University Education In Scotland: Student Population Insights

Scotland is home to a diverse and internationally successful higher education sector, with 19 universities and three other institutions with the authority to award degrees. In the 2022-23 academic year, 292,240 students studied at universities or higher education institutes in Scotland, with 228,005 of these enrolled full-time. The number of students enrolled in Scottish universities has been increasing in recent years, with a record 183,025 studying at Scottish universities in 2021-22. This increase in enrolments may be attributed to the Scottish Government's policy to improve access to universities for school leavers.

Scottish university student numbers in 2021-22

According to the latest Higher Education Student Statistics, a record number of students enrolled at Scottish universities in 2021-22, with an increase of 6.5% (+18,355) from the previous year, bringing the total number of students to 301,230. This also marks a 30.9% increase since 2006-07.

Scottish-Domiciled Students

The number of Scottish-domiciled students rose from 180,170 in 2020-21 to a record 183,025 in 2021-22, an increase of 1.6% (+2,855). This includes a record number of full-time Scottish-domiciled first-degree entrants, with 33,880 students, an increase of 595 from 2020-21. Notably, 5,595 students were from Scotland's most deprived areas, representing a 41% increase since the establishment of the Commission on Widening Access.

Students from the rest of the UK (rUK)

In 2021-22, there were 35,730 students from the rest of the UK enrolled in Scottish universities, a 3.5% (+1,210) increase from the previous year.

Non-EU International Students

The number of non-EU international students studying in Scotland increased significantly in 2021-22, with 65,300 students, representing a 37.1% (+17,670) increase compared to 2020-21.

EU Students

Due to the impact of Brexit, there was a decline in the number of EU students coming to Scottish universities. In 2021-22, there were 17,140 EU students, a decrease of 16.6% (-3,410) from the previous year.

Overall, the total number of students enrolled in universities or institutes of higher education in Scotland during the 2021-22 academic year was approximately 292,240, with 228,005 of those being full-time students.

Scottish university student numbers in 2022-23

In the 2022–23 academic year, 292,240 students studied at universities or institutes of higher education in Scotland. Of these, 228,005 were full-time students, 59.0% were female, and 40.4% were male. The majority of students (59.5%) were from Scotland, 11.5% were from the rest of the UK, and the remaining 28.7% were international students (including 4.5% from the EU). Approximately 198,745 were studying at the undergraduate level, 79,395 for a taught postgraduate degree (e.g., a master's degree), and 14,105 for a postgraduate research degree (primarily a Ph.D.).

The three largest universities by enrollment were the University of Glasgow (39,755 students), the University of Edinburgh (39,110 students), and the University of Strathclyde (24,860 students). These numbers reflect a continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with colleges and universities seeing an increase in student numbers.

Scottish universities also saw a record number of students qualifying in 2021-22, increasing by over 13% from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the Scottish Government's commitment to widening access to education and ensuring that all children in Scotland have an equal opportunity to attend university, regardless of their background.

The number of international students in Scotland

Scotland has a reputation for its commitment to excellence in education, attracting more than 50,000 international students from 180 different countries each year. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the number of international students rose to a record high, making up nearly 29% of the total student population.

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, of the 292,240 higher education students in Scotland, 83,975 were from outside the UK. Two of Scotland's top universities, Edinburgh and St Andrews, had more international students enrolled than Scottish students. The biggest proportion of international students came from China, with nearly 20,000 students, followed by thousands more from India, Nigeria, and the United States.

Scottish universities actively promote their programs and attract students from around the world. The universities offer a diverse range of courses, a vibrant community, and a "wonderful" experience of Scottish culture. The country's world-class education system, flexible degree options, and prestigious universities are key factors in making Scotland a desirable study destination.

International students also contribute significantly to the Scottish economy, with their tuition fees providing an important source of funding for universities. The Scottish Government has recognised the positive economic, social, and cultural impact of international students, and is committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for them.

The number of Scottish students accepted into university on results day

Results day is a tense time for Scottish students, eagerly awaiting confirmation of their university place. In 2020, UCAS reported that 28,970 students from Scotland had been accepted into university or college, an increase of 220 on Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results day the previous year. This was despite a fall in the overall number of 18-year-olds in the population and a decrease in the number of EU students accepted, which was down 15% on the previous year to 2,670.

The number of Scottish students accepted on nursing courses in Scotland also increased by 11.6% to a record 3,040. In total, 28,240 students from Scotland would be studying in Scotland, with the remainder studying elsewhere in the UK or overseas.

The number of students from Scotland's most deprived areas with a confirmed place at university rose to a record high of 1,300, meaning 11.9% of all young people in this group were accepted into university or college. This narrowed the gap between students from deprived areas and those from the least deprived areas to its lowest ever point, with a ratio of 3.29.

Overall, 12,700 students (23.9% of all 18-year-olds in Scotland) were due to enter higher education in 2020, a record for SQA results day.

The number of students studying full-time higher education is down slightly in 2023, which can be attributed to several factors, including a decreasing demographic of 18-24-year-olds, more young people staying on at school, and more pupils being accepted straight into university.

In the 2022-23 academic year, a total of 292,240 students studied at universities or higher education institutes in Scotland, with 228,005 of these studying full-time.

The number of Scottish students studying outside Scotland

Scotland is home to 19 universities and a diverse and internationally successful higher education sector. In 2021-22, a record number of 183,025 Scottish students studied at Scottish universities, with a record 33,880 full-time Scottish first-degree entrants. This number decreased by about 10,000 in 2022-23, with 173,745 Scottish students studying in Scotland.

While Scottish students make up the majority of students in Scottish universities, a significant number of Scottish students also choose to study outside of Scotland. The exact number of Scottish students studying outside of Scotland is not readily available. However, it can be inferred from the total number of university students in Scotland and the number of Scottish students that a proportion of Scottish students opt to study elsewhere.

In the 2022-23 academic year, there were a total of 292,240 higher education students in Scotland, with 173,745 of those being Scottish students. This indicates that about 39% of university students in Scotland come from outside the country. While this includes international students from other countries, it also suggests that a substantial number of Scottish students are choosing to study outside of Scotland.

Scottish students have the advantage of free undergraduate tuition in their home country. However, they may be attracted to study abroad for various reasons, such as the opportunity to experience different cultures, gain international exposure, or enrol in specific programmes or institutions that align with their academic or career goals.

It is important to note that the number of Scottish students studying outside of Scotland may vary depending on the academic year and other factors. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mobility and university enrolment patterns should be considered. Overall, while the exact number of Scottish students studying outside of Scotland is not known, it is safe to assume that a significant proportion of Scottish students seek educational opportunities beyond their home country.

Frequently asked questions