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.”
View the data in our interactive dashboard
ENDS
UCAS Press Office
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communications@ucas.ac.uk (monitored regularly)
Notes for editors
The interactive dashboard will go live at 09:30 (UK time) 6 August 2024.
The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) is the Scottish Government's standard approach to identify areas of multiple deprivation in Scotland. More information can be found here.
In Scotland, there is a substantial section of higher education that is not included in UCAS' figures. This is mostly full-time higher education provided in further education colleges, which represents around one third of young full-time undergraduate study in Scotland – this proportion varies by geography and background within Scotland. Accordingly, figures on applications and application rates in Scotland reflect only those applying for full-time undergraduate study through UCAS.
UCAS
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an independent charity, and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education.
UCAS’ services support young people making post-18 choices, as well as mature learners, by providing information, advice, and guidance to inspire and facilitate educational progression to university, college, or an apprenticeship.
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.
UCAS is committed to delivering a first-class service to all our beneficiaries — they're at the heart of everything we do.