The number of UK 18 year olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds applying to the most selective universities and courses has jumped 8% this year, according to data by UCAS. In total, 77,810 students of all ages and domiciles have applied in total this year, up a modest 1% on last year from the most advantaged backgrounds.
However, the head of Ucas said that increased demand and a continued rise in the 18-year-old population would put a squeeze on available places at the most competitive institutions and on the most competitive courses.
This year, 15 October was the deadline for anyone wanting to study at either Oxford University or Cambridge University, as well as for most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses at other institutions.
Figures from the university admissions service Ucas show that 3,030 of the most disadvantaged students in the UK applied for this deadline, up 8 per cent from 2,800 last year.
This compared to a 1 per cent rise for students from the most privileged backgrounds, where applications rose from 17,410 to 17,570.