More Scots Seeking Place At Uni

The number of Scottish students applying for university has reached a new high, according to the latest figures.

A rise in the number of applications from 18-year-olds living in poor areas was also recorded.

The new statistics, published by admissions service Ucas, show the number of people from the UK and abroad who had submitted applications by the January 15 deadline.

They reveal that a total of 45,100 Scottish students have applied for a higher education place across the UK.

Education Secretary Angela Constance said: "The latest Ucas figures make for hugely encouraging reading. Recent years have already seen record numbers of Scots both entering and qualifying from higher education in Scotland and today offers clear evidence that the trend is continuing.

"Scots-domiciled students have their fees paid as we firmly believe that education should be based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.

"Recent figures have shown a 40% increase in the proportion of 18-year-old Scots from the most disadvantaged areas accepted to higher education but we are determined to widen access still further.''

The figures show that 18-year-olds from across the UK were more likely to apply for a higher education place than in any previous year, as application rates were at the highest levels recorded - 32% in Scotland, compared with 35% in England, 48% in Northern Ireland and 31% in Wales.