Those from deprived areas saw a 7% increase to 2,090The number of 18-year-olds who qualified for a place at university reached a record high this year, including those from deprived areas, which reached the highest on record. According to Ucas, the total number of students aged 18 who achieved the grades for the 2026 academic year is 17,920, up from 17,350 last year. “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. “Of course this is just one route to a positive future for Scotland’s young people.