Record number of students from deprived areas of Scotland at university

A record number of full time first degree students at Scottish universities were from the most deprived areas in Scotland last year.

According to figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), in 2017/18, 15.6 per cent of students entering university were from the 20 per cent most deprived areas. This is 0.4 per cent short of the government’s target for 2021.

Last year also saw an increase in the total number of Scottish students enrolling in Scottish universities.

Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: "These statistics highlight the good progress being made on widening access to higher education. I'm pleased to see more Scots going to university here and a record increase in entrants from our most deprived areas.

"Combined with recent UCAS statistics, this shows demonstrable progress towards giving every young person in Scotland an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance.

"It is also great to see a record number of enrolments and an increased number of qualifications achieved in 2017/18. All of this speaks to the level of excellence found across our higher education institutions."