Higher-tariff universities are now receiving twice as many applications as lower-tariff alternatives in a reversal of the situation of two decades ago, according to a new analysis.
The balance in applications that existed when fees rose in 2012 has “completely disappeared”, consultancy DataHE found.
Applications made by the 30 June Ucas deadline between 2006 and 2026 were analysed in light of changes to tariff bands introduced by the admissions service this year.
Ucas has expanded its groupings beyond the traditional higher, medium and lower tariffs to include new categories focused on smaller and specialist providers.
Applying these new categories to past admissions data shows the appeal of some institutions is proving considerably stronger than others.
