Record Number Of Scottish Students Secure University Place

7th August 2024

Number of students from most deprived areas also hits new high.

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.

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.

Overall acceptances to Scottish providers is 35,930. This is an increase of 1,910 (+6%) since last year.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey said:

"It is hugely encouraging to see a record number of Scottish students from our most disadvantaged communities getting into university.

"This demonstrates the strong progress being made on widening access to higher education and ensuring every young person in Scotland has an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance.

"We have also seen overall acceptances for Scottish students reach a new record high. These figures show the great strength and resilience of Scotland's education system.

"Our resolute commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering ensures that access to university remains based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay, ensuring that the opportunity of a university education is available to everyone, regardless of their background."

Posted Tue 6 August 2024 - 09:30
UCAS figures released today for SQA results day (Tuesday 6 August) 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.

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%).

Other key points from today's release include:

Overall, 30,270 Scottish applicants (all ages) have gained a place at their first (UCAS ‘firm') choice, an increase on 28,450 last year (+6%) and 27,160 (+11%) in 2019.

A record 20,670 young Scots (aged 19 and under) have been accepted at university or college, up from 19,640 (+5%) in 2023 and 16,610 (+24%) in 2019.

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 today, 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."

Source - https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/number-disadvantaged-scottish-students-getting-university-place-hits-record-high