Significant under-supply of places compared to England, Scotland and Wales.

Intense competition, hence, high grades required in popular subjects.

Substantial outflow of students, a considerable number of whom are reluctant leavers, unable to get places in either Queen's or the University of Ulster.

Large, but now declining, numbers of students travelling from the Republic to Queen's and UU.

The increasing personal cost of higher education, as the result of the imposition of fees this year, together with declining maintenance grants, is resulting in more Northern students seeking places in local universities.

Finally, over the past 25 years or more, there is no evidence of a direct link between "the Troubles" and students seeking to leave Northern Ireland.