Record university places for disadvantaged young Scots

The Scottish government has recorded unprecedented university acceptances for 18-year-olds from Scotland’s most deprived areas. These figures have increased from 100 to 1,960, a new record high.

The number of young Scots who have secured a place at university this year has also hit a new high, with 16,340 acceptances so far, which is up four per cent on last year, UCAS shows. Overall acceptances to Scottish institutes have risen by ten to reach 35,940.

There are also 5,300 Scottish applications with ‘holding offers’, up two per cent on last year. Many of these will change to acceptances over the coming weeks as they are processed by universities.

Minister for higher and further education Graeme Dey said: “I congratulate the thousands of young people across Scotland who have secured a place at university today. It is tremendously encouraging to see another rise in those accepted at university.

“I am particularly encouraged to see another increase in 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas who have secured a place. We are determined to widen access to Higher Education and this shows the important work being done by our universities and colleges to ensure progress continues to be made.

“These figures show the great strength and resilience of Scotland’s educational system.

“Our resolute commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering means that access to university remains based onto 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.”