The total number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has decreased 2% on the same point last year, with 425,830 taking up places so far, initial Ucas figures show.
People who might consider deferring their place until 2023 have been advised to “think very carefully” by the interim chief executive of Universities UK.
Competition for university spots this September is expected to be among the toughest yet, but Chris Hale said the pattern is likely to continue next year.
