Figures have shown that the number of people applying for undergraduate courses at UK universities this autumn has risen by 8% from last year’s level, but it is not yet clear what effect the economic crisis will have in the coming months.
The sharp depreciation of pound has encouraged the influx of overseas students to Britain. The number of applicants from EU countries has risen by 12 percent overall, with applicants from outside the EU rising by 10 percent.
The sharp depreciation of pound has encouraged the influx of overseas students to Britain. The number of applicants from EU countries has risen by 12 percent overall, with applicants from outside the EU rising by 10 percent.
However, going to university is not an easy option for all, especially part-time students.
Figures by the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that the number of part-time enrolments at Britain’s higher education institutions has fallen by 3 percent over the 2007/2008 period, compared to the year before.
Some 35 percent of part-time enrolments in 2007/2008 were in science subjects, a decrease of 3 percent on a yearly basis
British media has warned that the tighter job market will force more part-time students out of schools. As Britain is sinking deeper into recession, the education situation will be further affected. As a result, the government’s vision to expand education by recruiting more part-time students might be compromised.
Britain warned of a further gloomy 2009
On Monday, Britain’s leading business group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), refreshed the forecast for Britain’s 2009 GDP growth, with a further pessimistic note.
The CBI has revised down the growth rate, saying the economy will shrink by 3.3 percent, nearly double the contraction of 1.7 percent foreseen in November last year. The CBI also predicted a growth in unemployment to nearly 3 million by the end of 2009.
Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI, said: “The outlook remains extremely uncertain so forecasting remains especially difficult. Ultimately the severity of this recession will depend on the speedy implementation of the government’s measures to unblock the credit markets and the success of various global stimuli packages in repairing business and consumer confidence.”
Britain has injected billions of pounds in banking bailout, which has so far failed to re-activate the credit market or kick-start the national economy.
There is no doubt that research and education in Britain will be affected by the continuing financial crisis, especially if the country’s stimulus packages fail to take effect in the coming months.
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