The Government has lifted a cap on places in specialist courses like medicine and dentistry, after the U-turn on A-level grades saw many more people meet university offers.
Universities will get extra money to help boost capacity for medical, nursing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses after warnings that space for students who saw their results increase after the turnaround could be limited.
University vice-chancellors and doctors both called for the cap on student numbers in medical schools to be removed.
Monday's dramatic turnaround, which meant A-level results reverted to teachers’ predictions – came too late for many students who had already chosen universities based on the grades initially awarded by exams regulator Ofqual.
Top universities have warned students who now have higher grades could still have to defer their place for a year if there is no longer space on their preferred course.
Durham is offering a bursary and “guaranteed college accommodation” to students who volunteer push their studies back a year, with places already filled before the U-turn.
Universities will now get additional teaching grant funding to boost capacity in medical, nursing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) subjects.
Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for students and I want to reassure them that every effort is being made to make sure all those who planned to can move on to higher education.
“I am delighted that the Government and the higher education sector have agreed that all students who achieved the required grades will be offered a place at their first choice university.
“I want universities to do all they can to take them on this year or offer alternative courses or deferred places where required.”
Dr Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group of universities, called the decision a “very positive step”, adding it will help institutions increase capacity and help more students attend higher education.
He said: “Russell Group universities are working with Government and will do everything they can to accommodate as many students as possible on their preferred courses this year, and will continue to do so wherever this is practically possible.
“Where this isn’t possible, our universities will look to offer deferred places or explore places on alternative courses where the student meets the entry requirements.”
Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, said: “The policy U-turn on A-levels has created significant challenges for universities caused by late movement of students between institutions.
“The welcome additional medicine and dentistry places and confirmation of the additional teaching grant for high-costs subjects will help to support capacity.
“Government now needs to urgently confirm funding both to ensure the financial stability of institutions suffering from a loss of students and to offer further support to maintain and build capacity where needed.”
