Picture by Kevin Wilkins

Figures released by the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) have shown that the overall number of students applying to university has increased.

The raise is about 5.6% up from 506,304 in 2006 to 534,495 in 2007. Other statistics within the report demonstrate that the percentage of students coming from low socio-economic groups has increased by 7.7%.

Anthony McClaran, Chief Executive of UCAS, said "These figures are encouraging news for the higher education sector and demonstrate that students' desire for a university education in the UK has not diminished."

However, the National Union of Students (NUS) disagrees. Gemma Tumelty, the NUS President stated that "These figures are extremely worrying.

Although the overall number of accepted applications has risen since 2005, there are now fewer students from poorer backgrounds and fewer students over the age of twenty five - exactly the students the sector is trying to attract."

Tumelty continued to state that "Top-up fees could be seriously hampering the Government's agenda to widen participation in higher education. This must be acknowledged in the 2009 fees review. Unless a fairer system is implemented, university will only be accessible to those who can afford it."

Fees are currently about £3,000 a year.