UCAS rule changes will allow UK students to use the service to apply to EU universities.
Under the new rules, this process would be easier, with universities from Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands, among others, all now being allowed to join the UCAS service.
Despite suggestions from Ian Fordham of The Education Foundation to The Telegraph that applications to UK universities could drop by up to ten per cent over the next couple of years, an Oxford University spokesperson insisted that Oxford would not be affected.
“Applicants to Oxford are a small and self-selecting group within the pool of UK university applicants; we will continue to do our best to attract bright students from all backgrounds but do not expect applications to Oxford to change substantially as a result of this UCAS decision.”
The change comes as the number of UK students applying to foreign universities is rising. A British Council survey of 2,500 students taken in April of last year found that 37 per cent would take up a degree overseas, a 17 per cent increase from 2013.
Lower fees at European universities could make them an attractive prospects for British sixthform students.
UCAS told Cherwell, “With more choice in the market, there is a need to ensure that student interests are protected.
“We want students who apply for courses through UCAS to be confident that they are applying for a verified qualification at an institution which meets the relevant quality standards. As a consequence, we have reviewed the criteria for access to UCAS services to ensure that they are fit for purpose in this changing environment. We will therefore consider requests from European higher education providers to use UCAS services if they can demonstrate that they meet equivalent standards to those in the UK.”
Maastricht University has not yet become a full member of UCAS, but Cherwell understands that it intends to use some UCAS services. Dr Michael Geary, Chair of Maastricht’s student recruitment team, told Cherwell, “Needless to say, we are very happy that UCAS will open the application system to non-British universities; it’s a very progressive move.
“We are the most international of the Dutch universities with one of the biggest UK student populations in Europe. British students come to Maastricht for a number of reasons. It’s not just about the money although we do have a far more competitive fee structure.
“In an ever competitive jobs market, students need to differentiate themselves through the educational choices they make. Studying abroad has a significant number of opportunities.”
A Government spokesperson for the Department of Business Innovation and Skills told Cherwell, “This is a matter for UCAS, a body independent from Government. We welcome the wider choice this will provide for students and UCAS’ rigorous scrutiny of European universities applying will ensure they demonstrate that they meet equivalent standards to those in the UK.”
