St Andrews University has seen bar far the biggest increase in applications for degree courses among UK universities this year, signaling the 'Prince William effect'. Applications are up by 44% compared with last year according to figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.
Last year, the British Council reported a surge in interest from young women - particularly from the United States, after Prince William decided to enrol on an art history degree starting this autumn.
Other universities witnessing large increases are Kingston University (up 15.9%) and Aberdeen University. Universities which have seen the biggest falls in applications meanwhile include Imperial College, London, Goldsmiths College, East London and Sunderland, all down by more than 12%.
By 15 December 2000, a total of 322,621 people had applied for university courses starting in autumn 2001 - up by 2,171 on the previous year. A total of 77,512- one in four applicants - used the electronic application system, compared to 35,477 the previous year.
Business studies, computer science and law remain the three most popular subjects, but there have been increases in the number of applications for degree courses in nursing, media studies, software engineering, history and combined science courses. Subjects showing a decrease in applications include teaching, pharmacy and marketing.
The number of mature applicants from the UK has risen by 1%, from 35,558 to 35,89.
Applications from the Republic of Ireland to UK institutions have fallen by just under 25%, show the figures, while applications from EU countries has fallen by 12.5%. Applications however from overseas students from outside the EU are up by 3.1%.
