More than 150,000 university applicants missed out on a degree place this autumn — 25,000 more than in 2008 — despite record enrolments.

Universities in England defied government orders to recruit no more than an additional 13,000 students. Figures released yesterday show them acceptingthat they accepted nearly 20,000 more applicants than last year.

Universities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also increased their intakes.

But the largest-ever enrolment of 477,000 students throughoutacross Britain still left many disappointed. Almost 15,000 withdrew their applications and another 139,000, including many who did not achieve the required grades, were left without a place.

The limits on recruitment ordered by John Denham, as Universities Secretary, in a year when applications rose by 10 per cent, prompted fearshad led to fears of even larger numbers of unplaced applicants.

But 47,000 students — more than twice the number forecast by the Universities and College Admissions Service — were successful in the clearing process, which follows the publication of A-level results.

David Lammy, the Higher Education Minister, welcomed the increases and said predictions of a shortage of places had been premature. “It is great to see that so many people have worked hard and secured a place at university.”

But Pam Tatlow, chief executive of Million Plus, the think-tank for universities, said that they had rescued the Government by taking 10,000 students without extra funding. She said ministers should now withdraw their threat to fine institutions that over-recruited.

In fact, universities are likely to escape suchfines because officials will wait until December to see how many of those offered places actually go on to start courses. In a normal year, thousands of those who accept do not take up their places.

Both Labour and the Conservatives have promised more places next year. The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills has isyet to announce how many more places will be available, but the Conservatives have promised 10,000 if they win the general election.

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