Scottish university applications hit new high

THE number of university applicants in Scotland has reached record levels as the number rose by two per cent to almost 40,000 this year.

Applications for university places in Scotland from the rest of the UK is also up compared with last year, with 14.7 per cent more applications from England and 17.3 per cent more from Northern Ireland.

Figures from admissions body UCAS, as of the January 15 deadline, showed 39,954 students in Scotland have applied for places.

The total number of applications to Scottish universities for courses this autumn, including from EU and non-EU countries, increased to 103,219, a rise of 7.1 per cent, while 4.1 per cent fewer people from Wales applied.

Scotland’s education Secretary Mike Russell said: “It is good news that a record number of people living in Scotland have applied to university next year and that our universities continue to be a coveted choice around the globe. I am particularly pleased to see more school leavers from deprived areas applying.

“These figures show Scots are already benefiting from our decision to ensure access to higher education is free and these students will also be some of the first to benefit from the best package of student support in the UK.”