Record number of Scots teens secure university places after SQA exam results
A record number of young Scots have secured a spot at university, new figures have shown.
Statistics released from Ucas show 17,350 17 and 18-year-olds will be admitted this year, compared to 16,650 last year.
The number of those from the most deprived backgrounds is also at its highest, at 2,060.
But despite the progress, the gap between rich and poor remains pronounced, with 16% from the 20% of areas described as the most deprived being accepted compared to 43.6%.
In total, 31,850 applicants from Scotland were offered a place - a small decline on last year's figure of 31,970 - as a result of a decline in mature student applications.
Meanwhile, international student numbers have risen. This year, 3,660 students from overseas are expected to start courses in Scotland, up from 3,480 in 2024.
Dr Jo Saxton, chief executive of Ucas, said: 'I'm delighted to see record numbers of young people in Scotland accept a place at university or college via Ucas this year.
'Today's figures also show record numbers of accepted students aged 17 and 18 from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
'This is testament to the tremendous efforts being made to support widening access to higher education in Scotland.
'Everyone at Ucas offers congratulations to those celebrating today and I would encourage any students considering higher education, even those who have yet to apply, to explore clearing.
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'There are plenty of options for you to consider, with around 27,000 courses, including more than 2,700 at Scottish institutions.
' Ucas's team of expert advisers are also on hand to answer any questions on the phone, on our website and on social media.'
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