APPLICATIONS at the University of Kent are up 25 per cent on last year, compared to a 12 per cent rise nationally.

Steven Holdcroft, the university's head of information, recruitment and admissions, said: "Nationally demand for university places is expected to far exceed supply."

Last year the university received over 3,000 clearing applications and filled 355 places, around 10 per cent of its intake. This year it expects to fill 8 per cent through clearing.