Guildford College and University of Surrey applications for 2012 fall

The University of Surrey in Guildford has become one of the big losers in the rising of tuition fees after it emerged that applications have fallen by just over 20%.

New figures by UCAS, revealed today (30th Jan) show that 13,517 students have applied for enrolment in autumn 2012 – a fall of 21.5%. This is compared to 16,199 students in 2011.

Guildford College has also seen a drop in potential students applying for courses. 357 have applied for autumn 2012 compared to 400 in 2011 – a fall of 10.8%.

On a national level, UCAS Chief Executive Mary Curnock Cook said: "There has been a headline drop of 7.4% in applicants with a slightly larger fall in England. 

"The more detailed analysis of application rates for young people takes account of population changes. This shows a fall of just one percentage point in the application rate in England, with little change across the rest of the UK."

2012-2013 will be the first year where the rise in tuition fees come into affect – back in December 2010 new legislation was passed amongst fierce debate to raise the fees to a maximum of £9,000 per year. This also created a rift in the Liberal Democrat party after leader Nick Clegg promised not to increase them before the 2010 general election.

What do you think? Are you surprised by these figures? Have you been put off going to university because of the new tuition fees? Leave a comment with your thoughts.