UCAS data published for Qualifications Scotland Results Day (Tuesday 4 August) shows 17,920 young Scottish students (aged 18 years old and under) have been accepted – the highest on record and up from 17,350 in 2025 (+3%).

The proportion of the most disadvantaged Scottish 18-year-olds* (SIMD Quintile 1) getting a place via UCAS has also reached a record level, increasing from 16.0% last year to 16.2% this year. However, the most advantaged students in Scotland are still 2.7 times more likely to progress to university or college via UCAS than the least advantaged.

Overall, 32,370 Scottish students (all ages) have been accepted, compared to 31,850 in 2025 (+2%). Of those, 30,160 have secured their first (UCAS ‘firm’) university or college choice, an increase on 29,840 last year (+1%).

Other key points from today’s release include:

• Scottish institutions continue to have global appeal – the number of international applicants who have secured a place at a Scottish university or college has risen to 3,730 from 3,660 last year (+2%). Of those, 3,070 are from outside the EU (+3%) while 660 are from the EU (-1%). UCAS data only reflects a partial view of undergraduate international admissions.
• The subject areas which have seen the largest increase in numbers compared to last year are engineering and technology with 2,520 placed applicants from Scotland – up 340 (+16%); subjects allied to medicine with 5,030 accepted Scottish applicants (+300, +6%); medicine and dentistry with 1,120 accepted Scottish applicants (+110, +11%); and social sciences with 2,590 accepted Scottish applicants (+110, +4%). 
• Nursing acceptances at Scottish universities have risen by +9%, with 2,660 placed applicants compared to 2,430 last year.

Dr Jo Saxton CBE, UCAS Chief Executive, said: 

“Congratulations to all students in Scotland receiving their results today. It’s fantastic to see record numbers of young Scottish students heading to university or college this autumn, showing the continued appeal of higher education in Scotland.

“I’m also delighted to see record acceptances of Scottish young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, which reflects the commitment and hard work of universities and colleges to widen access to higher education.

“There is plenty of choice available again in Clearing this year. For anyone who has not achieved the grades they were hoping for, is reconsidering their plans or is applying for the first time, UCAS’ dedicated advisers are also available to provide support and answer questions by phone, online and across social media.”

View the data in our interactive dashboard

ENDS

Notes to editors

In Scotland, there is a substantial section of higher education that is not included in UCAS' figures. That is mostly full-time higher education provided in further education colleges, which represents around one third of young full-time undergraduate study in Scotland – this proportion varies by geography and background within Scotland. Accordingly, figures on applications and application rates in Scotland reflect only those applying for full-time undergraduate study through UCAS. 

*UCAS’ definition of 18-year-olds domiciled in Scotland for the 2026 cycle are those who will turn 18 before 28 February 2027, broadly in line with Sixth Year (S6).

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UCAS

UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an independent charity, and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education.

UCAS’ services support young people making post-18 choices, as well as mature learners, by providing information, advice, and guidance to inspire and facilitate educational progression to university, college, or an apprenticeship.

UCAS manages almost three million applications, from around 700,000 people each year, for full-time undergraduate courses at over 380 universities and colleges across the UK.

UCAS is committed to delivering a first-class service to all our beneficiaries — they're at the heart of everything we do.