TOP-UP fees for university students have failed to put teenagers off trying to bag places in York this autumn.

As some institutions nationally report a fall of up to 13 per cent in the number of applications received for courses from September 2006, York appears to be bucking the trend.

Although the deadline for applications is January 15, the majority of forms from sixth-formers have already been processed.

At the University of York, the number of candidates seeking places is up by four per cent on last year.

Latest figures for York St John College also reveal that, as of December 2005, applications had increased by about ten per cent.

However, the University of Nottingham, a member of the Russell Group of 21 leading universities, has reported a fall of 13 per cent. Leeds, Sheffield and Southampton were also said to be down by about six per cent to eight per cent.

A record number of students applied to universities in 2005, prompting fears of a last-minute scramble for places before top-up fees are introduced in September.

The Government argues that the new funding arrangements, including top-up fees of up to £3,000 a year, will not put candidates off.

Ministers highlight the reintroduction of a £2,700 grant for the poorest students, and increased bursaries.

Connie Cullen, the director of admissions at the University of York, said: "We are not surprised figures are down nationally this year, but we are obviously very pleased that ours are up."

Linda Stephenson, York St John College's spokeswoman, said: "When data is officially released on January 15 by UCAS, the position of the college in relation to national trends and to last year's figures will be confirmed."

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) received 30,000 more applications for full-time courses starting in autumn 2005, up by 8.2 per cent on 2004.

Spokesman Chris Dry said a clearer picture for 2006, reflecting data from all higher education institutions, would emerge after the official January deadline.

He said: "We have got the vast majority of applications online, but a significant number are coming through on paper, which take longer to process.

"Last year, applications were up by eight per cent. At the moment it is too early to say what is happening nationally."

Some universities attract several applications for every place and will not suffer from a fall in numbers, but others could face serious financial problems.

Updated: 10:27 Wednesday, January 04, 2006