04/09/2016 BBC Wales Today

The number of European students choosing to study at Welsh

universities has hit an all-time high.

More than a thousand have been accepted on to courses

Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities both received a record number

of applications from EU students for this term.

But Aberystwyth say the numbers are still fewer than predicted

When more than 100 prospective students from the EU with true

applications to study at Aberystwyth University earlier this summer, the

Acting Vice Chancellor was clear. He blamed it on the result of EU

referendum. Now according to the latest figures from the University

admissions service here in Aberystwyth and in Cardiff there has

been a record number of applications from EU students for this term. Many

in the sector say it is too early to know the long-term effects of

Brexit, but some believe this increase in applications might be a

short-term gain. I am sure the universities happen marketing the

fact that you would pay the same fees as those in Wales, as compared

to ?9,000 normally. And then of course they might be coming in

anticipation of Brexit and what a chance later on if Britain leaves

the EU to come in on such favourable terms. While Cardiff University says

Brexit has led to little impact so far on its finances, reacting to

this latest data Aberystwyth University says numbers applying are

still measurably fewer than predicted before the referendum. In

a statement they see Brexit has undoubtedly been a factor with

applicants looking at what the options are on their own countries.

And allegedly they say this will have an impact on our finances. With

students still able to apply until September the 20th, the University

of South Wales, banger and other university say that they cannot

confirm how many EU students will be unrolled when term starts. The Welsh

government has said the universities will continue to do their best to

recruit overseas students. Meanwhile the Education Secretary said it will

take time for educational reforms here to reflect pupils performances

in the International pests. More than 70 countries are signed up

to the tests that assess students' skills in maths, reading

and science every three years. Wales performed worse than the rest

of the UK in 2012. The next set of results will be

published in December. Some visitors at Festival number 6

in Portmeirion say they've been stranded for hours as they try

to make their way home The bad weather caused some vehicles

to get stuck in the car park. Organisers have apologised and say

they're providing recovery vehicles. Football, and Wales captain

Ashley Williams says he has no intention of retiring

from international football, ahead of the start of their 2018

World Cup qualifying campaign. His England counterpart Wayne Rooney

has said the tournament 32 year old Williams said they're

now focused on getting another taste of the elation they experienced

in the summer - As summer school, there is was not a

bad one. Of the European Championship lifted Wales both

through the rankings and in the eyes of the fans. But it is -- it has

also raised aspirations and so the next challenge begins. The 2018

World Cup qualifying campaign. 11th in Fifa world rankings, whilst take

on Moldova, ranked 165th. But Wales have been tripped up by smaller

nations before. We do not think we can roll up and have it, our way.

And that it will be over after 60 minutes. I sat here two years ago

before the end only in game where everyone thought it would be the

order for adding to be easy and we did not play very well. We got

planned Bassett after the game. But the taste of success over the summer

has left them hungry for more. I have to use that word desperation.

Every result we get is massive for us. For the captain Ashley Williams

a busy summer was topped by a move from Swansea to Everton. If Wayne

Rooney is planning his retirement from international duty is Ben

Williams has other plans. I am not retiring today unfortunately. I feel

good, I am enjoying it. I love coming to play for Wales. But with

success comes a new challenge. We're not the underdogs. We have to manage

that and deal with it. A sell-out crowd is expected tomorrow, kick-off

is at 745. Rugby, and Cardiff Blues

got their Pro12 season off to a good start -

picking up a bonus point, with their 34-16 win over Edinburgh

at the Arms Park. Fly half Steve Shingler totted

up 15 of those points A quick look at the forecast, and

rain will spread east overnight - affecting all parts by dawn,

with minimum temperatures As for tomorrow, it'll be rather

cloudy, with light rain and drizzle during the day, along with fog over

the coast and hills. Warm and humid though,

with some brighter spells later. That's Wales Today -

I'll be back with your late bulletin Hope you can join me,

until then, thanks for watching