Increase in Student Numbers

Learning providers are advised to ensure their full-time and part-time course provision is showing on the National Learning Opportunities Database (NLOD) after it was revealed there has been a surge in applications to colleges and universities from people across all age groups in Scotland.

Recent UCAS findings show that by 30 June this year, there were 35,892 applications from people who are resident in Scotland – a 5.9% increase on last year's figures.

For learning providers to capitalise on such an increase, and ensure that the largest number of people are viewing their information, it is important that they list all of their course provision on the NLOD. If the information of Scotland's institutions appears on the NLOD, it will be visible to the many people who visit our website and call our helpline for guidance on courses they may wish to study.

The largest increase in applications has come from those aged 25 or over. 4,574 people who are resident in Scotland and in this age group have applied to study at further and higher education institutions compared to 4,012 last year. This represents a 14% increase, and perhaps suggests that more and more people are considering retraining as a way of dealing with the recession

The next largest rise has been among those aged between 21 and 24. There has been a 10% increase in applications from those in this age group whereas the percentage increase for students under the age of 20 is 4%.

The figures are broadly representative of the picture across the UK as a whole. England and Wales have also experienced larger increases among the over-25s than in the other two age categories whereas the biggest increase this year in Northern Ireland has been among the 21-24 year olds.

For information on how to list your courses on the NLOD, contact your learning information specialist on 0141 285 6100 or register online if you have not already done so.