THE number of Scottish pupils applying to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge has declined following the introduction of fees of up to £9000 south of the Border.
Between 2011 and 2012 Cambridge University recorded a drop of more than 14% in applications from Scots – from 378 to 324 – while Oxford saw a decrease of 3% to 276 applicants.
Both universities are holding events in Scotland in the coming weeks to highlight the financial support on offer to Scottish students.
Dr Mike Sewell, director of admissions for the Cambridge Colleges, said Scots students were greatly valued by the university. "We want to understand the reasons behind the drop in applications and tackle them as far as we are able," he said.
"Visits are an invaluable opportunity to learn more about what has contributed to this change and are a chance for us to listen to Scottish students and their teachers and find out more about what we can do to encourage Scots to consider us among their higher education options."
A spokeswoman for Oxford University said: "We know there is still anxiety about the changes to student finance in England and what it means for Scottish students. That is what makes it all the more important our message remains that if you have the ability to study at Oxford, we will ensure money is no barrier.
"While Scottish students may have concerns about the cost of studying in England, if they are considering Oxford they will have access to the country's most generous no-strings financial support package for the lowest-income students."
The decline in applications comes after the introduction of annual fees of up to £9000 by the Westminster Government for students studying at universities south of the Border.
In contrast, the SNP Government has pursued a policy of keeping the cost of tuition at Scottish universities free for students who are domiciled in Scotland. The differing policies give a significant financial incentive for Scottish students to remain in Scotland to study and has already led to a decline of 11% in the overall numbers of Scots applying to English universities. A healthy flow of students between countries in the UK is seen as important because of cultural benefits. It is also seen as crucial that bright Scots get the opportunity to study at Oxford and Cambridge, which are among the best universities in the world.
Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, which represents principals, said universities across the UK were keen to encourage cross-border flows of students despite the different fee regimes.
"Usually, most of the focus is on students from the rest of the UK coming to study here, but it is just as important Scots are encouraged to study in England, Wales and further afield. While universities in England may charge fees, there is a comprehensive system of bursaries and financial support in place which Scots can apply for."
Robin Parker, president of NUS Scotland, said: "This drop in applications demonstrates the damaging effect of English universities tripling their tuition fees. By introducing a market into education, the UK Government has made attending university about the ability to pay, not the ability to learn.
"Students from Scotland, no matter where they choose to study, should have the opportunity to get the best education possible, no matter the size of their bank accounts."
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