Students to miss out on a university place, despite record number of acceptances

The university admissions body, UCAS, today announced that a record 20,651 Scottish applicants had been accepted into a Scottish university, a rise of 10% from last year. However, UCU said record demand for university places meant many students would still miss out.

Last summer universities were hit with a sudden increase in students trying to get a university place due to the impact of the recession, which led to many institutions fined for over-recruitment. This year institutions have not been allowed to significantly increase the number of university places available despite record demand, which will leave record numbers of qualified students without a place at university after clearing.

UCU Scottish official, Mary Senior, said: 'We welcome the record number of acceptances for Scottish students. However, the fact that thousands more students will miss out on the opportunity to better themselves is tragic. The situation exposes the folly of the decision to cap student places and to impose such heavy penalties for universities who over-recruit.

'Other countries are increasing the number of graduates to compete in a high-skill knowledge economy while Scotland stands still. It is now imperative we find funding to ensure we close this skills gap.'