The total number of 18-year-olds in Scotland who have secured a
place at university this year has increased to 17,920 a record
high for Scottish students on exam results day, up from 17,350
the previous year.
This includes a record high in 18-year-olds from Scotland's most
deprived areas securing places at university, up by almost 7% to
2,090 the highest on record for this stage in the cycle.
Overall acceptances to university by Scots of all ages have
reached 32,370.
Commenting on the UCAS statistics for 2026, Education Secretary
MÃ iri McAllan said:
I congratulate all of the applicants who have successfully
secured a place at university. This is another set of incredibly
positive results, showing the strength of Scotland's education
system with numbers of university acceptances growing and record
numbers of 18-year-olds securing a place.
It is particularly encouraging to see even more students from
deprived areas going on to university. Scotland has some of the
top-ranking universities in the world and our determination to
widen access to Higher Education is giving thousands of young
people from more deprived areas the opportunity to further their
studies.
Access to university should always be based on the ability to
learn and not the ability to pay. The Scottish Government's
commitment to free tuition means that eligible learners from all
backgrounds have the option of attending university.
Of course this is just one route to a positive future for
Scotland's young people. We aim to create a balanced and
inclusive system that accommodates diverse learner needs with a
range of opportunities including college and Modern
Apprenticeships.
Background
https://www.ucas.com/data-and-analysis/undergraduate-statistics-and-reports/statistical-releases-daily-clearing-analysis-2026
Applications to university can still be made through clearing
- Applying directly to Clearing |
UCAS
The Skills Development Scotland
helpline can provide advice on:
- course vacancies at colleges and universities
- UCAS confirmation andclearing
- Foundation, Modernand Graduate Apprenticeships
- jobs,volunteering, training
- staying on at school
