Scottish universities welcome the world on results day

Students across Scotland are getting their exam results this morning, and 28,750 are seeing their place at university or college confirmed by UCAS.

Currently, 23.3 per cent of all 18 year olds in Scotland are due to enter higher education this year, tying the record with last year’s SQA results day. 

The current total number of Scottish students accepted is a fall of 4 per cent compared to SQA results day 2018, although this also comes alongside a 3.1 per cent drop in the total number of 18 year olds in Scotland’s population. As of 30 June 2019, there were 1,600 fewer applicants from Scotland, also a 3 per cent fall compared to 2018.

Of the 28,750 Scottish applicants accepted so far through UCAS, 27,880 will be studying in Scotland.

The number of Scottish students accepted on nursing courses has increased by 8 per cent, to 2,720.

The number of Scottish students accepted is expected to rise in the coming days as more places are made available through Clearing, following a year of considered offer-making by some universities in Scotland. 

The number of EU students accepted has fallen by 5 per cent (160 students) to 3,150, consistent with applications to Scottish universities as of the 30 June deadline.

All of today’s statistics can be found in our new interactive dashboard, allowing users to visualise and tailor the reporting to their own specification.

Applicants can now sign in to Track to see if they have been accepted. Anyone can look for a place in Clearing on the UCAS website, with over 30,000 courses available for Scottish students, of which over 1,700 are at Scottish universities and colleges.

Last year, 1,745 people from Scotland were accepted through Clearing, with 485 of those applying after 30 June and submitting their application directly into Clearing.

Clare Marchant, UCAS’ Chief Executive, said:

‘Congratulations to everyone in Scotland receiving their exam results today. Almost 95 per cent of students will have secured their first choice, and it’s really encouraging to see Scottish universities welcome students from around the world. 

‘Clearing gives students choices, putting them in the driving seat. Universities want to hear from keen, qualified students without a place, and those who’ve only recently started thinking about a course this September.

‘If you’ve got a confirmed place, but now changed your mind and want to study another course, Clearing can also give you a new direction.’