The number of last-minute university and college places available this year through the so-called “clearing” system will be little more than half the 2008 total, the national admissions service for higher education has predicted.

Ucas said on Friday there would be about 24,000, compared with 44,000 in 2008 – although its estimates will change as new information from universities comes in. It said: “Clearing will be very competitive this year.”