Record number of BAME students are applying to university, says UCAS

New UCAS figures show a significant increase in the amount of black, Asian and minority ethnic students applying to university.

Last month, UCAS published their 2017 equalities data. It is the third year that the organisation has published this data as a part of their commitment to being more open about admissions.

The detailed statistics cover the admissions to 132 of the UK’s largest universities and colleges.

Between 2016 and 2017 there was a 7% rise in applications from BAME students to top universities, ones which have higher tariff entry requirements.

This means a record number of 15,520 BAME students applied to universities which ask for the highest A Levels grades. 

While there has been an increase in BAME applicants, the equalities data compiled by UCAS show a 0.9% drop in white applicants to higher tariff universities. Last year there were 64,035 white applicants, compared with 64,260 in 2016. Demand for university places was also shown to have fallen overall by 2.6%.  

In a statement, UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant said:

“It’s important that those applying to university are confident that their applications will be considered on the basis of their merits.

“Our data shows overall, admissions are fair. Applicants from all backgrounds receive offers at rates which closely match the average for applicants to similar courses, with similar predicted grades.

“Where there are differences in offer rates, we encourage providers to use these data to explore why.”