Record number of Scottish teens secure uni places, UCAS finds
The proportion of 18-year-olds from the most deprived backgrounds securing a place rose slightly to 16%, compared to 43.6% of those from the most advantaged areas
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A record number of 17- and 18-year-olds in Scotland have been placed at university or college through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), according to new figures released on Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results day.
Data published earlier this week shows 17,350 young people from Scotland have secured a place for the upcoming academic year – marking a rise of 4.2% from 16,650 in 2024.
The number of applicants from the most deprived areas has also reached a record high. A total of 2,060 17- and 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) Quintile 1, have been accepted this year – a 5.5% increase on the previous year.
The proportion of 18-year-olds from the most deprived backgrounds securing a place rose slightly to 16%, compared to 43.6% of those from the most advantaged areas (SIMD Quintile 5). This represents a small narrowing of the attainment gap.
In total, 31,850 Scottish applicants of all ages have been placed through UCAS so far, a slight drop from 31,970 in 2024. The decline is attributed to a fall in acceptances among those aged 19 and over.
The vast majority of Scottish applicants secured their first-choice course. UCAS said 93.7% – or 29,840 individuals – have been accepted to their firm choice, compared to 30,270 last year and 28,830 in 2022.
International acceptances are also up. A total of 3,660 undergraduate students from outside the UK have secured a place at Scottish institutions – 5.4% more than last year. Of these, 2,990 are from outside the European Union, and 670 are from EU countries.
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.”
UCAS noted that its data covers only full-time undergraduate study applied for through its system, and does not include a significant proportion of higher education delivered in Scottish further education colleges. That sector accounts for around one third of young full-time undergraduate study in Scotland.