Ucas says record number of students from deprived areas heading to university

A record number of students from deprived areas are to benefit from “life-changing” university education, the head of the sector’s admissions body said.

After exam results were issued to students across Scotland on Tuesday, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) confirmed 1,950 youngsters aged 17 and 18 from the poorest places have been accepted on to courses.

That is up by 9% from last year’s total of 1,790, and represents a 46% rise from 1,340 students from such a background being given a place in 2019.

According to Ucas, 15.4% of 18-year-olds living in the most deprived areas have a place at university – with this up from 14.6% last year.

Meanwhile, 43.7% of 18-year-olds in the most affluent areas have a place, up from 41.8% in 2023.

Ucas calculated that students from the most advantaged areas are now 2.84 times more likely to enter higher education than those from the least advantaged areas – with this down slightly from 2.86 in 2023.

Overall, a total of 31,970 Scottish students of all ages have a place at university for next year – up from 30,050 in 2023 and 28,750 in 2019.

Most of them – a total of 30,270 Scottish applicants – have been granted a place at their first choice university.

Meanwhile, a record 20,670 Scots aged 19 and under will be attending at university or college when the new term starts, with this up from 19,640 last year, and 16,610 in 2019.

Ucas also highlighted a rise in the number of students accepted by Scottish universities to study nursing, with this up to from 2,640 in 2023 to 2,680 this year.

However the subjects which had seen the largest growth were media and journalism, with student numbers up 21%, as well as engineering and technology, where there was a 14% rise, and business management, which was up 13%.

The number of international students at Scottish universities was also said to have increased slightly, going from 3,370 in 2023 to 3,480.

Ucas chief executive Dr Jo Saxton 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.”

She added: “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.”

Dr Saxton said that there were “plenty of options” here with some some 27,000 courses available, including around 2,800 at Scottish institutions.

She added: “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.”

Meanwhile Claire McPherson, director of Universities Scotland said: “The number of Scots accepted for study in Scottish institutions has increased by 6% compared to the same point in 2023 which is great news on SQA results day.

“There are lots of positives for university applicants, including for those from a wide range of backgrounds.

“We have seen record numbers of widening access students gaining a place in higher education, with an 11% increase in the most disadvantaged 20%, taking the number to the highest level since 2015.

“This has been achieved with no displacement of other learners, as the numbers from all backgrounds has increased. This reflects a concerted effort from universities to support widening access.”

Ms McPherson added: “I want to congratulate everyone who worked hard for their qualifications today, including those who go onto other positive destinations.

“For anyone who just missed out on a place at university but still keen to start this September, there are thousands of places available through clearing.”