Fewer 18-year-olds from UK are applying to the most selective universities and courses, figures show - but WHICH subjects are seeing a drop in interest?

The number of British teenagers applying for a place at the most selective universities and courses has fallen compared to last year, figures have shown. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said that the move to hike fees to £9,535 had 'not been an easy decision' Applications for degrees at Oxford and Cambridge Universities have an early deadline Ucas said the fall can be mainly attributed to a decline in the number of UK 18-year-olds applying for medicine, with 11,300 applicants compared to 11,750 at the same point last year. Ucas said the fall can be mainly attributed to a decline in the number of UK 18-year-olds applying for medicine, with 11,300 applicants compared to 11,750 at the same point last year Applications to study veterinary courses also fell When he was campaigning to be Labour leader in 2020, Sir Keir Starmer pledged to 'support the abolition of tuition fees' but later rowed back on that promise There have been 73,720 applicants this year, compared to 72,740 at the same point last year, the Ucas figures have shown. China is the largest source market for international applicants, with 4,970 applicants for early deadline courses compared to 4,340 last year - a 14 percent rise. Tution fees timeline From 1962 - University study is effectively free as local education authorities paid fees and offered maintenance grants 1998 - £1,000 fees are introduced in England 2006 - Variable 'top-up' fees of up to £3,000 are introduced in England 2012 - Fee cap is increased to £9,000 in England 2017 - Fee cap is increased to £9,250 in England 2025 - Fee cap to rise to £9,535 in England She added: 'I'm pleased to see an increase in applications for early deadline courses compared to last year, especially among mature students.