University places

The number of Scottish domiciled students being offered a place at Scottish universities is the second highest on record, up 1% to 28,240.

UCAS data published today also shows the number of acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland to UK universities increased to a record high of 4,360.

Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said:

“Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place at university. The increase in acceptances for Scottish students from all backgrounds gaining a place at a Scottish university is very encouraging, especially given the past few difficult months. 

“The figures also show that the number of people from the most deprived areas being accepted to university is at a record high. We want every young person in Scotland to have an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstances, and I am pleased we continue to make steady progress here.

“For anyone disappointed with their results, the SQA’s appeals process is now open. The clearing process is also now live and places are still available for those who want to study in Scotland.

“It is, however, no surprise that the combination of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and a looming Brexit has led to a drop in EU students, who are still eligible to apply for tuition fees. EU students enrich our campus life and I hope we can still welcome many of them to our world-leading institutions.”

Background

UCAS data 

Results are based at this stage in the process. Trends are subject to change throughout the clearing process in August and September, and to SQA appeals processes.

• Scots domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 1% to 28,240.
• EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers decreased by 15% to 2,670.
• Non-EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 1% to 2,360, a record high.
• Overall, acceptances to Scottish providers decreased by 100 (-0%) to 34,640.

Entry rate

• The entry rate for 18 year old Scottish domiciles to UK providers increased by 0.6 percentage points to a record 23.9%.

Areas of deprivation

• All aged acceptances to UK providers from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland increase by 30 to 4,360, a record high.
• 18 year old acceptances from the most deprived areas in Scotland has increased by 30 to 1,300.

Other

• Scottish domiciled acceptances to study Nursing at Scottish providers increased by 11.6% to 3,040.
• Scottish domiciled acceptances to study ‘Education and Teaching’ at UK providers increased by 7% to 3,090.