Unrest over higher education policy continues as recent UCAS statistics reveal that successful applications to Scottish universities have fallen by ten per cent this year. The figures show that universities in Scotland accepted 36,592 applicants this year compared with 40,690 last year.

The reduction in available places is being blamed on the Scottish Government’s decision to introduce a cap on intakes, with large fines for institutions that breach restrictions.

The situation contrasts with a sharp rise of 15 per cent in applications to Scottish universities this year – 107,072 in total – attributed to a lack of alternative options such as school-leaver jobs due to the impact the recession has had on the jobs market.

In a statement to The Scotsman, NUS Scotland president Liam Burns suggested that the increased demand for higher-education places during the recession should be looked at as “a huge opportunity” rather than a crisis. In a press statement Burns said: “It makes absolutely no sense during a recession to reduce the number of graduates Scotland has.

“With few jobs available, and redundancies across the country, many have quite rightly looked to go to university to get the skills they need.

“For university places to go down at the same time as applications have increased by so much, means that we have consigned literally thousands to benefits who could be studying and contributing to our country and our economy.”

Burns also worries that “those from the most deprived backgrounds that make up the bulk of the thousands of people that have missed out.”

Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland said: “Scotland cannot follow England down this road to disaster. The decisions taken by the Scottish Government over the next month will be make or break for Scotland’s universities. We will be making a strong case for continued investment.”

EUSA president Liz Rawlings told The Student: “The way to stimulate growth in a recession is through investing in education, not through cutting the numbers of people studying.

“Scotland relies on a knowledge and skills based economy and the way to achieve this is through education. Reducing student numbers despite an increase in demand is irresponsible and in the long-term, will do no favours to the Scottish economy.”

The figures for Scotland compare with a 1.2 per cent increase in people accepted to study at English institutions.

Mary Senior, an official at the Scottish branch of the UCU lecturers’ union, described the current situation as a “tragic” missed opportunity for students to “better themselves”. Senior added: “Other countries are increasing the number of graduates they produce. If we don’t the find funding to close the gap then we risk being left behind.”

Concerns about Scottish universities falling behind are reportedly pervasive amongst lecturers, who believe that the reduction in places may mean their institutions miss out on some of the best talent.

Burns said: “While the level of cuts is outwith the Scottish Government’s control, where they choose to wield the axe is not. We will be working to prevent cuts to students, colleges and universities in Scotland.”

Education analysts have also warned that university applications could increase further over the coming year due to the likelihood of an increase in tuition fees. English institutions believe that there could be a “scramble for places” as applicants attempt to start their studies before fee reforms are implemented.