Universities 'prepared for busy admissions period'

The organisation, which represents 132 institutions, insisted there would be no “chaotic scramble” for places, despite the number of submissions rising to “well over” last year’s level of 655,000.

Nicola Dandridge, Universities UK chief executive, said the Government's decision to lift the cap on how many students a university could accept was one of the reasons the increased demand could be absorbed.

“Despite the annual predictions that there will be a chaotic scramble for places, universities are, as always, prepared for the busy undergraduate admissions period,” she said.

“The removal of the cap on student numbers in England this year means that there are now more university places available for qualified students.”

For those who fail to meet the required grades, Ms Dandridge argued it was time to “dispel idea that Clearing is a ‘second best option’”. “With a good amount of research, and taking advantage of all the advice available, students can find the right university place for them,” she said.

Ms Dandridge said the number of applications from students outside the European Union continued to rise, but that the rate of growth was “slowing considerably”.

The Government has faced criticism for its visa and immigration policies from a number of sectors, including some in higher education, and Ms Dandridge said Britain needed remain open to students from across the world.

She added: “UK universities offer a world class education experience and it is important for the UK to present a welcoming environment for international students.”