A record number of Scottish students have secured places at a Scottish university this year, UCAS figures show.
Acceptances to Scottish institutions for home students increased by 7% to a new high of 31,220, according to the latest UCAS statistics.
Overall, 31,970 Scottish students (all ages) have gained a place this year, compared to 30,050 in 2023 (+6%) and 28,750 in 2019 (+11%).
UCAS figures also released this week show 1,950 of 17 and 18-year-olds from the 20% most deprived postcodes (SIMD20) have been accepted, up from 1,790 (+9%) last year and 1,340 (+46%) in 2019. These figures highlight the sustained effort across the education sector in Scotland to widen access to university.
There has also been a 12% increase in acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland (SIMD), to all UK universities, up 540 on last year to a record 5,080.
The proportion of the most disadvantaged Scottish 18-year-olds (SIMD Quintile 1) getting a place has risen to 15.4% this year, up from 14.6% in 2023. In comparison, the proportion of the most advantaged Scottish 18-year-olds (SIMD Quintile 5) has increased to 43.7%, up from 41.8% last year. This means advantaged students are 2.84 times more likely to enter higher education than the least advantaged, compared to 2.86 last year – narrowing the gap in participation.
Nursing acceptances at Scottish universities has increased slightly, with 2,680 acceptances this year compared to 2,640 in 2023.
The number of international students accepted at Scottish universities and colleges has slightly increased to 3,480 this year, up from 3,370 (+3%) last year.
The top three subjects to have seen the largest growth are media and journalism (+21%), engineering and technology (+14%) and business management (+13%).
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive of UCAS, said:
“I’m delighted to be in Scotland seeing at first-hand record numbers of disadvantaged students begin that journey to the life-changing experience higher education has to offer.
“Widening access is a key priority for UCAS, and of course for universities, colleges and schools in Scotland. Today’s figures demonstrate the tremendous efforts made to support applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their aspirations and career ambitions.
“Everyone at UCAS offers congratulations to those celebrating today, and I would encourage any students reconsidering their options or even those who have yet to apply, to explore Clearing. There are plenty of options for you to consider, with some 27,000 courses, including around 2,800 at Scottish institutions. UCAS’ team of expert advisers are also on hand to answer any questions on the phone, on our website and on our social media channels.”
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an independent charity, and the UK’s shared admissions service for higher education.
UCAS manages almost three million applications, from around 700,000 people each year, for full-time undergraduate courses at over 380 universities and colleges across the UK.
