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Government favoured proposals by University Alliance could provide additional university places

Government favoured proposals by University Alliance could provide additional university places.

This week record numbers of students will miss out on the opportunity to attend university due to the funding restrictions on the number of places available.

The proposal by University Alliance for a ‘Graduate Contribution Scheme’ that has recently been supported by Business Secretary, Vince Cable; and Universities Minister, David Willetts, could allow additional places to be funded.

Speaking about the shortage of places for well qualified students Libby Aston, Director
of University Alliance, said:

“In the UK’s global, knowledge-based economy, where 80% of new jobs are in high skill areas, it is no surprise that more people aspire to attaining the skills gained from university education.

“A funding system, such as the Graduate Contribution Scheme we have proposed, would reduce the student support cost to government, currently £2.5bn. This could help provide the much needed university places for the thousands of well qualified students missing out year on year.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

A copy of our publication “Proposal for a Graduate Contribution Scheme in England” can be downloaded from the ‘Research and Publications’ section of our website – www.unialliance.ac.uk.

University Alliance represents 23 major, dynamic, business-like universities at the heart of the sector that deliver world-leading research with impact and are actively business focussed.

Through evidence-based policy and research, the Alliance aims to improve policymaking in higher education to the benefit of the UK economy and society.

Alliance universities educate 27% of all UK students and achieve some of the highest graduate-level employment rates. These universities offer a research informed, academic learning environment and a culture of entrepreneurialism, equipping graduates for the 21st century.

Alliance universities:

Aberystwyth University, Bournemouth University, University of Bradford, De Montfort University, University of Glamorgan, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Gloucestershire, University of Hertfordshire, University of Huddersfield, University of Lincoln, Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Northumbria University, Nottingham Trent University, Open University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Plymouth, University of Portsmouth, University of Salford, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, University of Wales, Newport, University of the West of England.

For further information, please contact:

Tim Field,

University Alliance on 0203 178 7491 or email press@www.unialliance.ac.uk

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