UCAS doesn't release figures of university applications even to ministers, in order to protect universities. How is this fair for students?<br/><br/>Ministers (who make decisions on where the education sector is going in the UK) are being withheld information on university applications, and hence do not get a clear picture of the situation of individual institutions, as well as the sector as a whole.<br/><br/>This is the first time that UCAS has decided to withhold annual figures on individual universities. It is important to remember, that for UCAS, their clients are the universities, not the prospective students.<br/><br/>In terms of university sector as a whole in the UK, according to HEFCE 37% of year group enrols to university, whereas several countries, such as France, Germany, The US and Australia the figures are over 50%.<br/><br/>The question is, should government be protecting universities who are underperforming in their application levels, or should they protect prospective university students (and their parents) to ensure that they get the best possible education?
