student support and allowed universities to revert to business as normal and recruit within their tolerance band, many more university places could be offered in September.
“It would be ludicrous for students to be turned away from universities that would be willing to teach them in September if the Government could find the costs of student support.”
Latest news» 2009» July» Vice Chancellor calls for action so students don't lose out
