Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK, said there would be another "challenging admissions period" this summer for applicants and institutions.

BBC: University applications up 23%

Professor Steve Smith said this was a "tremendous outcome for the sector and a sound investment in the UK's knowledge economy at this crucial time".

BBC: 20,000 new university places pledged

Professor Steve Smith, president of the organisation, which represents all UK universities, said funding is already "strongly weighted towards world leading research and internationally excellent research".

BBC: Vince Cable reveals a strategy to cut science funding

"A reduction in the public funding per student could seriously threaten our ability to offer the high-quality experience our students deserve and expect, " said its president, Professor Steve Smith.

BBC: Universities' annual funding reduced by ?398m